No enzyme (or pathway) is an island: metals, prosthetic groups and coenzymes

Beschreibung

Despite the vast diversity of life, a surprisingly small group of core mmachineries is responsible for the myriad microbial bioenergetic solutions. Enzymes that contain transition metals, iron-sulfur centers, flavins, hemes, or other prosthetic groups catalyze the majority of bioenergetically relevant reactions. These cofactors can serve as electron transfer sites or play crucial roles in catalysis. Many of these complexes can directly donate (or receive) electrons to other proteins, or instead, transfer them to coenzymes like NADH or quinones. The widespread use of cofactors in biological processes, their universal conservation, and their proven catalytic potential make them essential for any living system and underscores the remarkable efficiency and adaptability of biological systems.Therefore, investigating their evolution can shed light on which metabolic pathways were possible over time and which were not.

Here we present our recent findings in terms of the evolution of the biosynthesis of several cofactors and integrate the results in terms of the evolution of bioenergetic systems. Understanding their evolution not only deepens our knowledge of life's evolution but also reveals the ingenious strategies that have allowed organisms to thrive in diverse environments.

Zeitraum	28 Aug. 2024
Ereignistitel	22nd European Bioenergetics Conference
Veranstaltungstyp	Konferenz
Ort	Innsbruck, ÖsterreichAuf Karte anzeigen
Bekanntheitsgrad	International