title: Biochemistry, regulation and genomics of haem biosynthesis in prokaryotes.
abstract: Haems are involved in many cellular processes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The biosynthetic pathway leading to haem formation is, with few exceptions, well-conserved, and is controlled in accordance with cellular function. Here, we review the biosynthesis of haem and its regulation in prokaryotes. In addition, we focus on a modification of haem for cytochrome c biogenesis, a complex process that entails both transport between cellular compartments and a specific thioether linkage between the haem moiety and the apoprotein. Finally, a whole genome analysis from 63 prokaryotes indicates intriguing exceptions to the universality of the haem biosynthetic pathway and helps define new frontiers for future study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
authors.forename: Mark R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: O'Brian
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Thöny-Meyer
mesh_terms: D001105:Archaea / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D003574:Cytochrome c Group / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial / Q000502:physiology; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006418:Heme / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction
chemical_list: D003574:Cytochrome c Group; D006418:Heme