On the mechanism of action of thiamin enzymes in the presence of bivalent metal ions

Results on the interactions between the bivalent metal ions Zn2+, Cd2+, Hg2 +, Co2+, Ni-2 and 'active aldehyde' thiamin derivatives are reviewed. The t echniques used in these studies include spectroscopic methods, i.e., IR-Ram an, UV-Vis, multidimensional and multinuclear NMR in solution and in solid state, and X-ray crystal structure determinations. More recently, potentiom etric studies on thiamin pyrophosphate and 2-(alpha-hydroxyethyl)thiamin in combination with NMR and EPR techniques were also undertaken. All these st udies lead to useful conclusions on the mechanism of action of thiamin enzy mes in the presence of bivalent metal ions. (C) 2000 EIsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.