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Gating mechanisms for biological electron transfer: Integrating structure with biophysics reveals the nature of redox control in cytochrome P450 reductase and copper‐dependent nitrite reductase
Author(s) -
Leferink Nicole G.H.,
Pudney Christopher R.,
Brenner Sibylle,
Heyes Derren J.,
Eady Robert R.,
Samar Hasnain S.,
Hay Sam,
Rigby Stephen E.J.,
Scrutton Nigel S.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2011.07.003
Subject(s) - chemistry , reductase , electron transfer , nitrite reductase , redox , cytochrome p450 reductase , biophysics , electron transport chain , enzyme , biochemistry , nitrate reductase , cytochrome c , coenzyme q – cytochrome c reductase , photochemistry , biology , mitochondrion , organic chemistry
Biological electron transfer is a fundamentally important reaction. Despite the apparent simplicity of these reactions (in that no bonds are made or broken), their experimental interrogation is often complicated because of adiabatic control exerted through associated chemical and conformational change. We have studied the nature of this control in several enzyme systems, cytochrome P450 reductase, methionine synthase reductase and copper‐dependent nitrite reductase. Specifically, we review the evidence for conformational control in cytochrome P450 reductase and methionine synthase reductase and chemical control i.e. proton coupled electron transfer in nitrite reductase. This evidence has accrued through the use and integration of structural, spectroscopic and advanced kinetic methods. This integrated approach is shown to be powerful in dissecting control mechanisms for biological electron transfer and will likely find widespread application in the study of related biological redox systems.