The convoluted history of haem biosynthesis

0555913 - BC 2023 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Kořený, L. - Oborník, Miroslav - Horáková, Eva - Waller, R. - Lukeš, Julius
The convoluted history of haem biosynthesis.
Biological Reviews. Roč. 97, č. 1 (2022), s. 141-162. ISSN 1464-7931. E-ISSN 1469-185X
R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA21-03224S; GA ČR(CZ) GA20-07186S; GA ČR(CZ) GA21-09283S; GA MŠMT(CZ) LL1601; GA MŠMT(CZ) EF16_019/0000759
Institutional support: RVO:60077344
Keywords : protoporphyrinogen-ix-oxidase * nuclear gene-expression * tetrapyrrole biosynthesis * plasmodium-falciparum * ferrochelatase activity * transfer-rna * iron-sulfur * mitochondrial localization * coproporphyrinogen oxidase * subcellular-localization * tetrapyrrole * porphyrin * metabolic pathways * evolution * eukaryogenesis * mitochondrion * chloroplast * photosynthesis * iron metabolism
OECD category: Biochemistry and molecular biology
Impact factor: 10, year: 2022
Method of publishing: Open access
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/brv.12794

The capacity of haem to transfer electrons, bind diatomic gases, and catalyse various biochemical reactions makes it one of the essential biomolecules on Earth and one that was likely used by the earliest forms of cellular life. Since the description of haem biosynthesis, our understanding of this multi-step pathway has been almost exclusively derived from a handful of model organisms from narrow taxonomic contexts. Recent advances in genome sequencing and functional studies of diverse and previously neglected groups have led to discoveries of alternative routes of haem biosynthesis that deviate from the 'classical' pathway. In this review, we take an evolutionarily broad approach to illuminate the remarkable diversity and adaptability of haem synthesis, from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, showing the range of strategies that organisms employ to obtain and utilise haem. In particular, the complex evolutionary histories of eukaryotes that involve multiple endosymbioses and horizontal gene transfers are reflected in the mosaic origin of numerous metabolic pathways with haem biosynthesis being a striking case. We show how different evolutionary trajectories and distinct life strategies resulted in pronounced tensions and differences in the spatial organisation of the haem biosynthesis pathway, in some cases leading to a complete loss of a haem-synthesis capacity and, rarely, even loss of a requirement for haem altogether.
Permanent Link: https://hdl.handle.net/11104/0339399