The mitochondron as a biosynthesis factory for heme groups, iron-sulphur clusters and flavin nucleotides

Abstract

Iron-sulphur clusters, heme cofactors and flavin-nucleotides are essential for many microorganisms. There are many proteins that depend upon them to perform their biological activities. These cofactors have been recognized as essential for redox reactions and are also involved in many cellular functions such as chemical catalysis, regulation and signalling. Many groups have contributed to the establishment of the biochemical routes by which these cofactors are synthesized, transported and regulated in different organisms. All this knowledge has allowed to link defects on these routes with diseases and syndromes, as well as to propose new therapeutic strategies and biotechnological applications.