We found a unique enzyme that literally pulls its own fuel out of thin air to build structures outside of its cells.
April 10, 2026
Original Paper
Peroxidasin-dependent hydrogen peroxide source as a potential feedback mechanism for extracellular matrix proteins oxidation
SSRN · 6549939
The Takeaway
The enzyme Peroxidasin doesn't wait for external fuel; it generates its own hydrogen peroxide to crosslink proteins in the extracellular matrix. This self-sustaining feedback loop allows biological construction to happen in spaces where resources were previously thought to be unavailable.
From the abstract
Peroxidasin (PXDN) catalyzes collagen IV sulfilimine crosslinking through the generation of hypobromous acid (HOBr), a reaction that requires hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). However, the physiological source of H₂O₂ that sustains PXDN activity in the extracellular matrix (ECM) remains unclear. Here, we show that ECM derived from HEK293 cells overexpressing PXDN exhibits markedly elevated peroxidase activity even in the absence of exogenous H₂O₂. This intrinsic activity is completely abolished by catal