Two ground state isoforms and a chromophore D-ring photoflip triggering extensive intramolecular changes in a canonical phytochrome

Tyrosine 263 in Cyanobacterial Phytochrome Cph1 Optimizes Photochemistry at the prelumi‐R→lumi‐R Step

We report a low‐temperature fluorescence spectroscopy study of the PAS‐GAF‐PHY sensory module of Cph1 phytochrome, its Y263F mutant (both with known 3D structures) as well as Y263H and Y263S to connect their photochemical parameters with intramolecular interactions. None of the holoproteins showed photochemical activity at low temperature, and the activation barriers for the Pr→lumi‐R photoreaction (2.5–3.1 kJ mol−1) and fluorescence quantum yields (0.29–0.42) were similar. The effect of the mutations on Pr→Pfr photoconversion efficiency (ΦPr→Pfr) was observed primarily at the prelumi‐R S0 bifurcation point corresponding to the conical intersection of the energy surfaces at which the molecule relaxes to form lumi‐R or Pr, lowering ΦPr→Pfr from 0.13 in the wild type to 0.05–0.07 in the mutants. We suggest that the Ea activation barrier in the Pr* S1 excited state might correspond to the D‐ring (C19) carbonyl – H290 hydrogen bond or possibly to the hindrance caused by the C131/C171 methyl groups of the C and D rings. The critical role of the tyrosine hydroxyl group can be at the prelumi‐R bifurcation point to optimize the yield of the photoprocess and energy storage in the form of lumi‐R for subsequent rearrangement processes culminating in Pfr formation.

Crystal structure of the photosensing module from a red/far-red light-absorbing plant phytochrome

Many aspects of plant photomorphogenesis are controlled by the phytochrome (Phy) family of bilin-containing photoreceptors that detect red and far-red light by photointerconversion between a dark-adapted Pr state and a photoactivated Pfr state. Whereas 3D models of prokaryotic Phys are available, models of their plant counterparts have remained elusive. Here, we present the crystal structure of the photosensing module (PSM) from a seed plant Phy in the Pr state using the PhyB isoform from Arabidopsis thaliana. The PhyB PSM crystallized as a head-to-head dimer with strong structural homology to its bacterial relatives, including a 5(Z)syn, 10(Z)syn, 15(Z)anti configuration of the phytochromobilin chromophore buried within the cGMP phosphodiesterase/adenylyl cyclase/FhlA (GAF) domain, and a well-ordered hairpin protruding from the Phy-specific domain toward the bilin pocket. However, its Per/Arnt/Sim (PAS) domain, knot region, and helical spine show distinct structural differences potentially important to signaling. Included is an elongated helical spine, an extended β-sheet connecting the GAF domain and hairpin stem, and unique interactions between the region upstream of the PAS domain knot and the bilin A and B pyrrole rings. Comparisons of this structure with those from bacterial Phys combined with mutagenic studies support a toggle model for photoconversion that engages multiple features within the PSM to stabilize the Pr and Pfr end states after rotation of the D pyrrole ring. Taken together, this Arabidopsis PhyB structure should enable molecular insights into plant Phy signaling and provide an essential scaffold to redesign their activities for agricultural benefit and as optogenetic reagents.

Kinetic and thermodynamic analysis of the light-induced processes in plant and cyanobacterial phytochromes

The light-induced processes of the biological photoreceptor phytochrome (recombinant phyA of oat and recombinant CphA from the cyanobacterium Tolypothrix PCC7601) have been investigated in a time-resolved manner in the temperature range from 0 to 30°C. Both proteins were heterologously expressed and assembled in vitro with phycocyanobilin. The Pr state of plant phytochrome phyA is converted to the Pfr state after formation of four intermediates with an overall quantum yield of ~18%. The reversal reaction (Pfr-to-Pr) shows several intermediates, all of which, even the first detectable one, exhibit already all spectral features of the Pr state. The canonical phytochrome CphA from Tolypothrix showed a similar intermediate sequence as its plant ortholog. Whereas the kinetics for the forward reaction (Pr-to-Pfr) was nearly identical for both proteins, the reverse process (Pr formation) in the cyanobacterial phytochrome was slower by a factor of three. As found for the Pfr-to-Pr intermediates in the plant protein, also in CphA all detectable intermediates showed the spectral features of the Pr form. For both phytochromes, activation parameters for both the forward and the backward reaction pathways were determined.

Electronic transitions and heterogeneity of the bacteriophytochrome Pr absorption band: An angle balanced polarization resolved femtosecond VIS pump-IR probe study

Photoisomerization of biliverdin (BV) chromophore triggers the photoresponse in native Agp1 bacteriophytochrome. We discuss heterogeneity in phytochrome Pr form to account for the shape of the absorption profile. We investigated different regions of the absorption profile by angle balanced polarization resolved femtosecond VIS pump-IR probe spectroscopy. We studied the Pr form of Agp1 with its natural chromophore and with a sterically locked 18Et-BV (locked Agp1). We followed the dynamics and orientations of the carbonyl stretching vibrations of ring D and ring A in their ground and electronically excited states. Photoisomerization of ring D is reflected by strong signals of the ring D carbonyl vibration. In contrast, orientational data on ring A show no rotation of ring A upon photoexcitation. Orientational data allow excluding a ZZZasa geometry and corroborates a nontwisted ZZZssa geometry of the chromophore. We found no proof for heterogeneity but identified a new, to our knowledge, electronic transition in the absorption profile at 644 nm (S0→S2). Excitation of the S0→S2 transition will introduce a more complex photodynamics compared with S0→S1 transition. Our approach provides fundamental information on disentanglement of absorption profiles, identification of chromophore structures, and determination of molecular groups involved in the photoisomerization process of photoreceptors.

