Open AccessRecent advances in elucidation of biological corrinoid functions
Author(s) -
Stupperich Erhard
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
fems microbiology reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.91
H-Index - 212
eISSN - 1574-6976
pISSN - 0168-6445
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6976.1993.tb00027.x
Subject(s) - corrinoid , biology , computational biology , biochemistry , methylation , methyltransferase , gene
Eleven adenosylcorrinoid‐dependent rearrangements and elimination reactions have been described during the last four decades of vitamin B 12 research. In contrast, only the cobamide‐dependent methionine synthase was well established as a corrinoid‐dependent methyl transfer reaction. Yet, investigations during the last few years revealed nine additional corrinoid‐dependent methyltransferases. Many of these reactions are catalyzed by bacteria which possess a distinct C 1 metabolism. Notably acetogenic and methanogenic bacteria carry out such methyl transfers in their anabolism and catabolism. Tetrahydrofolate or a similar pterine derivative is a key intermediate in these reactions. It functions as methyl acceptor and the methylated tetrahydrofolate serves as a methyl donor.