Thematic minireview series: metals in biology 2010

Introduction to Metals in Biology 2018: Copper homeostasis and utilization in redox enzymes

This 11th Thematic Metals in Biology Thematic Series deals with copper, a transition metal with a prominent role in biochemistry. Copper is a very versatile element, and both deficiencies and excesses can be problematic. The five Minireviews in this series deal with several aspects of copper homeostasis in microorganisms and mammals and the role of this metal in two enzymes, copper-only superoxide dismutase and cytochrome c oxidase.

Introduction to Metals in Biology 2017: Iron transport, storage, and the ramifications

In this tenth Thematic Series in Metals in Biology, six Minireviews deal with aspects of iron metabolism. A number of important proteins control iron homeostasis, including hepcidin and ferroportin, in various cells. Other aspects of iron dealt with here include biogenesis of iron-sulfur proteins and chaperones that deliver iron cofactors in cells. Additionally, an iron-regulated metastasis suppressor interacts with the epidermal growth factor receptor and mediates its downstream signaling activity.

Metals in Biology 2016: Molecular Basis of Selection of Metals by Enzymes

This ninth Metals in Biology Thematic Series deals with the fundamental issue of why certain enzymes prefer individual metals. Why do some prefer sodium and some prefer potassium? Is it just the size? Why does calcium have so many regulatory functions? Why do some proteins have an affinity for zinc? How is the homeostasis of calcium and zinc achieved? How do enzymes discriminate between the similar metals magnesium and manganese? Four Minireviews address these and related questions about metal ion preferences in biological systems.

Introduction: Metals in Biology: α-Ketoglutarate/Iron-Dependent Dioxygenases

Four minireviews deal with aspects of the α-ketoglutarate/iron-dependent dioxygenases in this eighth Thematic Series on Metals in Biology. The minireviews cover a general introduction and synopsis of the current understanding of mechanisms of catalysis, the roles of these dioxygenases in post-translational protein modification and de-modification, the roles of the ten-eleven translocation (Tet) dioxygenases in the modification of methylated bases (5mC, T) in DNA relevant to epigenetic mechanisms, and the roles of the AlkB-related dioxygenases in the repair of damaged DNA and RNA. The use of α-ketoglutarate (alternatively termed 2-oxoglutarate) as a co-substrate in so many oxidation reactions throughout much of nature is notable and has surprisingly emerged from biochemical and genomic analysis. About 60 of these enzymes are now recognized in humans, and a number have been identified as having critical functions.

Introduction: Metals in Biology: METALS AT THE HOST-PATHOGEN INTERFACE

This seventh Metals in Biology Thematic Series deals with the metal-based interactions of mammalian hosts with pathogens. Both pathogens and hosts have complex regulatory systems for metal homeostasis. Understanding these provides strategies for fighting pathogens, either by excluding essential metals from the microbes, by delivery of excess metals to cause toxicity, or by complexing metals in microorganisms. Intervention is possible by delivery of complexing reagents or by targeting the microbial regulatory apparatus.

Thematic minireview series: metals in biology 2014

This thematic series, the sixth in the Metals in Biology collection beginning in 2009, addresses the issue of why certain metals are used by particular enzymes, as well as the consequences of using the wrong metal. This prologue introduces the 2014 Metals in Biology thematic series. The first minireview in the series deals with general aspects of metal specificity, and the next two deal with specific cases, the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase and iron/manganese homeostasis in the bacterium Bacillus subtilis. The fourth discusses metal selection in oxidative stress, and the final minireview discusses lysosome-related organelles as mediators of metal homeostasis.

Thematic minireview series: metals in biology 2013

One-half of the available protein structures contain metals, explaining their roles as essential trace elements. Metals are also critical in many aspects of nucleic acid biochemistry. This prologue briefly introduces the fifth of the Thematic Series on Metals in Biology, which began in the Journal of Biological Chemistry in 2009. The five minireviews in this 2013 series deal with the molybdenum prosthetic group (a pterin known as Moco); the biosynthesis of the "M-cluster" molybdenum prosthetic group of nitrogenase; the biosynthesis of the nickel-based metallocenter of the enzyme urease; several of the processing, transport, and medical aspects of cobalamins; and the growing roles of heme sensor proteins.

Thematic minireview series: Metals in Biology 2012

Metals are present in about one-half of the protein structures available and also have critical roles in nucleic acid biochemistry. This prologue introduces the fourth of the Thematic Minireview Series on Metals in Biology, which deals with several topics involving iron, manganese, copper, and other metals. The six minireviews discuss metal transport and intracellular homeostasis, including chaperones and siderophores, maturation of the diiron active sites in hydrogenases, the balance between manganese and iron, and copper homeostasis relevant to pathogens.