Porphyrins are a unique class of ubiquitous natural compounds that function in a wide variety of roles ranging from oxygen transport, electron transfer and oxidation reactions to photosynthesis. They are important natural cofactors and are crucial regulatory effectors in many biochemical processes and diseases. Their natural function is controlled by a subtle interplay between the cofactor conformation and the apoprotein. Using conformational control as a common design principle tetrapyrroles with optimal photophysical and materials properties are now within reach in biomimetic chemistry. The underlying chemistry allowed us to elucidate how cofactor properties are controlled in nature and has significant application potential. Using the tetrapyrrole pigments of the photosynthetic reaction center as an example, statistically reliable evidence has been obtained for the existence of functional classes of specific conserved porphyrin conformations. Thus, the conformation of the macrocycle is a key factor in determining its functional behavior and biological function.

Conformational control of tetrapyrrole cofactors in nature

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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