Biochemistry of Corrinoid Compounds

“Corrinoid compounds” (also known as “corrinoids”) constitute an important class of naturally occurring cobalt-containing tetrapyrrole cofactors that play essential roles in a wide range of biological processes and are associated with several major enzyme systems found in nature. Corrinoids belong to the broader tetrapyrrole family of biomolecules, which also includes heme and other biologically important cofactors involved in fundamental cellular functions. Consequently, tetrapyrrole-dependent proteins and cofactors underpin many of the most important biochemical processes in living organisms. For example, heme-containing proteins such as hemoglobin and myoglobin mediate oxygen transport and storage in mammalian tissues, while cytochrome P450 enzymes catalyze a broad range of oxidative biochemical transformations. Among the best-known corrinoids is vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which is involved in DNA synthesis, cellular metabolism, methyl-group transfer reactions, and the maintenance of nervous system function. Corrinoid-dependent enzymes participate in a wide range of microbial and metabolic pathways, including methanogenesis, acetogenesis, and reductive dehalogenation. For example, methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR), which catalyzes the terminal step of biological methane formation from methyl-coenzyme M and coenzyme B, is a central enzyme in archaeal energy metabolism. The biochemistry of corrinoid compounds therefore remains a major area of interest in molecular biosciences, biochemistry, microbiology, and biotechnology.Research on corrinoid compounds has attracted worldwide attention for several decades because of their fundamental biological importance and their involvement in human health, microbial physiology, and global biogeochemical cycles. Major breakthroughs in elucidating the structures, functions, and biochemical mechanisms of corrinoid-dependent systems have been recognized by several Nobel Prizes in Chemistry and Physiology or Medicine, highlighting the exceptional scientific significance of these compounds. Nevertheless, many aspects of their structural organization, catalytic mechanisms, biosynthesis, transport, and physiological regulation remain insufficiently understood. This collection is dedicated to advancing knowledge in these areas.We particularly welcome original research articles, reviews, and methodological studies addressing structural, biochemical, spectroscopic, kinetic, thermodynamic, and mechanistic aspects of corrinoid compounds and corrinoid-dependent enzymes.The following sub-topics, among others, are particularly encouraged, but are not limited to: 1. Structural studies aimed at elucidating the mechanisms of action of corrinoid-dependent enzymes and proteins. 2. Spectroscopic investigations revealing new aspects of biochemical processes involving corrinoid compounds. 3. Biosynthesis, chemical synthesis, and biochemical characterization of corrinoid compounds. 4. Kinetic and thermodynamic studies of biochemical processes mediated by corrinoid-dependent enzymes. 5. Investigations into molecular mechanisms, structure–function relationships, and physiological roles of corrinoid-dependent systems. 6. Studies of microbial metabolism, methanogenesis, acetogenesis, and other biological pathways involving corrinoid cofactors. 7. Development of biotechnological, biomedical, or environmental applications involving corrinoid compounds. Topic editors: Sanchari Banerjee, Tudor Spataru Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81863/biochemistry-of-corrinoid-compounds