NifU and NifS are required for the maturation of nitrogenase and cannot replace the function of isc-gene products in Azotobacter vinelandii. (1st February 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Johnson, D.C.; Dos Santos, P.C.; Dean, D.R.
• Is Part Of: Biochemical Society transactions. Volume 33:Number 1(2005)
• Page Start: 90
• Page End: 93
• Publication Date: 2005-02-01
• Subjects: [Fe-S] -- isc genes -- NifS/NifU -- nitrogenase; Biochemistry -- Congresses; 572
• DOI: 10.1042/BST0330090
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-5127

Abstract

Abstract : In recent years, it has become evident that [Fe-S] proteins, such as hydrogenase, nitrogenase and aconitase, require a complex machinery to assemble and insert their associated [Fe-S] clusters. So far, three different types of [Fe-S] cluster biosynthetic systems have been identified and these have been designated nif, isc and suf . In the present work, we show that the nif -specific [Fe-S] cluster biosynthetic system from Azotobacter vinelandii, which is required for nitrogenase maturation, cannot functionally replace the isc [Fe-S] cluster system used for the maturation of other [Fe-S] proteins, such as aconitase. The results indicate that, in certain cases, [Fe-S] cluster biosynthetic machineries have evolved to perform only specialized functions.