The 2.0 A structure of human ferrochelatase, the terminal enzyme of heme biosynthesis.
Wu, C.K., Dailey, H.A., Rose, J.P., Burden, A., Sellers, V.M., Wang, B.C.(2001) Nat Struct Biol 8: 156-160
- PubMed: 11175906 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/84152
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
1HRK - PubMed Abstract: 
Human ferrochelatase (E.C. 4.99.1.1) is a homodimeric (86 kDa) mitochondrial membrane-associated enzyme that catalyzes the insertion of ferrous iron into protoporphyrin to form heme. We have determined the 2.0 A structure from the single wavelength iron anomalous scattering signal. The enzyme contains two NO-sensitive and uniquely coordinated [2Fe-2S] clusters. Its membrane association is mediated in part by a 12-residue hydrophobic lip that also forms the entrance to the active site pocket. The positioning of highly conserved residues in the active site in conjunction with previous biochemical studies support a catalytic model that may have significance in explaining the enzymatic defects that lead to the human inherited disease erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602-7229, USA.