Signal amplification and transduction in phytochrome photosensors

Sensory proteins must relay structural signals from the sensory site over large distances to regulatory output domains. Phytochromes are a major family of red-light sensing kinases that control diverse cellular functions in plants, bacteria, and fungi.^1-9 Bacterial phytochromes consist of a photosensory core and a C-terminal regulatory domain.^10,11 Structures of photosensory cores are reported in the resting state^12-18 and conformational responses to light activation have been proposed in the vicinity of the chromophore.^19-23 However, the structure of the signalling state and the mechanism of downstream signal relay through the photosensory core remain elusive. Here, we report crystal and solution structures of the resting and active states of the photosensory core of the bacteriophytochrome from Deinococcus radiodurans. The structures reveal an open and closed form of the dimeric protein for the signalling and resting state, respectively. This nanometre scale rearrangement is controlled by refolding of an evolutionarily conserved “tongue”, which is in contact with the chromophore. The findings reveal an unusual mechanism where atomic scale conformational changes around the chromophore are first amplified into an Ångström scale distance change in the tongue, and further grow into a nanometre scale conformational signal. The structural mechanism is a blueprint for understanding how the sensor proteins connect to the cellular signalling network.

Dynamic inhomogeneity in the photodynamics of cyanobacterial phytochrome Cph1

Phytochromes are widespread red/far-red photosensory proteins well known as critical regulators of photomorphogenesis in plants. It is often assumed that natural selection would have optimized the light sensing efficiency of phytochromes to minimize nonproductive photochemical deexcitation pathways. Surprisingly, the quantum efficiency for the forward P_r-to-P_fr photoconversion of phytochromes seldom exceeds 15%, a value very much lower than that of animal rhodopsins. Exploiting ultrafast excitation wavelength- and temperature-dependent transient absorption spectroscopy, we resolve multiple pathways within the ultrafast photodynamics of the N-terminal PAS-GAF-PHY photosensory core module of cyanobacterial phytochrome Cph1 (termed Cph1Δ) that are primarily responsible for the overall low quantum efficiency. This inhomogeneity primarily reflects a long-lived fluorescent subpopulation that exists in equilibrium with a spectrally distinct, photoactive subpopulation. The fluorescent subpopulation is favored at elevated temperatures, resulting in anomalous excited-state dynamics (slower kinetics at higher temperatures). The spectral and kinetic behavior of the fluorescent subpopulation strongly resembles that of the photochemically compromised and highly fluorescent Y₁₇₆H variant of Cph1Δ. We present an integrated, heterogeneous model for Cph1Δ that is based on the observed transient and static spectroscopic signals. Understanding the molecular basis for this dynamic inhomogeneity holds potential for rational design of efficient phytochrome-based fluorescent and photoswitchable probes.

Tyrosine 263 in cyanobacterial phytochrome Cph1 optimizes photochemistry at the prelumi-R→lumi-R step

We report a low-temperature fluorescence spectroscopy study of the PAS-GAF-PHY sensory module of Cph1 phytochrome, its Y263F mutant (both with known 3D structures) as well as Y263H and Y263S to connect their photochemical parameters with intramolecular interactions. None of the holoproteins showed photochemical activity at low temperature, and the activation barriers for the Pr→lumi-R photoreaction (2.5-3.1 kJ mol(-1)) and fluorescence quantum yields (0.29-0.42) were similar. The effect of the mutations on Pr→Pfr photoconversion efficiency (ΦPr→Pfr) was observed primarily at the prelumi-R S0 bifurcation point corresponding to the conical intersection of the energy surfaces at which the molecule relaxes to form lumi-R or Pr, lowering ΦPr→Pfr from 0.13 in the wild type to 0.05-0.07 in the mutants. We suggest that the Ea activation barrier in the Pr* S1 excited state might correspond to the D-ring (C19) carbonyl - H290 hydrogen bond or possibly to the hindrance caused by the C13(1) /C17(1) methyl groups of the C and D rings. The critical role of the tyrosine hydroxyl group can be at the prelumi-R bifurcation point to optimize the yield of the photoprocess and energy storage in the form of lumi-R for subsequent rearrangement processes culminating in Pfr formation.

