Department of Molecular Microbiology, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
Shinji Kawasaki has extended his valuable service for many years and has been a recipient of many award and grants. His international experience includes various programs, contributions and participation in different countries for diverse fields of study. His research interests reflect in his wide range of publications in various national and international journals.
Mini Review
Free Flavin Participates in Iron and Also Oxygen Metabolism in Bacteria
Author(s): Tomonori Suzuki, Shinya Kimata, Junichi Satoh, Kouji Takeda, Daichi Mochizuki, Ken Kitano, Akio Watanabe, Etsuo Yoshimura, Masataka Uchino, Shinji Kawasaki, Akira Abe and Youichi Niimura*
The reduction of ferric iron to ferrous iron is an essential reaction for the utilization of iron in vivo and ferric reductase participate in this reduction. There are two types of ferric reductase reactions: a reaction using free flavin (non-protein-bound flavin), and a reaction independent of free flavin. However, most of all ferric reductase activities tested to date, including both types of ferric reductases, are enhanced by the addition of free flavin. In E. coli, the iron release from iron storage proteins is markedly stimulated by both types of ferric reductases in the presence of free flavin. Free flavins can directly carry electrons toward molecular oxygen in the aerobic metabolism of an aerotolerant anaerobe, Amphibacillus xylanus. The free flavin and its associated system are able to participate in oxygen and iron metabolism during aerobic bacterial growth. The rea.. View more»