Simple and Complex Iron-Sulfur Proteins in Sulfate Reducing Bacteria

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on simple and complex iron–sulfur-containing proteins isolated from sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB), to review the types and distribution of proteins, metal clusters involved and their association with other centers and cofactors, cluster binding motifs, electronic and magnetic properties of the iron-sulfur clusters present, and cluster interconversions, including heterometal cluster formation. The chapter describes the complex structures involving Fe–S basic units and other redox centers (flavin, heme, nickel, and molybdenum). Several three-dimensional crystal structures of simple and complex iron–sulfur-containing proteins isolated from sulfate reducers have been solved. The main structural features have been discussed in the chapter. They include the simple rubredoxin family ferredoxins, hydrogenase, and AOR. In addition, the structures of other electron carriers, such as cytochromes and flavodoxins, have been determined. The overall data indicate the wide range of structural solutions adopted in the construction of the metal-containing active sites and were inspiring motifs for the proposal of catalytic mechanisms.