Eukaryotic algal phytochromes span the visible spectrum

Plant phytochromes are photoswitchable red/far-red photoreceptors that allow competition with neighboring plants for photosynthetically active red light. In aquatic environments, red and far-red light are rapidly attenuated with depth; therefore, photosynthetic species must use shorter wavelengths of light. Nevertheless, phytochrome-related proteins are found in recently sequenced genomes of many eukaryotic algae from aquatic environments. We examined the photosensory properties of seven phytochromes from diverse algae: four prasinophyte (green algal) species, the heterokont (brown algal) Ectocarpus siliculosus, and two glaucophyte species. We demonstrate that algal phytochromes are not limited to red and far-red responses. Instead, different algal phytochromes can sense orange, green, and even blue light. Characterization of these previously undescribed photosensors using CD spectroscopy supports a structurally heterogeneous chromophore in the far-red-absorbing photostate. Our study thus demonstrates that extensive spectral tuning of phytochromes has evolved in phylogenetically distinct lineages of aquatic photosynthetic eukaryotes.

Active and silent chromophore isoforms for phytochrome Pr photoisomerization: An alternative evolutionary strategy to optimize photoreaction quantum yields

Photoisomerization of a protein bound chromophore is the basis of light sensing of many photoreceptors. We tracked Z-to-E photoisomerization of Cph1 phytochrome chromophore PCB in the Pr form in real-time. Two different phycocyanobilin (PCB) ground state geometries with different ring D orientations have been identified. The pre-twisted and hydrogen bonded PCB(a) geometry exhibits a time constant of 30 ps and a quantum yield of photoproduct formation of 29%, about six times slower and ten times higher than that for the non-hydrogen bonded PCB(b) geometry. This new mechanism of pre-twisting the chromophore by protein-cofactor interaction optimizes yields of slow photoreactions and provides a scaffold for photoreceptor engineering.

Dynamic structural changes underpin photoconversion of a blue/green cyanobacteriochrome between its dark and photoactivated states

The phytochrome superfamily of photoreceptors exploits reversible light-driven changes in the bilin chromophore to initiate a variety of signaling cascades. The nature of these alterations and how they impact the protein moiety remain poorly resolved and might include several species-specific routes. Here, we provide a detailed picture of photoconversion for the photosensing cGMP phosphodiesterase/adenylyl cyclase/FhlA (GAF) domain from Thermosynechococcus elongatus (Te) PixJ, a member of the cyanobacteriochrome clade. Solution NMR structures of the blue light-absorbing dark state Pb and green light-absorbing photoactivated state Pg, combined with paired crystallographic models, revealed that the bilin and GAF domain dynamically transition via breakage of the C10/Cys-494 thioether bond, opposite rotations of the A and D pyrrole rings, sliding of the bilin in the GAF pocket, and the appearance of an extended region of disorder that includes Cys-494. Changes in GAF domain backbone dynamics were also observed that are likely important for inter-domain signal propagation. Taken together, photoconversion of T. elongatus PixJ from Pb to Pg involves complex structural changes within the GAF domain pocket that transduce light into a mechanical signal, many aspects of which should be relevant to others within the extended phytochrome superfamily.

The D-ring, not the A-ring, rotates in Synechococcus OS-B' phytochrome

Phytochrome photoreceptors in plants and microorganisms switch photochromically between two states, controlling numerous important biological processes. Although this phototransformation is generally considered to involve rotation of ring D of the tetrapyrrole chromophore, Ulijasz et al. (Ulijasz, A. T., Cornilescu, G., Cornilescu, C. C., Zhang, J., Rivera, M., Markley, J. L., and Vierstra, R. D. (2010) Nature 463, 250-254) proposed that the A-ring rotates instead. Here, we apply magic angle spinning NMR to the two parent states following studies of the 23-kDa GAF (cGMP phosphodiesterase/adenylyl cyclase/FhlA) domain fragment of phytochrome from Synechococcus OS-B'. Major changes occur at the A-ring covalent linkage to the protein as well as at the protein residue contact of ring D. Conserved contacts associated with the A-ring nitrogen rule out an A-ring photoflip, whereas loss of contact of the D-ring nitrogen to the protein implies movement of ring D. Although none of the methine bridges showed a chemical shift change comparable with those characteristic of the D-ring photoflip in canonical phytochromes, denaturation experiments showed conclusively that the same occurs in Synechococcus OS-B' phytochrome upon photoconversion. The results are consistent with the D-ring being strongly tilted in both states and the C15=C16 double bond undergoing a Z/E isomerization upon light absorption. More subtle changes are associated with the A-ring linkage to the protein. Our findings thus disprove A-ring rotation and are discussed in relation to the position of the D-ring, photoisomerization, and photochromicity in the phytochrome family.

