7.13-Biosynthesis of heme and vitamin B₁₂

Layer, Gunhild, Jahn, Dieter, Deery, Evelyne, Lawrence, Andrew D. and Warren, Martin J. (2010) 7.13-Biosynthesis of heme and vitamin B₁₂. In, Hung-Wen, Liu (Ben) and Mander, Lew (eds.) Comprehensive Natural Products II. Elsevier Ltd., pp. 445-499. (doi:10.1016/b978-008045382-8.00144-1).

Abstract

The biosyntheses of the modified tetrapyrroles heme and adenosylcobalamin are outlined. The two compounds are made via a branched biosynthetic pathway that forks at the first macrocyclic intermediate uroporphyrinogen III. For heme synthesis, modification of the peripheral acetate and propionate side chains, oxidation, and ferrochelation yields heme. In contrast, an extensive program of peripheral methylation, cobalt insertion, side chain amidation, ring contraction, decarboxylation, and the attachment of upper and lower axial ligands for the cobalt ion are required for cobalamin synthesis. This review outlines the individual steps in molecular detail and reflects on the range of different chemistries and enzymes that are involved in making these two essential metalloprosthetic groups.

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Contributors

Author: Andrew D. Lawrence

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