The structure of enzymes in complex with macromolecular substrates (proteins, DNAs, RNAs...) and the understanding of their mechanisms of recognition and action are still formidable challenges in biological chemistry today. Our focus is on RNA-maturating enzymes, which play a crucial role in the translation of genetic information. In particular, we are studying sulfur-iron RNA transfer enzymes. In particular, we have demonstrated the existence of a [4Fe-5S] center, which is proposed as a catalytic intermediate in transfer RNA sulfuration.
