A diiron protein autogenerates a valine-phenylalanine cross-link.
Cooley, R.B., Rhoads, T.W., Arp, D.J., Karplus, P.A.(2011) Science 332: 929-929
- PubMed: 21596985 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1205687
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
3QHB - PubMed Abstract: 
All known internal covalent cross-links in proteins involve functionalized groups having oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur atoms present to facilitate their formation. Here, we report a carbon-carbon cross-link between two unfunctionalized side chains. This valine-phenyalanine cross-link, produced in an oxygen-dependent reaction, is generated by its own carboxylate-bridged diiron center and serves to stabilize the metallocenter. This finding opens the door to new types of posttranslational modifications, and it demonstrates new catalytic potential of diiron centers.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 2011 Agriculture and Life Sciences Building, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.