Structure and function of [Fe]-hydrogenase

Hydrogen (H₂) plays a crucial role in global carbon cycles. Hydrogenases - H₂ producing and utilizing enzymes - are pivotally involved in biological systems for the turnover of H₂. Three types of hydrogenases are known: [NiFe]-, [FeFe]- and [Fe]-hydrogenases. The [Fe]-hydrogenase functions in the methanogenic pathway of hydrogenotrophic methanogenic archaea. This new type of hydrogenase contains a unique iron-guanylylpyridinol (FeGP) cofactor. We are studying the structure and function of both the enzyme and cofactor as well as the FeGP cofactor biosynthesis.