Biosynthesis of Nitrogenase Cofactors

Overview

Journal Chem Rev

Publisher American Chemical Society

Specialty Chemistry

Date 2020 Jan 25

PMID 31975585

Citations 81

Authors

Stefan Buren

Emilio Jimenez-Vicente

Carlos Echavarri-Erasun

Luis M Rubio

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Nitrogenase harbors three distinct metal prosthetic groups that are required for its activity. The simplest one is a [4Fe-4S] cluster located at the Fe protein nitrogenase component. The MoFe protein component carries an [8Fe-7S] group called P-cluster and a [7Fe-9S-C-Mo--homocitrate] group called FeMo-co. Formation of nitrogenase metalloclusters requires the participation of the structural nitrogenase components and many accessory proteins, and occurs both , for the P-cluster, and in external assembly sites for FeMo-co. The biosynthesis of FeMo-co is performed stepwise and involves molecular scaffolds, metallochaperones, radical chemistry, and novel and unique biosynthetic intermediates. This review provides a critical overview of discoveries on nitrogenase cofactor structure, function, and activity over the last four decades.

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