BIO INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Prof. Theshini Perera

(Group N)

Xanthine Oxidase
• With a net molecular mass of around 290kD,
Xanthine Oxidase belongs to the Molybdenum
family and contains flavin adenine
dinucleotide, one molybdenum, and four iron-
sulfur linkages.Xanthine oxidase is an enzyme
that breaks down purine nucleotides to create
uric acid.
THE REACTION MECHANISM FOR XANTHINE
OXIDASE:
 Base-assisted nucleophilic attack of the equatorial Mo-
OH on the C-8 carbon of xanthine initiates catalysis,
which is followed by hydride transfer from C-8 to MoS,
resulting in reduction of Mo(VI) to Mo. (IV). The
molybdenum center is reoxidized by electron transfer
to the enzyme's other redox-active centers, which is
followed by deprotonation of the Mo-SH bond and
displacement of bound product from the solvent by
hydroxide to regenerate the Mo-OH group.
Pathophysiology
 A mutation in the XDH gene causes lower
quantities of xanthine oxidase production,
resulting in hereditary xanthinuria type 1. 
Clinical significance
 Manipulation of xanthine oxidase in the body
has a variety of pharmacological applications,
the most important of which is the treatment of
gout symptoms.Xanthine oxidase inhibits the
action of some medicines. Antimetabolite
cancer medications like azathioprine and 6-
mercaptopurine, which are both metabolized by
xanthine oxidase, are among them.
THE REACTION MECHANISM FOR
XANTHINE OXIDASE: