Active sites of transition-metal enzymes with a focus on nickel

Since 1995, crystal structures have been determined for many transition-met al enzymes, in particular those containing the rarely used transition metal s vanadium, molybdenum, tungsten, manganese, cobalt and nickel. Accordingly , our understanding of how an enzyme uses the unique properties of a specif ic transition metal has been substantially increased in the past few years. The different functions of nickel in catalysis are highlighted by describi ng the active sites of six nickel enzymes - methyl-coenyzme M reductase, ur ease, hydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, carbon monoxide dehydrogenase and acetyl-coenzyme A synthase.