Structure of the cyanobacterial phytochrome 2 photosensor implies a tryptophan switch for phytochrome signaling

Phytochromes are highly versatile photoreceptors, which occur ubiquitously in plants as well as in many light-responsive microorganisms. Here, photosynthetic cyanobacteria utilize up to three different phytochrome architectures, where only the plant-like and the single-domain cyanobacteriochromes are structurally characterized so far. Cph2 represents a third group in Synechocystis species and affects their capability of phototaxis by controlling c-di-GMP synthesis and degradation. The 2.6-Å crystal structure of its red/far-red responsive photosensory module in the Pr state reveals a tandem-GAF bidomain that lacks the figure-of-eight knot of the plant/cph1 subfamily. Its covalently attached phycocyanobilin chromophore adopts a highly tilted ZZZssa conformation with a novel set of interactions between its propionates and the GAF1 domain. The tongue-like protrusion from the GAF2 domain interacts with the GAF1-bound chromophore via its conserved PRXSF, WXE, and W(G/A)G motifs. Mutagenesis showed that the integrity of the tongue is indispensable for Pr → Pfr photoconversion and involves a swap of the motifs' tryptophans within the tongue-GAF1 interface. This "Trp switch" is supposed to be a crucial element for the photochromicity of all multidomain phytochromes.

Unusual spectral properties of bacteriophytochrome Agp2 result from a deprotonation of the chromophore in the red-absorbing form Pr

Phytochromes are widely distributed photoreceptors with a bilin chromophore that undergo a typical reversible photoconversion between the two spectrally different forms, Pr and Pfr. The phytochrome Agp2 from Agrobacterium tumefaciens belongs to the group of bathy phytochromes that have a Pfr ground state as a result of the Pr to Pfr dark conversion. Agp2 has untypical spectral properties in the Pr form reminiscent of a deprotonated chromophore as confirmed by resonance Raman spectroscopy. UV/visible absorption spectroscopy showed that the pKa is >11 in the Pfr form and ∼7.6 in the Pr form. Unlike other phytochromes, photoconversion thus results in a pKa shift of more than 3 units. The Pr/Pfr ratio after saturating irradiation with monochromatic light is strongly pH-dependent. This is partially due to a back-reaction of the deprotonated Pr chromophore at pH 9 after photoexcitation as found by flash photolysis. The chromophore protonation and dark conversion were affected by domain swapping and site-directed mutagenesis. A replacement of the PAS or GAF domain by the respective domain of the prototypical phytochrome Agp1 resulted in a protonated Pr chromophore; the GAF domain replacement afforded an inversion of the dark conversion. A reversion was also obtained with the triple mutant N12S/Q190L/H248Q, whereas each single point mutant is characterized by decelerated Pr to Pfr dark conversion.

Unraveling the Primary Isomerization Dynamics in Cyanobacterial Phytochrome Cph1 with Multi-pulse Manipulations

The ultrafast mechanisms underlying the initial photoisomerization (Pr → Lumi-R) in the forward reaction of the cyanobacterial photoreceptor Cph1 were explored with multipulse pump-dump-probe transient spectroscopy. A recently postulated multi-population model was used to fit the transient pump-dump-probe and dump-induced depletion signals. We observed dump-induced depletion of the Lumi-R photoproduct, demonstrating that photoisomerization occurs via evolution on both the excited- and ground-state electronic surfaces. Excited-state equilibrium was not observed, as shown via the absence of a dump-induced excited-state "Le Châtelier redistribution" of excited-state populations. The importance of incorporating the inhomogeneous dynamics of Cph1 in interpreting measured transient data is discussed.

Structure of the biliverdin cofactor in the Pfr state of bathy and prototypical phytochromes

Phytochromes act as photoswitches between the red- and far-red absorbing parent states of phytochromes (Pr and Pfr). Plant phytochromes display an additional thermal conversion route from the physiologically active Pfr to Pr. The same reaction pattern is found in prototypical biliverdin-binding bacteriophytochromes in contrast to the reverse thermal transformation in bathy bacteriophytochromes. However, the molecular origin of the different thermal stabilities of the Pfr states in prototypical and bathy bacteriophytochromes is not known. We analyzed the structures of the chromophore binding pockets in the Pfr states of various bathy and prototypical biliverdin-binding phytochromes using a combined spectroscopic-theoretical approach. For the Pfr state of the bathy phytochrome from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the very good agreement between calculated and experimental Raman spectra of the biliverdin cofactor is in line with important conclusions of previous crystallographic analyses, particularly the ZZEssa configuration of the chromophore and its mode of covalent attachment to the protein. The highly homogeneous chromophore conformation seems to be a unique property of the Pfr states of bathy phytochromes. This is in sharp contrast to the Pfr states of prototypical phytochromes that display conformational equilibria between two sub-states exhibiting small structural differences at the terminal methine bridges A-B and C-D. These differences may mainly root in the interactions of the cofactor with the highly conserved Asp-194 that occur via its carboxylate function in bathy phytochromes. The weaker interactions via the carbonyl function in prototypical phytochromes may lead to a higher structural flexibility of the chromophore pocket opening a reaction channel for the thermal (ZZE → ZZZ) Pfr to Pr back-conversion.

Phytochrome cytoplasmic signaling

Extensive studies in both lower and higher plants indicate that plant phytochrome photoreceptors signal not only by regulating transcription in the nucleus but also by acting within the cytoplasm, the latter signaling routes acting within minutes or even seconds and also providing directional information. Directional signals seem to arise from phytochromes attached anisotropically to the plasma membrane. Neochromes-phytochrome-phototropin hybrid photoreceptors probably attached to the plasma membrane-provide this signal in various ferns and perhaps certain algae but are absent from other groups. In mosses and probably higher plants too, a subpopulation of canonical phytochromes interact with phototropins at the plasma membrane and thereby steer directional responses. Phytochromes also seem able to regulate translation in the cytoplasm. This review discusses putative phytochrome functions in these contexts.

