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A groundbreaking study has uncovered how certain enzymes use nitrogenase-like machinery to break down sulfur-containing compounds. The findings could reshape our understanding of enzyme evolution and industrial applications.

Nitrogenase-Inspired Enzyme Reveals New Catalytic Capabilities

Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how certain enzymes break down sulfur-containing compounds using nitrogenase-like metalloclusters, according to research published in Nature Catalysis. The study reveals that methylthio-alkane reductases, enzymes that cleave carbon-sulfur bonds, employ complex iron-sulfur clusters similar to those found in nitrogen-fixing enzymes but with crucial structural differences that enable their unique function.