Enzymeves

Enzymeves are a proposed class of membrane-bound vesicular compartments that encapsulate one or more enzymes. In theoretical models, enzymeves act as dedicated microreactors, providing a contained environment in which catalytic activity can proceed with reduced interference from the surrounding cytosol.

These structures may form by budding from existing membranes or arise in synthetic biology contexts where enzymes are selectively packaged into lipid-bound vesicles. The size of enzymeves is described as variable, typically ranging from tens to a few hundred nanometers in diameter, reflecting the diversity of vesicular systems found in cells.

The proposed functions of enzymeves include concentrating enzymes to enhance reaction efficiency, enabling substrate channeling between sequential steps, protecting sensitive enzymes from proteolysis or inhibitory conditions, and enabling regulated exposure to inhibitors or reactive intermediates. In some perspectives, extracellular enzymeves could participate in intercellular communication by delivering catalytic activity to recipient cells via secreted vesicles.

Evidence for enzymeves as a distinct, universally recognized cellular entity remains limited and debated. Some studies report enzyme-containing vesicles in various biological contexts, but there is no broad consensus that a discrete, universally defined organelle named “enzymeves” exists. As a concept, enzymeves is used to discuss how compartmentalization and vesicular transport might organize enzymatic processes, rather than to describe a single established structure.

Research directions include characterizing their molecular composition, formation mechanisms, regulation, and potential applications in biocatalysis, metabolic engineering, and targeted therapies. See also vesicle, organelle, metabolic channeling, nanoreactor, and extracellular vesicle.