Molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis pathway enzymes

Molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis enzymes comprise a sequence of highly conserved proteins responsible for synthesizing the pterin-based molybdenum cofactor (Moco), which is vital for the activity of all molybdenum-dependent oxidoreductases. In plants and mammals, these include enzymes such as CNX1, CNX2, CNX3, and in bacteria, MogA and MoeA, among others. The biosynthesis is a complex, multi-step pathway involving the formation of molybdopterin, its adenylation, and insertion of molybdenum, typically carried out by dedicated enzymatic complexes often associated with cytoskeletal structures for efficient substrate channelling. Defects in genes encoding these enzymes are responsible for rare but severe inherited metabolic diseases[1][2][3][4]. The pathway itself is not a direct drug target, but understanding its biology is essential for managing Moco deficiency disorders.

Other names

Moco biosynthesis enzymesCNX proteinsCNX1CNX2CNX3CNX5CNX6CNX7MogAMoeA