Structure of ADP x AIF4(-)-stabilized nitrogenase complex and its implications for signal transduction

Genome sequence of a mesophilic hydrogenotrophic methanogen Methanocella paludicola, the first cultivated representative of the order Methanocellales

We report complete genome sequence of a mesophilic hydrogenotrophic methanogen Methanocella paludicola, the first cultured representative of the order Methanocellales once recognized as an uncultured key archaeal group for methane emission in rice fields. The genome sequence of M. paludicola consists of a single circular chromosome of 2,957,635 bp containing 3004 protein-coding sequences (CDS). Genes for most of the functions known in the methanogenic archaea were identified, e.g. a full complement of hydrogenases and methanogenesis enzymes. The mixotrophic growth of M. paludicola was clarified by the genomic characterization and re-examined by the subsequent growth experiments. Comparative genome analysis with the previously reported genome sequence of RC-I_MRE50, which was metagenomically reconstructed, demonstrated that about 70% of M. paludicola CDSs were genetically related with RC-I_MRE50 CDSs. These CDSs included the genes involved in hydrogenotrophic methane production, incomplete TCA cycle, assimilatory sulfate reduction and so on. However, the genetic components for the carbon and nitrogen fixation and antioxidant system were different between the two Methanocellales genomes. The difference is likely associated with the physiological variability between M. paludicola and RC-I_MRE50, further suggesting the genomic and physiological diversity of the Methanocellales methanogens. Comparative genome analysis among the previously determined methanogen genomes points to the genome-wide relatedness of the Methanocellales methanogens to the orders Methanosarcinales and Methanomicrobiales methanogens in terms of the genetic repertoire. Meanwhile, the unique evolutionary history of the Methanocellales methanogens is also traced in an aspect by the comparative genome analysis among the methanogens.

NifEN-B complex of Azotobacter vinelandii is fully functional in nitrogenase FeMo cofactor assembly

Assembly of nitrogenase FeMoco is one of the key processes in bioinorganic chemistry. NifB and NifEN are two essential elements immediately adjacent to each other along the biosynthetic pathway of FeMoco. Previously, an 8Fe-precursor of FeMoco was identified on NifEN; however, the identity of the biosynthetic intermediate on NifB has remained elusive to date. Here, we present a combined biochemical and spectroscopic investigation of a His-tagged NifEN-B fusion protein of Azotobacter vinelandii. Our data from the EPR and activity analyses confirm the presence of the 8Fe-precursor in the NifEN entity of NifEN-B; whereas those from the metal, EPR, and UV/Vis experiments reveal the presence of additional [Fe(4)S(4)]-type cluster species in the NifB entity of NifEN-B. EPR-, UV/Vis- and metal-based quantitative analyses suggest that the newly identified cluster species in NifEN-B consist of both SAM-motif (CXXXCXXC)- and non-SAM-motif-bound [Fe(4)S(4)]-type clusters. Moreover, EPR and activity experiments indicate that the non-SAM-motif [Fe(4)S(4)] cluster is a NifB-bound intermediate of FeMoco assembly, which could be converted to the 8Fe-precursor in a SAM-dependent mechanism. Combined outcome of this work provides the initial insights into the biosynthetic events of FeMoco on NifB. More importantly, the full capacity of NifEN-B in FeMoco biosynthesis demonstrates the potential of this fusion protein as an excellent platform for further investigations of the role of NifB and its interaction with NifEN during the process of FeMoco assembly.

Biosynthesis of Nitrogenase FeMoco

Biosynthesis of nitrogenase FeMoco is a highly complex process that requires, minimally, the participation of nifS, nifU, nifB, nifE, nifN, nifV, nifH, nifD and nifK gene products. Previous genetic analyses have identified the essential factors for the assembly of FeMoco; however, the exact functions of these factors and the precise sequence of events during the assembly process had remained unclear until recently, when a number of the biosynthetic intermediates of FeMoco were identified and characterized by combined biochemical, spectroscopic and structural analyses. This review gives a brief account of the recent progress toward understanding the assembly process of FeMoco, which has identified some important missing pieces of this biosynthetic puzzle.

The activation mechanism of Irga6, an interferon-inducible GTPase contributing to mouse resistance against Toxoplasma gondii

BACKGROUND

The interferon-inducible immunity-related GTPases (IRG proteins/p47 GTPases) are a distinctive family of GTPases that function as powerful cell-autonomous resistance factors. The IRG protein, Irga6 (IIGP1), participates in the disruption of the vacuolar membrane surrounding the intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, through which it communicates with its cellular hosts. Some aspects of the protein's behaviour have suggested a dynamin-like molecular mode of action, in that the energy released by GTP hydrolysis is transduced into mechanical work that results in deformation and ultimately rupture of the vacuolar membrane.

RESULTS

Irga6 forms GTP-dependent oligomers in vitro and thereby activates hydrolysis of the GTP substrate. In this study we define the catalytic G-domain interface by mutagenesis and present a structural model, of how GTP hydrolysis is activated in Irga6 complexes, based on the substrate-twinning reaction mechanism of the signal recognition particle (SRP) and its receptor (SRα). In conformity with this model, we show that the bound nucleotide is part of the catalytic interface and that the 3'hydroxyl of the GTP ribose bound to each subunit is essential for trans-activation of hydrolysis of the GTP bound to the other subunit. We show that both positive and negative regulatory interactions between IRG proteins occur via the catalytic interface. Furthermore, mutations that disrupt the catalytic interface also prevent Irga6 from accumulating on the parasitophorous vacuole membrane of T. gondii, showing that GTP-dependent Irga6 activation is an essential component of the resistance mechanism.

