Redox Regulation by One-Electron Transferring Flavoproteins: Catalysis and Metabolism

Dear Colleagues,

Flavin coenzymes function in a variety of biochemical processes as a prosthetic group in proteins. Their versatile chemical properties enable a wide range of redox reactions. In the processes, flavoenzymes often efficiently convert a two-redox-equivalents transfer into two single-ones, and vice versa. In particular, this property plays a key role in the reaction of flavoenzyme dehydrogenases–electrontransferases with their redox partners, including low-molecular-weight flavoproteins (e.g., flavodoxins), and in the bifurcation of the electron flux. This property includes the stability issues of the neutral flavin semiquinone, the accessibility of the flavin isoalloxazine ring to the solvent, and the possible modulation by bound reaction products or inhibitors. In the recognition of redox partners, complementary electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions play an important role. These issues are pivotal not only in the interaction of the separated proteins, but also multiple cofactors containing flavoproteins.

From a metabolic point of view, this redox chemistry is involved in the electron-transport chains of respiration and oxygenation, photosynthesis, and nitrogen, sulfur, and hydrogen fixations. It is also responsible for the generation of reactive oxygen species, which may become the components of the immune response and cell signal transduction system. From a biomedical perspective, these enzymes may be targets of redox cycling drugs or participate in their bioreductive activation under hypoxic conditions. They may also influence the side effects of drugs or determine the toxicity of various environmental pollutants.

A wealth of information has been accumulated on these issues over the past few decades, yet it must constantly be updated and classified due to progress in research methods, the emergence of new objects, and shifts in dominant research directions. This Special Issue is dedicated to the above-mentioned issues, with particular attention to their interrelationships and practical application.

We look forward to your contribution.

Dr. Daisuke Seo
Prof. Dr. Narimantas K. Cenas
Guest Editors

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• flavin mononucleotide (FMN)
• flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)
• single-electron transfer
• free radicals
• reactive oxygen species (ROS)
• mitochondrial respiration
• photosynthesis
• nitrogen fixation
• electron flux bifurcation
• immune response
• semiquinone