Retraction to: Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/nature15519 Published online 02 November 2015

Nature is retracting this Article because after extensive consultation with peer reviewers, it has come to our attention that the data contained within do not support its central conclusions about the mechanism of fumitremorgin B endoperoxidase (FtmOx1) and the central role of Tyr224 in catalysis. Further expert review of the crystal structure 4ZON, which was alleged to show fumitremorgin B bound to FtmOx1 (Fig. 2f of the original Article), noted that the substrate density can also be assigned to bound MES buffer and a cluster of water molecules. We have notified the Protein Data Bank about entry 4ZON. The catalytically competent binding mode of fumitremorgin B therefore remains undefined. Biochemical data on Tyr224 mutants do not conclusively support either the assignment of the observed transient radical to Tyr224 or its mechanistic role in catalysis. Author Yan Jessie Zhang has agreed with the Retraction of this Article, whereas the other authors stand by their data and disagree with this Retraction.