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The Macromolecular Structure and Function A [MSFA] Study Section reviews applications that focus on the biochemistry and biophysics of metal center containing proteins and complexes as well as the regulation of metal ion concentration in cells. A broad range of physical, chemical, genetic, kinetic, mechanistic, thermodynamic and theoretical approaches are included for studying the properties, reactivity, and interaction of a metal center with the host molecule as well as its assembly into the complex and the regulation of concentration of a metal in vivo.   Specific areas covered by MSFA:

• Metalloenzymes and their mechanisms: biochemical, spectroscopic, genetic, kinetic and structural methods applied to understand the mechanism of the metal center.
• Synthetic and theoretical models of metallo-active sites: small molecule complexes and designed peptides intended to mimic an enzyme active site reactivity or metal center specificity.
• Chemistry of metal centers and organic redox active cofactors: redox chemistry of oxygen/nitrogen species. Chemistry of reactive oxygen/nitrogen metabolism: methods of generation and mitigation as well as it undesired side reactions.
• Biogenesis of complex centers: mechanism of assembly of complex metal clusters as well as their incorporation into their host proteins. Biosynthesis of organic redox active cofactors.
• Metal ion homeostasis and metabolism: regulation of influx, efflux and transport of iron, copper, zinc and manganese as well as other metals ions whose concentration must be closely controlled or limited. Mechanisms of metal ion toxicity.

Study sections with most closely related areas of similar science listed in rank order are:


Macromolecular Structure and Function B [MSFB]
Macromolecular Structure and Function D [MSFD]
Macromolecular Structure and Function E [MSFE]
Synthetic and Biological Chemistry A [SBCA]
Synthetic and Biological Chemistry B [SBCB]