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We are deeply saddened by the passing of Amos Bairoch (1957–2025), the creator of PROSITE. We wish to dedicate our latest paper, published shortly before his death, to him. He will always be a source of inspiration to us.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends, and to all those who had the privilege of working with him. Rest in peace, Amos. Your work will live on long after you are gone.
Amos Bairoch

PROSITE documentation PDOC00834
Radical activating enzymes signature


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PURL: https://purl.expasy.org/prosite/documentation/PDOC00834

Description

In Escherichia coli and related bacteria, the pflA protein (or act) [1] is involved (EC 1.97.1.4) in the activation of pyruvate formate-lyase (gene pflB) under anaerobic conditions by generation of an organic free radical, using S-adenosylmethionine and reduced flavodoxin as cosubstrates to produce 5'-deoxy-adenosine. A protein highly similar to pflA and termed pflC [2] is probably involved in the activation of a second pyruvate format lyase (gene pflD). The pflA/C proteins belong to a family that also includes phage T4 and Escherichia coli nrdG which are involved [3] in the generation of the free radical for the anaerobic ribonucleoside-triphosphate reductase (gene nrdD or sunY). This family also includes:

  • Escherichia coli hypothetical protein yjjW.
  • Haemophilus influenzae hypothetical protein HI0520.
  • Methanococcus jannaschii hypothetical protein MJ0021.

All these proteins possess, in their N-terminal section, a highly conserved region which contains three clustered cysteines which are involved in the binding of a 4Fe4S iron-sulfur cluster [4]. We use this region as a signature pattern.

Last update:

December 2004 / Pattern and text revised.

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Technical section

PROSITE method (with tools and information) covered by this documentation:

RADICAL_ACTIVATING, PS01087; Radical activating enzymes signature  (PATTERN)


References

1AuthorsRoedel W. Plaga W. Frank R. Knappe J.
SourceEur. J. Biochem. 177:153-158(1988).

2AuthorsReizer J. Reizer A. Saier M.H. Jr.
TitleNovel phosphotransferase system genes revealed by bacterial genome analysis--a gene cluster encoding a unique Enzyme I and the proteins of a fructose-like permease system.
SourceMicrobiology 141:961-971(1995).
PubMed ID7773398

3AuthorsSun X. Eliasson R. Pontis E. Andersson J. Buist G. Sjoeberg B.-M. Reichard P.
TitleGeneration of the glycyl radical of the anaerobic Escherichia coli ribonucleotide reductase requires a specific activating enzyme.
SourceJ. Biol. Chem. 270:2443-2446(1995).
PubMed ID7852304

4AuthorsTamarit J. Gerez C. Meier C. Mulliez E. Trautwein A. Fontecave M.
TitleThe activating component of the anaerobic ribonucleotide reductase from Escherichia coli. An iron-sulfur center with only three cysteines.
SourceJ. Biol. Chem. 275:15669-15675(2000).
PubMed ID10821845



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