Reaction mechanisms of mononuclear non-heme iron oxygenases

A large number of non-heme iron enzymes are known to catalyze a wide range of reactions with molecular oxygen. This review presents and analyzes results obtained in the past six years from primary sequences, structure-function relationships, and chemical kinetics and mechanisms, dealing with mononuclear non-heme iron inter- and intramolecular dioxygenases. Focus is on the pterin-dependent aromatic amino acid hydroxylases. Comments are added wherever appropriate to tie in and emphasize mechanistic information that is pertinent to the enzyme's function and selectivity.