Biomaterial Database

Harnessing free radicals: formation and function of the tyrosyl radical in ribonucleotide reductase. 1998

J Stubbe, and P Riggs-Gelasco

Dept of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139, USA. stubbe@mit.edu

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) are uniquely responsible for converting nucleotides to deoxynucleotides in all organisms. The cofactor of class-I RNRs comprises a di-iron cluster and a tyrosyl radical, and is essential for initiation of radical-dependent nucleotide reduction. Recently, much progress has been made in understanding the mechanism by which this cofactor is generated in vitro and in vivo, as well as the function of the tyrosyl radical in nucleotide reduction. The Escherichia coli RNR cofactor provides a paradigm for cofactors in other di-iron requiring or tyrosyl-radical-requiring proteins.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007501	Iron	A metallic element with atomic symbol Fe, atomic number 26, and atomic weight 55.85. It is an essential constituent of HEMOGLOBINS; CYTOCHROMES; and IRON-BINDING PROTEINS. It plays a role in cellular redox reactions and in the transport of OXYGEN.	Iron-56,Iron 56
D008956	Models, Chemical	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of chemical processes or phenomena; includes the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Chemical Models,Chemical Model,Model, Chemical
D004926	Escherichia coli	A species of gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria (GRAM-NEGATIVE FACULTATIVELY ANAEROBIC RODS) commonly found in the lower part of the intestine of warm-blooded animals. It is usually nonpathogenic, but some strains are known to produce DIARRHEA and pyogenic infections. Pathogenic strains (virotypes) are classified by their specific pathogenic mechanisms such as toxins (ENTEROTOXIGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI), etc.	Alkalescens-Dispar Group,Bacillus coli,Bacterium coli,Bacterium coli commune,Diffusely Adherent Escherichia coli,E coli,EAggEC,Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli,Enterococcus coli,Diffusely Adherent E. coli,Enteroaggregative E. coli,Enteroinvasive E. coli,Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli
D005609	Free Radicals	Highly reactive molecules with an unsatisfied electron valence pair. Free radicals are produced in both normal and pathological processes. Free radicals include reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). They are proven or suspected agents of tissue damage in a wide variety of circumstances including radiation, damage from environment chemicals, and aging. Natural and pharmacological prevention of free radical damage is being actively investigated.	Free Radical
D012264	Ribonucleotide Reductases		Ribonucleotide Reductase,Reductase, Ribonucleotide,Reductases, Ribonucleotide
D014443	Tyrosine	A non-essential amino acid. In animals it is synthesized from PHENYLALANINE. It is also the precursor of EPINEPHRINE; THYROID HORMONES; and melanin.	L-Tyrosine,Tyrosine, L-isomer,para-Tyrosine,L Tyrosine,Tyrosine, L isomer,para Tyrosine