Green/red cyanobacteriochromes regulate complementary chromatic acclimation via a protochromic photocycle

Cyanobacteriochromes (CBCRs) are cyanobacterial members of the phytochrome superfamily of photosensors. Like phytochromes, CBCRs convert between two photostates by photoisomerization of a covalently bound linear tetrapyrrole (bilin) chromophore. Although phytochromes are red/far-red sensors, CBCRs exhibit diverse photocycles spanning the visible spectrum and the near-UV (330-680 nm). Two CBCR subfamilies detect near-UV to blue light (330-450 nm) via a "two-Cys photocycle" that couples bilin 15Z/15E photoisomerization with formation or elimination of a second bilin-cysteine adduct. On the other hand, mechanisms for tuning the absorption between the green and red regions of the spectrum have not been elucidated as of yet. CcaS and RcaE are members of a CBCR subfamily that regulates complementary chromatic acclimation, in which cyanobacteria optimize light-harvesting antennae in response to green or red ambient light. CcaS has been shown to undergo a green/red photocycle: reversible photoconversion between a green-absorbing 15Z state ((15Z)P(g)) and a red-absorbing 15E state ((15E)P(r)). We demonstrate that RcaE from Fremyella diplosiphon undergoes the same photocycle and exhibits light-regulated kinase activity. In both RcaE and CcaS, the bilin chromophore is deprotonated as (15Z)P(g) but protonated as (15E)P(r). This change of bilin protonation state is modulated by three key residues that are conserved in green/red CBCRs. We therefore designate the photocycle of green/red CBCRs a "protochromic photocycle," in which the dramatic change from green to red absorption is not induced by initial bilin photoisomerization but by a subsequent change in bilin protonation state.

Red/green cyanobacteriochromes: sensors of color and power

Phytochromes are red/far-red photoreceptors using cysteine-linked linear tetrapyrrole (bilin) chromophores to regulate biological responses to light. Light absorption triggers photoisomerization of the bilin between the 15Z and 15E photostates. The related cyanobacteriochromes (CBCRs) extend the photosensory range of the phytochrome superfamily to shorter wavelengths of visible light. Several subfamilies of CBCRs have been described. Representatives of one such subfamily, including AnPixJ and NpR6012g4, exhibit red/green photocycles in which the 15Z photostate is red-absorbing like that of phytochrome but the 15E photoproduct is instead green-absorbing. Using recombinant expression of individual CBCR domains in Escherichia coli, we fully survey the red/green subfamily from the cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme. In addition to 14 new photoswitching CBCRs, one apparently photochemically inactive protein exhibiting intense red fluorescence was observed. We describe a novel orange/green photocycle in one of these CBCRs, NpF2164g7. Dark reversion varied in this panel of CBCRs; some examples were stable as the 15E photoproduct for days, while others reverted to the 15Z dark state in minutes or even seconds. In the case of NpF2164g7, dark reversion was so rapid that reverse photoconversion of the green-absorbing photoproduct was not significant in restoring the dark state, resulting in a broadband response to light. Our results demonstrate that red/green CBCRs can thus act as sensors for the color or intensity of the ambient light environment.

Ultrafast E to Z photoisomerization dynamics of the Cph1 phytochrome

Femtosecond photodynamics of the reverse ( 15E Pfr→ 15Z Pr) reaction of the red/far-red phytochrome Cph1 from Synechocystis were resolved with visible broadband transient absorption spectroscopy. Multi-phasic dynamics were resolved and separated via global target analysis into a fast-decaying (260 fs) excited-state population that bifurcates to generate the isomerized Lumi-F primary photoproduct and a non-isomerizing vibrationally excited ground state that relaxes back into the 15E Pfr ground state on a 2.8-ps time scale. Relaxation on a 1-ms timescale results in the loss of red absorbing region, but not blue region, of Lumi-F, which indicates that formation of 15Z Pr occurs on slower timescales.

Chemical inhomogeneity in the ultrafast dynamics of the DXCF cyanobacteriochrome Tlr0924

Cyanobacteriochromes (CBCRs) are diverse biliprotein photosensors distantly related to the red/far-red photoreceptors of the phytochrome family. There are several subfamilies of CBCRs, displaying varied spectral responses spanning the entire visible region. Tlr0924 belongs to the DXCF subfamily that utilizes the Cys residue in a conserved Asp-Xaa-Cys-Phe (DXCF) motif to form a second covalent linkage to the chromophore, resulting in a blue-absorbing dark state. Photoconversion leads to elimination of this linkage, resulting in a green-absorbing photoproduct. Tlr0924 initially incorporates phycocyanobilin (PCB) as a chromophore, exhibiting a blue/orange photocycle, but slowly isomerizes PCB to phycoviolobilin (PVB) to yield a blue/green photocycle. Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy was used to study both forward and reverse reaction photodynamics of the recombinant GAF domain of Tlr0924. Primary photoproducts were identified, as were subsequent intermediates at 1 ms. PCB and PVB population photodynamics were decomposed using global target analysis. PCB and PVB populations exhibit similar and parallel photocycles in Tlr0924, but the PVB population exhibits faster excited-state decay in both reaction directions. On the basis of longer time analysis, we show that the photochemical coordinate (15,16-isomerization) and second-linkage coordinate (elimination or bond formation at C10) are separate processes in both directions.

