Cobaltochelatase

Cobaltochelatase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin. This enzyme catalyzes the insertion of cobalt into the corrin ring, which is a key step in the biosynthesis of cobalamin.

Function

Cobaltochelatase is a metalloenzyme that catalyzes the final step in the biosynthesis of cobalamin. This step involves the insertion of a cobalt ion into the corrin ring, a macrocyclic compound that forms the core of cobalamin. The enzyme uses ATP as a source of energy to drive this reaction.

Structure

Cobaltochelatase is a complex enzyme composed of three subunits: CobN, CobS, and CobT. The CobN subunit is the largest and contains the active site for cobalt insertion. The CobS and CobT subunits are involved in the binding and positioning of the corrin ring and cobalt ion.

Clinical significance

Defects in cobaltochelatase can lead to cobalamin deficiency, which can cause a variety of health problems, including megaloblastic anemia, neurological disorders, and growth retardation. Cobaltochelatase is therefore a potential target for the treatment of cobalamin deficiency.

See also

• Cobalamin biosynthesis
• Corrin ring
• Cobalt