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Interplay between oxygen and Fe-S cluster biogenesis: insights from the Suf pathway
Eric S Boyd1, Khaleh M Thomas, Yuyuan Dai
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University , 109 Lewis Hall, Bozeman, Montana 59717, United States.
Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters are vital for life and evolved early. The ancient Suf pathway adapted to oxygen toxicity, driving the acquisition of accessory proteins for Fe-S cluster biogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Evolutionary Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster metalloproteins are essential in all life forms, suggesting early integration into metabolism before atmospheric oxygen.
- Fe-S cluster metabolism is sensitive to oxygen due to iron bioavailability and oxidative damage, necessitating evolved protective mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of the Suf system, the most ancient Fe-S cluster biogenesis pathway.
- To analyze the relationship between Suf protein function and the selective pressure of oxygen toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Evolutionary analysis of the Suf pathway.
- Assessment of biochemical functions and physiological roles of Suf proteins.
Main Results:
- The Suf pathway likely originated in anaerobic life.
- Oxygen toxicity drove the acquisition of accessory Suf proteins (SufD, SufE, SufS) by the core SufB-SufC scaffold.
Conclusions:
- Diversification into oxygenated environments significantly impacted iron and sulfur metabolism.
- The evolution of the Suf pathway provides a framework for understanding Fe-S cluster biogenesis and metalloenzyme divergence under oxidative stress.
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