When iron and sulfur met on an anoxic planet and eventually made clusters essential for life

Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res. 2024 Apr 15:119730. doi: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119730. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACT[FeS] clusters are co-factors that are essential for life and are synthesized by dedicated multiprotein cellular machineries. In this review, we present the current scenario for the emergence and the diversification of the [FeS] cluster biosynthesis machineries. In addition to well-known NIF, ISC and SUF machineries, two alternative minimal systems, SMS, and MIS, were recently identified. Taxonomic distribution and phylogeny analyses indicate that SMS and MIS were present in the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA), well before the increase of oxygen on Earth. ISC, SUF and NIF systems emerged later in the history of life. The possible reasons for the emergence and diversification of these machineries are discussed.PMID:38631441 | DOI:10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119730

Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - April 17, 2024 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Pierre Simon Garcia Simonetta Gribaldo Fr édéric Barras Source Type: research