The Development of Tungsten Biochemistry-A Personal Recollection

Review (2023)
Author(s)

Wilfred R. Hagen (TU Delft - BT/Biocatalysis)

Research Group
BT/Biocatalysis
Copyright
© 2023 W.R. Hagen
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28104017
More Info
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Publication Year
2023
Language
English
Copyright
© 2023 W.R. Hagen
Research Group
BT/Biocatalysis
Issue number
10
Volume number
28
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Abstract

The development of tungsten biochemistry is sketched from the viewpoint of personal participation. Following its identification as a bio-element, a catalogue of genes, enzymes, and reactions was built up. EPR spectroscopic monitoring of redox states was, and remains, a prominent tool in attempts to understand tungstopterin-based catalysis. A paucity of pre-steady-state data remains a hindrance to overcome to this day. Tungstate transport systems have been characterized and found to be very specific for W over Mo. Additional selectivity is presented by the biosynthetic machinery for tungstopterin enzymes. Metallomics analysis of hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus indicates a comprehensive inventory of tungsten proteins.