The formation of Coenzyme FO is mediated by two separate radical SAM active sites, one each in the CofG and CofH enzymes or both in the FbiC enzyme. These two radical SAM domains constitute the functional domains of Fo synthase. F420 is biosynthesized in Methanocaldococcus jannaschii by the action of eight enzymes with the formation of the deazaflavin chromophore (Fo) as the remaining unsolved step.
Coenzyme F420 is the central low-redox-potential electron carrier in methanogenic metabolism. Coenzyme F420 is reduced under hydrogen by the action of F420-dependent hydrogenase.
Coenzyme F420 acts as a hydride transfer coenzyme for an F420-specific glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (Fgd) in mycobacteria . Coenzyme F420 is found in all methanogenic and certain nonmethanogenic archaea, where it participates in energy metabolism, NADP reduction, oxygen detoxification, and sulfite reduction. By converting NO2 back to NO with F420H2, M. tuberculosis could decrease the effectiveness of antibacterial action of macrophages.