A phytochrome-phototropin light signaling complex at the plasma membrane

Phytochromes are red/far-red photochromic photoreceptors central to regulating plant development. Although they are known to enter the nucleus upon light activation and, once there, regulate transcription, this is not the complete picture. Various phytochrome effects are manifested much too rapidly to derive from changes in gene expression, whereas others seem to occur without phytochrome entering the nucleus. Phytochromes also guide directional responses to light, excluding a genetic signaling route and implying instead plasma membrane association and a direct cytoplasmic signal. However, to date, no such association has been demonstrated. Here we report that a phytochrome subpopulation indeed associates physically with another photoreceptor, phototropin, at the plasma membrane. Yeast two-hybrid methods using functional photoreceptor molecules showed that the phytochrome steering growth direction in Physcomitrella protonemata binds several phototropins specifically in the photoactivated Pfr state. Split-YFP studies in planta showed that the interaction occurs exclusively at the plasma membrane. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments provided independent confirmation of in vivo phy-phot binding. Consistent with this interaction being associated with a cellular signal, we found that phytochrome-mediated tropic responses are impaired in Physcomitrella phot(-) mutants. Split-YFP revealed a similar interaction between Arabidopsis phytochrome A and phototropin 1 at the plasma membrane. These associations additionally provide a functional explanation for the evolution of neochrome photoreceptors. Our results imply that the elusive phytochrome cytoplasmic signal arises through binding and coaction with phototropin at the plasma membrane.

Solid-state NMR spectroscopic study of chromophore-protein interactions in the Pr ground state of plant phytochrome A

Despite extensive study, the molecular structure of the chromophore-binding pocket of phytochrome A (phyA), the principal photoreceptor controlling photomorphogenesis in plants, has not yet been successfully resolved. Here, we report a series of two-dimensional (2-D) magic-angle spinning solid-state NMR experiments on the recombinant N-terminal, 65-kDa PAS-GAF-PHY light-sensing module of phytochrome A3 from oat (Avena sativa), assembled with uniformly 13C- and 15N-labeled phycocyanobilin (u-[13C,15N]-PCB-As.phyA3). The Pr state of this protein was studied regarding the electronic structure of the chromophore and its interactions with the proximal amino acids. Using 2-D 13C-13C and 1H-15N experiments, a complete set of 13C and 15N assignments for the chromophore were obtained. Also, a large number of 1H-13C distance restraints between the chromophore and its binding pocket were revealed by interfacial heteronuclear correlation spectroscopy. 13C doublings of the chromophore A-ring region and the C-ring carboxylate moiety, together with the observation of two Pr isoforms, Pr-I and Pr-II, demonstrate the local mobility of the chromophore and the plasticity of its protein environment. It appears that the interactions and dynamics in the binding pocket of phyA in the Pr state are remarkably similar to those of cyanobacterial phytochrome (Cph1). The N-terminus of the region modeled (residues 56-66 of phyA) is highly mobile. Differences in the regulatory processes involved in plant and Cph1 phytochromes are discussed.

Assembly of synthetic locked phycocyanobilin derivatives with phytochrome in vitro and in vivo in Ceratodon purpureus and Arabidopsis

Phytochromes are photoreceptors with a bilin chromophore in which light triggers the conversion between the red light-absorbing form, Pr, and the far-red-light-absorbing form, Pfr. Here we performed in vitro and in vivo studies using locked phycocyanobilin derivatives, termed 15 Z anti phycocyanobilin (15ZaPCB) and 15 E anti PCB (15EaPCB). Recombinant bacterial and plant phytochromes incorporated either chromophore in a noncovalent or covalent manner. All adducts were photoinactive. The absorption spectra of the 15ZaPCB and 15EaPCB adducts were comparable with those of the Pr and Pfr form, respectively. Feeding of 15EaPCB, but not 15ZaPCB, to protonemal filaments of the moss Ceratodon purpureus resulted in increased chlorophyll accumulation, modulation of gravitropism, and induction of side branches in darkness. The effect of locked chromophores on phytochrome responses, such as induction of seed germination, inhibition of hypocotyl elongation, induction of cotyledon opening, randomization of gravitropism, and gene regulation, were investigated in wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana and the phytochrome-chromophore-deficient long hypocotyl mutant hy1. All phytochrome responses were induced in darkness by 15EaPCB, not only in the mutant but also in the wild type. These studies show that the 15Ea stereochemistry of the chromophore results in the formation of active Pfr-like phytochrome in the cell. Locked chromophores might be used to investigate phytochrome responses in many other organisms without the need to isolate mutants. The induction of phytochrome responses in the hy1 mutant by 15EaPCB were however less efficient than by red light irradiation given to biliverdin-rescued seeds or seedlings.

