Vanadium nitrogenase: A two-hit wonder?

Hu, Y; Lee, ChiC; Ribbe, MW

HERO ID

2036275

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Year

2012

Language

English

PMID

22101422

HERO ID 2036275
Material Type Review
In Press No
Year 2012
Title Vanadium nitrogenase: A two-hit wonder?
Authors Hu, Y; Lee, ChiC; Ribbe, MW
Journal Dalton Transactions
Volume 41
Issue 4
Page Numbers 1118-1127
Abstract Nitrogenase catalyzes the biological conversion of atmospheric dinitrogen to bioavailable ammonia. The molybdenum (Mo)- and vanadium (V)-dependent nitrogenases are two homologous members of this metalloenzyme family. However, despite their similarities in structure and function, the characterization of V-nitrogenase has taken a much longer and more winding path than that of its Mo-counterpart. From the initial discovery of this nitrogen-fixing system, to the recent finding of its CO-reducing capacity, V-nitrogenase has proven to be a two-hit wonder in the over-a-century-long research of nitrogen fixation. This perspective provides a brief account of the catalytic function and structural basis of V-nitrogenase, as well as a short discussion of the theoretical and practical potentials of this unique metalloenzyme.
Doi 10.1039/c1dt11535a
Pmid 22101422
Wosid WOS:000299054200002
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English