• 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.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.418-424
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• 2005

Photoheterotrophic evolution of molecular hydrogen by Rhodobacter sphaeroides is mediated by nitrogenase that is regulated transcriptionally and post-translationally by ammonium ion. Two PII-like proteins, GlnB and GlnK, play key roles in mediating inhibition and repression of nitrogenase in the presence of ammonium ion. glnB and glnK of R. sphaeroides were interrupted to abolish the ammonium ion effect controlling nitrogenase. Ammonium ion effect was still observed in mutant having an interruption in either glnB or glnK. However, the nitrogenase activity of glnB-glnK double mutant is not affected by ammonium ion. $H_2$ evolution was improved by increasing gene dosages of nitrogenase-coding genes, nifHDK in trans in glnB-glnK double mutant.