Iron‑sulfur cluster synthesis in plastids by the SUF system: A mechanistic and structural perspective

Abstract

About 50 proteins expressed in plastids of photosynthetic eukaryotes ligate iron‑sulfur (Fe-S) clusters and ensure vital functions in photosynthesis, sulfur and nitrogen assimilation, but also in the synthesis of pigments, vitamins and hormones. The synthesis of these Fe-S clusters, which are co- or post-translationally incorporated into these proteins, relies on several proteins belonging to the so-called sulfur mobilization (SUF) machinery. An Fe-S cluster is first de novo synthesized on a scaffold protein complex before additional late-acting maturation factors act in the specific transfer, possible conversion and insertion of this cluster into target recipient proteins. In this review, we will summarize what is known about the molecular mechanisms responsible for both the synthesis and transfer steps, focusing in particular on the structural aspects that allow the formation of the required protein complexes.