The modular assembly of clusters is the natural synthetic strategy for the active site of [FeFe] hydrogenase

Abstract

The 6Fe supercluster that comprises the [FeFe] hydrogenase active site has been shown to involve a modular buildup of ironsulfur clusters. Only three accessory proteins are needed to produce the CN, CO, and -SCH 2NHCH2S- units that bind to the 2Fe2S subcluster precursor. The scaffold/carrier protein inserts the preformed 2Fe subcluster into the apoprotein through a channel, which then closes to encapsulate the completed active site. © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.