Reaction: (S)-benzoin + NADP+ = benzil + NADPH + H+
Glossary: (S)-benzoin = (2S)-2-hydroxy-1,2-diphenylethanone
benzil = 1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-dione
Other name(s): YueD
Systematic name: (S)-benzoin:NADP+ oxidoreductase
Comments: The enzyme also reduces 1-phenylpropane-1,2-dione. The enzyme from Bacillus cereus in addition reduces 1,4-naphthoquinone and 1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-phenylethane-1,2-dione with high efficiency [2].
Links to other databases: BRENDA, EXPASY, KEGG, Metacyc, CAS registry number:
References:
1. Maruyama, R., Nishizawa, M., Itoi, Y., Ito, S. and Inoue, M. Isolation and expression of a Bacillus cereus gene encoding benzil reductase. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 75 (2001) 630-633. [PMID: 11745140]
2. Maruyama, R., Nishizawa, M., Itoi, Y., Ito, S. and Inoue, M. The enzymes with benzil reductase activity conserved from bacteria to mammals. J. Biotechnol. 94 (2002) 157-169. [PMID: 11796169]