[FeFe]-hydrogenases catalyze the reversible reduction of protons to H2, utilizing a unique [6Fe6S] cluster buried ~20 � from the enzyme surface.  Studied intensely over several decades, this protein has been well-characterized at several levels, but important questions remain regarding the enzymatic mechanism.  Substrate transport to the buried active site is vital to hydrogenase activity, yet the methods of transport remain to be fully elucidated.  At the level of whole organism, questions remain regarding the origins and utilization of protons and electrons in H2 production.  Green algae have the capacity to shuttle excess electrons from photosynthesis to H2, and there is therefore considerable interest in using these organisms for biological H2 production.  Our work has investigated the intraprotein transport of substrates in [FeFe]-hydrogenase, as well as the H2 metabolism of a unique green alga and its response to exogenous carbon sources.

Substrate transport mechanism of bacterial [FeFe]-hydrogenases

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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