Conformational homogeneity and excited-state isomerization dynamics of the bilin chromophore in phytochrome Cph1 from resonance Raman intensities

The ground-state structure and excited-state isomerization dynamics of the P(r) and P(fr) forms of phytochrome Cph1 are investigated using resonance Raman intensity analysis. Electronic absorption and stimulated resonance Raman spectra of P(r) and P(fr) are presented; vibronic analysis of the Raman intensities and absorption spectra reveals that both conformers exist as a single, homogeneous population of molecules in the ground state. The homogeneous and inhomogeneous contributions to the overall electronic broadening are determined, and it is found that the broadening is largely homogeneous in nature, pointing to fast excited-state decay. Franck-Condon displacements derived from the Raman intensity analysis reveal the initial atomic motions in the excited state, including the highly displaced, nontotally symmetric torsional and C(15)-H HOOP modes that appear because of symmetry-reducing distortions about the C(14)-C(15) and C(15)=C(16) bonds. P(fr) is especially well primed for ultrafast isomerization and torsional Franck-Condon analysis predicts a <200 fs P(fr) → P(r) isomerization. This time is significantly faster than the observed 700 fs reaction time, indicating that the P(fr) S(1) surface has a D-ring rotational barrier caused by steric interactions with the protein.

Femtosecond photodynamics of the red/green cyanobacteriochrome NpR6012g4 from Nostoc punctiforme. 2. reverse dynamics

Phytochromes are red/far-red photosensory proteins that utilize photoisomerization of a linear tetrapyrrole (bilin) chromophore to photoconvert reversibly between red- and far-red-absorbing forms (P(r) and P(fr), respectively). Cyanobacteriochromes (CBCRs) are related photosensory proteins with more diverse spectral sensitivity. The mechanisms that underlie this spectral diversity have not yet been fully elucidated. One of the main CBCR subfamilies photoconverts between a red-absorbing 15Z ground state, like the familiar P(r) state of phytochromes, and a green-absorbing photoproduct ((15E)P(g)). We have previously used the red/green CBCR NpR6012g4 from the cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme to examine ultrafast photodynamics of the forward photoreaction. Here, we examine the reverse reaction. Using excitation-interleaved transient absorption spectroscopy with broadband detection and multicomponent global analysis, we observed multiphasic excited-state dynamics. Interleaved excitation allowed us to identify wavelength-dependent shifts in the ground-state bleach that equilibrated on a 200 ps time scale, indicating ground-state heterogeneity. Compared to the previously studied forward reaction, the reverse reaction has much faster excited-state decay time constants and significantly higher photoproduct yield. This work thus demonstrates striking differences between the forward and reverse reactions of NpR6012g4 and provides clear evidence of ground-state heterogeneity in the phytochrome superfamily.

Structure-guided engineering enhances a phytochrome-based infrared fluorescent protein

Phytochrome is a multidomain dimeric red light photoreceptor that utilizes a chromophore-binding domain (CBD), a PHY domain, and an output module to induce cellular changes in response to light. A promising biotechnology tool emerged when a structure-based substitution at Asp-207 was shown to be an infrared fluorophore that uses a biologically available tetrapyrrole chromophore. We report multiple crystal structures of this D207H variant of the Deinococcus radiodurans CBD, in which His-207 is observed to form a hydrogen bond with either the tetrapyrrole A-ring oxygen or the Tyr-263 hydroxyl. Based on the implications of this duality for fluorescence properties, Y263F was introduced and shown to have stronger fluorescence than the original D207H template. Our structures are consistent with the model that the Y263F change prevents a red light-induced far-red light absorbing phytochrome chromophore configuration. With the goal of decreasing size and thereby facilitating use as a fluorescent tag in vivo, we also engineered a monomeric form of the CBD. Unexpectedly, photoconversion was observed in the monomer despite the lack of a PHY domain. This observation underscores an interplay between dimerization and the photochemical properties of phytochrome and suggests that the monomeric CBD could be used for further studies of the photocycle. The D207H substitution on its own in the monomer did not result in fluorescence, whereas Y263F did. Combined, the D207H and Y263F substitutions in the monomeric CBD lead to the brightest of our variants, designated Wisconsin infrared phytofluor (Wi-Phy).

