Pyruvate formate-lyase catlayses the CoA-dependent, reversible cleavage of pyruvate into acetyal-CoA and formation. This enzyme is required for anaerobic glucose fermentation, utilised by various species of microorganism.
The resting state of this enzyme has a glycyl radical, this radical is created by the action of a radical SAM superfamily activating protein (PFL-AE) and is quenched in an oxygenated atmosphere leading to enzyme inactivation.
Defined by 4 residues: TRP:A-333CYS:A-418CYS:A-419GLY:A-734