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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
09:43
Measurement of Heme Synthesis Levels in Mammalian Cells
Published on: July 9, 2015
Structure and function of enzymes in heme biosynthesis
Gunhild Layer1, Joachim Reichelt, Dieter Jahn
1Institute of Microbiology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig D-38106, Germany.
Summary
Heme biosynthesis is crucial for life, and its enzymes
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Tetrapyrroles, including hemes and chlorophylls, are vital macrocycles in biological systems.
- Heme is a critical prosthetic group for proteins involved in essential processes like respiration, photosynthesis, and oxygen transport.
- Defects in heme biosynthesis in humans cause severe metabolic disorders known as porphyrias.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the structure-function relationship of heme biosynthetic enzymes.
- To elucidate the structural basis of diseases related to heme biosynthesis.
- To explore potential cellular interactions of heme biosynthetic enzymes.
Main Methods:
- Elucidation of 3D structures of all heme biosynthetic enzymes.
- Analysis of conserved biosynthetic routes.
- Review of existing literature on enzyme function and disease mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Recent structural studies have provided new insights into the function of heme biosynthetic enzymes.
- Unique protein structures, such as V-shaped glutamyl-tRNA reductase and Radical SAM enzyme coproporphyrinogen III dehydrogenase, have been identified.
- The structural basis for several porphyrias has been elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Structural insights into heme biosynthetic enzymes are advancing our understanding of their function and associated diseases.
- Further research into enzyme interactions could reveal novel therapeutic targets for porphyrias.
- The conserved nature of heme biosynthesis highlights its fundamental importance across organisms.
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