Photophysical diversity of two novel cyanobacteriochromes with phycocyanobilin chromophores: photochemistry and dark reversion kinetics

Cyanobacteriochromes are phytochrome homologues in cyanobacteria that act as sensory photoreceptors. We compare two cyanobacteriochromes, RGS (coded by slr1393) from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and AphC (coded by all2699) from Nostoc sp. PCC 7120. Both contain three GAF (cGMP phosphodiesterase, adenylyl cyclase and FhlA protein) domains (GAF1, GAF2 and GAF3). The respective full-length, truncated and cysteine point-mutated genes were expressed in Escherichia coli together with genes for chromophore biosynthesis. The resulting chromoproteins were analyzed by UV-visible absorption, fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy as well as by mass spectrometry. RGS shows a red-green photochromism (λ(max) = 650 and 535 nm) that is assigned to the reversible 15Z/E isomerization of a single phycocyanobilin-chromophore (PCB) binding to Cys528 of GAF3. Of the three GAF domains, only GAF3 binds a chromophore and the binding is autocatalytic. RGS autophosphorylates in vitro; this reaction is photoregulated: the 535 nm state containing E-PCB was more active than the 650 nm state containing Z-PCB. AphC from Nostoc could be chromophorylated at two GAF domains, namely GAF1 and GAF3. PCB-GAF1 is photochromic, with the proposed 15E state (λ(max) = 685 nm) reverting slowly thermally to the thermostable 15Z state (λ(max)  = 635 nm). PCB-GAF3 showed a novel red-orange photochromism; the unstable state (putative 15E, λ(max) = 595 nm) reverts very rapidly (τ ~ 20 s) back to the thermostable Z state (λ(max) = 645 nm). The photochemistry of doubly chromophorylated AphC is accordingly complex, as is the autophosphorylation: E-GAF1/E-GAF3 shows the highest rate of autophosphorylation activity, while E-GAF1/Z-GAF3 has intermediate activity, and Z-GAF1/Z-GAF3 is the least active state.

Temperature-scan cryocrystallography reveals reaction intermediates in bacteriophytochrome

Light is a fundamental signal that regulates important physiological processes such as development and circadian rhythm in living organisms. Phytochromes form a major family of photoreceptors responsible for red light perception in plants, fungi and bacteria. They undergo reversible photoconversion between red-absorbing (Pr) and far-red-absorbing (Pfr) states, thereby ultimately converting a light signal into a distinct biological signal that mediates subsequent cellular responses. Several structures of microbial phytochromes have been determined in their dark-adapted Pr or Pfr states. However, the structural nature of initial photochemical events has not been characterized by crystallography. Here we report the crystal structures of three intermediates in the photoreaction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteriophytochrome (PaBphP). We used cryotrapping crystallography to capture intermediates, and followed structural changes by scanning the temperature at which the photoreaction proceeded. Light-induced conformational changes in PaBphP originate in ring D of the biliverdin (BV) chromophore, and E-to-Z isomerization about the C(15) = C(16) double bond between rings C and D is the initial photochemical event. As the chromophore relaxes, the twist of the C(15) methine bridge about its two dihedral angles is reversed. Structural changes extend further to rings B and A, and to the surrounding protein regions. These data indicate that absorption of a photon by the Pfr state of PaBphP converts a light signal into a structural signal via twisting and untwisting of the methine bridges in the linear tetrapyrrole within the confined protein cavity.

Phytochrome structure and photochemistry: recent advances toward a complete molecular picture

Phytochromes are nature's primary photoreceptors dedicated to detecting the red and far-red regions of the visible light spectrum, a region also essential for photosynthesis and thus crucial to the survival of plants and other photosynthetic organisms. Given their roles in measuring competition and diurnal/seasonal light fluctuations, understanding how phytochromes work at the molecular level would greatly aid in engineering crop plants better suited to specific agricultural settings. Recently, scientists have determined the three-dimensional structures of prokaryotic phytochromes, which now provide clues as to how these modular photoreceptors might work at the atomic level. The models point toward a largely unifying mechanism whereby novel knot, hairpin, and dimeric interfaces transduce photoreversible bilin isomerization into protein conformational changes that alter signal output.

Assignment of phycocyanobilin in HMPT using triple resonance experiments

A complete assignment of all resonances of a small organic molecule is a prerequisite for a structure determination using NMR spectroscopy. This is conventionally obtained using a well-established strategy based on COSY, HMQC and HMBC spectra. In case of phycocyanobilin (PCB) in HMPT this strategy was unsuccessful due to the symmetry of the molecule and extreme signal overlap. Since (13)C and (15)N labeled material was available, an alternative strategy for resonance assignment was used. Triple resonance experiments derived from experiments conventionally performed for proteins are sensitive and easy to analyze. Their application led to a complete and unambiguous assignment using three types of experiments.

Phytochrome signaling: solving the Gordian knot with microbial relatives

Phytochromes encompass a diverse collection of biliproteins that regulate numerous photoresponses in plants and microorganisms. Whereas the plant versions have proven experimentally intractable for structural studies, the microbial forms have recently provided important insights into how these photoreceptors work at the atomic level. Here, we review the current understanding of these microbial phytochromes, which shows that they have a modular dimeric architecture that propagates light-driven rotation of the bilin to distal contacts between adjacent signal output domains. Surprising features underpinning this signaling include: a deeply buried chromophore; a knot and hairpin loop that stabilizes the photosensing domain; and an extended helical spine that translates conformational changes in the photosensing domain to the output domain. Conservation within the superfamily both in modular construction and sequence strongly suggests that higher plant phytochromes work similarly as light-regulated toggle switches.