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Molybdenum cofactors, enzymes and pathways

Author

Listed:
  • Günter Schwarz

    (Institute of Biochemistry, University of Cologne)

  • Ralf R. Mendel

    (Institute of Plant Biology, Braunschweig University of Technology)

  • Markus W. Ribbe

    (School of Biological Sciences, University of California)

Abstract

The trace element molybdenum is essential for nearly all organisms and forms the catalytic centre of a large variety of enzymes such as nitrogenase, nitrate reductases, sulphite oxidase and xanthine oxidoreductases. Nature has developed two scaffolds holding molybdenum in place, the iron–molybdenum cofactor and pterin-based molybdenum cofactors. Despite the different structures and functions of molybdenum-dependent enzymes, there are important similarities, which we highlight here. The biosynthetic pathways leading to both types of cofactor have common mechanistic aspects relating to scaffold formation, metal activation and cofactor insertion into apoenzymes, and have served as an evolutionary 'toolbox' to mediate additional cellular functions in eukaryotic metabolism.

Suggested Citation

  • Günter Schwarz & Ralf R. Mendel & Markus W. Ribbe, 2009. "Molybdenum cofactors, enzymes and pathways," Nature, Nature, vol. 460(7257), pages 839-847, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:460:y:2009:i:7257:d:10.1038_nature08302
    DOI: 10.1038/nature08302
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    Cited by:

    1. Minghui Xue & Zhiqiang Peng & Keyan Tao & Jiong Jia & Datong Song & Chen-Ho Tung & Wenguang Wang, 2024. "Catalytic hydrogenation of olefins by a multifunctional molybdenum-sulfur complex," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-8, December.
    2. David Johane Machate & Elaine S. de Pádua Melo & Daniela G. Arakaki & Rita de Cássia Avellaneda Guimarães & Priscila Aiko Hiane & Danielle Bogo & Arnildo Pott & Valter Aragão do Nascimento, 2021. "High Concentration of Heavy Metal and Metalloid Levels in Edible Campomanesia adamantium Pulp from Anthropic Areas," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-15, May.
    3. Ortner, Markus & Rachbauer, Lydia & Somitsch, Walter & Fuchs, Werner, 2014. "Can bioavailability of trace nutrients be measured in anaerobic digestion?," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 190-198.

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