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Serine hydroxymethyltransferase: a model enzyme for mechanistic, structural, and evolutionary studies
Rita Florio1, Martino Luigi di Salvo, Mirella Vivoli
1Departimento di Scienze Biochimiche A. Rossi Fanelli and Instituto Pasteur- Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy.
Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) is a key enzyme linking amino acid and folate metabolism. Recent studies highlight its complex catalytic mechanisms, structure, and evolution, crucial for one-carbon metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Metabolic pathways
Background:
- Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) is a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent enzyme.
- It plays a crucial role in linking amino acid and folate metabolism.
- SHMT is a major source of one-carbon units for biosynthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent catalytic, structural, and evolutionary aspects of serine hydroxymethyltransferase.
- To consolidate understanding of SHMT's complex reaction mechanism and specificity.
Main Methods:
- Review of crystallographic data.
- Analysis of site-specific mutant characterizations.
- Synthesis of recent functional and structural studies.
Main Results:
- Increased availability of crystallographic data aids understanding of SHMT.
- Characterization of mutants provides insights into enzyme function.
- Recent investigations highlight novel catalytic, structural, and evolutionary aspects.
Conclusions:
- SHMT's complex mechanism and broad specificity continue to be areas of active research.
- Integration of structural and functional data advances knowledge of SHMT.
- This review focuses on recent findings regarding SHMT's catalytic, structural, and evolutionary properties.
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