Methanofuran
Methanofurans (MFRs) are a family of
phenoxy group. At least three different end groups are recognized: R = tricarboxyheptanoyl (methanofuran), glutamyl
-glutamyl (methanofuran b), tricarboxy-2-hydroxyheptanoyl (methanofuran c, see picture).
Formylation of MFR
Methanofuran converts to
formylmethanofuran in an early stage of methanogenesis
.
The enzyme formylmethanofuran dehydrogenase (EC: 1.2.99.5) formylates methanofuran using CO2, the primary C1 source in methanogenesis.[2]
Deformylation of MFR
The
formyl group from formylmethanofuran to N5 on tetrahydromethanopterin, H
4MPT. This enzyme has been crystallized; it contains no prosthetic group.[3]
4MPT. This enzyme has been crystallized; it contains no prosthetic group.[3]