Stephen G. Withers
University of British Columbia, High Throughput Biology (United States)
Papers
2
Total Citations
66
H-Index
2
About
Stephen G. Withers is a pioneering figure in chemical biology and enzymology, whose research has fundamentally advanced our understanding and application of carbohydrate-active enzymes. His key contributions lie at the intersection of glycoscience, directed evolution, and enzyme engineering, where he has developed powerful tools for the synthesis of complex glycans. Withers is best known for inventing "glycosynthases"—mutant glycosidases engineered to efficiently catalyze glycosidic bond formation without product hydrolysis. This breakthrough, detailed in his highly cited works such as "New approaches to enzymatic glycoside synthesis through directed evolution" (52 citations), has transformed the field by enabling the practical, stereoselective synthesis of oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. His research has not only elucidated fundamental mechanisms of glycosidase catalysis but also provided a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical synthesis, impacting areas from drug development to biomaterials. With over 500 publications and an h-index exceeding 100, Withers has received numerous accolades, including the Royal Society of Chemistry's Carbohydrate Award. His work continues to inspire new generations of researchers to harness enzymatic power for solving complex synthetic challenges.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1New approaches to enzymatic glycoside synthesis through directed evolution52 citations · 2010
- 2