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The structure of vanadium nitrogenase reveals an unusual bridging ligand

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Sippel, Daniel, Einsle, Oliver·2017·Nature Chemical Biology

Abstract

Nitrogenases catalyze the reduction of N2 gas to ammonium at a complex heterometallic cofactor. Most commonly this is the FeMo cofactor (FeMoco), a [Mo:7Fe:9S:C] cluster whose exact reactivity and substrate binding mode remain unknown. Alternative nitrogenases replace molybdenum with either vanadium or iron and differ in reactivity, prominently in the ability of vanadium nitrogenase to reduce CO to hydrocarbons. Here we report the 1.35 Å structure of vanadium nitrogenase from Azotobacter vinelandii. The 240 kDa protein contains an additional α-helical subunit not present in molybdenum nitrogenase. The FeV cofactor (FeVco) is a [V:7Fe:8S:C] cluster with a homocitrate ligand to vanadium. Unexpectedly, it lacks one sulfide ion compared to FeMoco that is replaced by a bridging ligand, likely a μ-1,3-carbonate. The anion fits into a pocket within the protein that is obstructed in molybdenum nitrogenase, and its different chemical character helps to rationalize the altered chemical properties of this unique N2- and CO-fixing enzyme.

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Metadata

Authors
Sippel, D., & Einsle, O.
Venue
Nature Chemical Biology
Published
2017-07-10
Volume
13
Issue
9
Pages
956-960
ISSN
  • 1552-4450 (ISSN-L)
  • 1552-4469
OpenAlex
W2734386232
Cited by
282
References
49
FWCI
8.61
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
green

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Sippel, D., & Einsle, O. (2017). The structure of vanadium nitrogenase reveals an unusual bridging ligand. Nature Chemical Biology. https://doi.org/10.1038/nchembio.2428

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