Three-dimensional structure of the free radical protein of ribonucleotide reductase

Nature. 1990 Jun 14;345(6276):593-8. doi: 10.1038/345593a0.

Abstract

The enzyme ribonucleotide reductase furnishes precursors for the DNA synthesis of all living cells. One of its constituents, the free radical protein, has an unusual alpha-helical structure. There are two iron centres that are about 25 A apart in the dimeric molecule. Tyrosine 122, which harbours the stable free radical necessary for the activity of ribonucleotide reductase, is buried inside the protein and is located 5 A from the closest iron atom.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Crystallization
  • Escherichia coli / analysis*
  • Free Radicals*
  • Hemerythrin
  • Iron
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Molecular Structure
  • Protein Conformation
  • Proteins*
  • Ribonucleotide Reductases*
  • Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
  • Tyrosine

Substances

  • Free Radicals
  • Hemerythrin
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Proteins
  • Tyrosine
  • Iron
  • Ribonucleotide Reductases