Human glyoxalase II contains an Fe(II)Zn(II) center but is active as a mononuclear Zn(II) enzyme

The characterization of human glyoxalase II (Glx2) overexpressed in rich medium and in minimal medium containing zinc, iron, or cobalt, and the resulting Glx2 analogues is carried out to determine the nature of the metal center in the Glx2 enzyme. The results suggested that Glx2 contains a Fe(II)Zn(II) center in vivo but their catalytic activity is attributed to Zn(II) in the Zn1 site.