Structure and mechanism of [FeFe] hydrogenases

Please note that this event is being held 30 minutes later than normal, in 3SW.6.22 instead of the STEM building.

The focus of James Birrell's work over the last few years has been on trying to understand the mechanism of hydrogenase enzymes, particularly the [FeFe] class, and understand what makes them so active and efficient.

Using a combination of structural, functional, spectroscopic and computational approaches James hasbeen able to build up a picture of the catalytic cycle and understand oxygen sensitivity in these enzymes.

Furthermore, James has studied multimeric [FeFe] hydrogenases that utilise both ferredoxin and NADH as electron donors to try and understand how intramolecular electron transfer processes are coupled.

Together, these results contribute to our understanding of how microorganisms use hydrogen oxidation and proton reduction to drive their metabolism, particularly under anaerobic conditions.