• Molecules and Cells
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• v.46 no.12
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• pp.736-742
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• 2023

NifB, a radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzyme, is pivotal in the biosynthesis of the iron-molybdenum cofactor (FeMo-co), commonly referred to as the M-cluster. This cofactor, located within the active site of nitrogenase, is essential for the conversion of dinitrogen (N₂) to NH₃. Recognized as the most intricate metallocluster in nature, FeMo-co biosynthesis involves multiple proteins and a sequence of steps. Of particular significance, NifB directs the fusion of two [Fe₄S₄] clusters to assemble the 8Fe core, while also incorporating an interstitial carbide. Although NifB has been extensively studied, its molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this review, we explore recent structural analyses of NifB and provide a comprehensive overview of the established catalytic mechanisms. We propose prospective directions for future research, emphasizing the relevance to biochemistry, agriculture, and environmental science. The goal of this review is to lay a solid foundation for future endeavors aimed at elucidating the atomic details of FeMo-co biosynthesis.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.203-209
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• 2003

In the course of screening for antifungal agents, a bacterial strain, DM3 was isolated from a mud sample collected at Daechon in Chungnam province and identified as Bacillus licheniformis based on API 50CHB test. It has antifungal activity against 12 plant pathogenic fungi in paper disc assay. At the 95% lethal dose of gamma radiation ($^{60}Co$, 10 kGy, $D_{10}=2.32\;kGy$), the antifungal activity deficient mutant (mDM3) against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was induced From 2-D electrophoresis analysis, serine hydroxymethyltransferase (45.0 kDa), hypothetical protein(40.7 kDa), NifU protein homolog(15.4 kDa), and resolvase(12.5 kDa) homologous proteins were detected only in B. licheniformis DM3. Lysozyme(18.1 kDa) and alkyl hydroperoxide reductase(15.6 kDa) homologous proteins were expressed uniquely in B. licheniformis mDM3. Further studies are needed to reveal that these proteins from B. licheniformis DM3 could be closely related to the antifungal activity against plant pathogenic fungi.