The structure-based reaction mechanism of urease, a nickel dependent enzyme: tale of a long debate

This review is an attempt to retrace the chronicle that starts from the discovery of the role of nickel as the essential metal ion in urease for the enzymatic catalysis of urea, a key step in the biogeochemical cycle of nitrogen on Earth, to the most recent progress in understanding the chemistry of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of biological inorganic chemistry 2020-09, Vol.25 (6), p.829-845
Main Authors: Mazzei, Luca, Musiani, Francesco, Ciurli, Stefano
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biochemistry
Biogeochemical cycles
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Catalysis
Enzymes
Inorganic chemistry
Life Sciences
Metal ions
Microbiology
Mini Review
Motivation
Nickel
Structure-function relationships
Urea
Urease
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Summary:This review is an attempt to retrace the chronicle that starts from the discovery of the role of nickel as the essential metal ion in urease for the enzymatic catalysis of urea, a key step in the biogeochemical cycle of nitrogen on Earth, to the most recent progress in understanding the chemistry of this historical enzyme. Data and facts are presented through the magnifying lenses of the authors, using their best judgment to filter and elaborate on the many facets of the research carried out on this metalloenzyme over the years. The tale is divided in chapters that discuss and describe the results obtained in the subsequent leaps in the knowledge that led from the discovery of a biological role for Ni to the most recent advancements in the comprehension of the relationship between the structure and function of urease. This review is intended not only to focus on the bioinorganic chemistry of this beautiful metal-based catalysis, but also, and maybe primarily, to evoke inspiration and motivation to further explore the realm of bio-based coordination chemistry.
ISSN:0949-8257
1432-1327
DOI:10.1007/s00775-020-01808-w