The role of the proximal ligand in heme enzymes

Abstract

 Several new heme enzyme crystal structures have revealed similarities and differences in the local environment of the proximal heme ligand. This information, together with protein engineering studies, has provided important advances in understanding the role of the proximal ligand in heme enzyme catalysis. These advances include the ligand's role in the O–O bond cleavage reaction, stabilization of the Fe(IV)=O intermediate and control of the heme iron redox potential.