CONCLUSIONS

The catalytic interface of Irga6 defined in the present experiments can probably be used as a paradigm for the nucleotide-dependent interactions of all members of the large family of IRG GTPases, both activating and regulatory. Understanding the activation mechanism of Irga6 will help to explain the mechanism by which IRG proteins exercise their resistance function. We find no support from sequence or G-domain structure for the idea that IRG proteins and the SRP GTPases have a common phylogenetic origin. It therefore seems probable, if surprising, that the substrate-assisted catalytic mechanism has been independently evolved in the two protein families.

Determination of the structure of the MinD-ATP complex reveals the orientation of MinD on the membrane and the relative location of the binding sites for MinE and MinC

The three Min proteins spatially regulate Z ring positioning in Escherichia coli and are dynamically associated with the membrane. MinD binds to vesicles in the presence of ATP and can recruit MinC or MinE. Biochemical and genetic evidence indicate the binding sites for these two proteins on MinD overlap. Here we solved the structure of a hydrolytic-deficient mutant of MinD truncated for the C-terminal amphipathic helix involved in binding to the membrane. The structure solved in the presence of ATP is a dimer and reveals the face of MinD abutting the membrane. Using a combination of random and extensive site-directed mutagenesis additional residues important for MinE and MinC binding were identified. The location of these residues on the MinD structure confirms that the binding sites overlap and reveals that the binding sites are at the dimer interface and exposed to the cytosol. The location of the binding sites at the dimer interface offers a simple explanation for the ATP dependence of MinC and MinE binding to MinD.

Iron conservation by reduction of metalloenzyme inventories in the marine diazotroph Crocosphaera watsonii

The marine nitrogen fixing microorganisms (diazotrophs) are a major source of nitrogen to open ocean ecosystems and are predicted to be limited by iron in most marine environments. Here we use global and targeted proteomic analyses on a key unicellular marine diazotroph Crocosphaera watsonii to reveal large scale diel changes in its proteome, including substantial variations in concentrations of iron metalloproteins involved in nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis, as well as nocturnal flavodoxin production. The daily synthesis and degradation of enzymes in coordination with their utilization results in a lowered cellular metalloenzyme inventory that requires ∼40% less iron than if these enzymes were maintained throughout the diel cycle. This strategy is energetically expensive, but appears to serve as an important adaptation for confronting the iron scarcity of the open oceans. A global numerical model of ocean circulation, biogeochemistry and ecosystems suggests that Crocosphaera's ability to reduce its iron-metalloenzyme inventory provides two advantages: It allows Crocosphaera to inhabit regions lower in iron and allows the same iron supply to support higher Crocosphaera biomass and nitrogen fixation than if they did not have this reduced iron requirement.

Small angle x-ray scattering spectroscopy

Conformational changes imposed upon the Fe protein during binding and hydrolysis of Mg·ATP are key to initiating the cycle of interactions within the nitrogenase complex that result in gated electron transfer and the eventual multiple electron reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia. Wonderful insights into how nitrogenase accomplishes this have been gleaned from a number of very nice crystal structures, but conformational changes can only be inferred in a very superficial manner, and a number of key conformations relevant to fully understanding conformational changes have eluded this approach. Alternatively, small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) has proven to be a helpful method for complimenting x-ray crystallography and determining solution structures of various nucleotide-bound states.

Mechanism of Mo-dependent nitrogenase

Nitrogenase is the enzyme responsible for biological reduction of dinitrogen (N(2)) to ammonia, a form usable for life. Playing a central role in the global biogeochemical nitrogen cycle, this enzyme has been the focus of intensive research for over 60 years. This chapter provides an overview of the features of nitrogenase as a background to the subsequent chapters of this volume that detail the many methods that have been applied in an attempt to gain a deeper understanding of this complex enzyme.

Nitrogen fixation and hydrogen metabolism in cyanobacteria

This review summarizes recent aspects of (di)nitrogen fixation and (di)hydrogen metabolism, with emphasis on cyanobacteria. These organisms possess several types of the enzyme complexes catalyzing N(2) fixation and/or H(2) formation or oxidation, namely, two Mo nitrogenases, a V nitrogenase, and two hydrogenases. The two cyanobacterial Ni hydrogenases are differentiated as either uptake or bidirectional hydrogenases. The different forms of both the nitrogenases and hydrogenases are encoded by different sets of genes, and their organization on the chromosome can vary from one cyanobacterium to another. Factors regulating the expression of these genes are emerging from recent studies. New ideas on the potential physiological and ecological roles of nitrogenases and hydrogenases are presented. There is a renewed interest in exploiting cyanobacteria in solar energy conversion programs to generate H(2) as a source of combustible energy. To enhance the rates of H(2) production, the emphasis perhaps needs not to be on more efficient hydrogenases and nitrogenases or on the transfer of foreign enzymes into cyanobacteria. A likely better strategy is to exploit the use of radiant solar energy by the photosynthetic electron transport system to enhance the rates of H(2) formation and so improve the chances of utilizing cyanobacteria as a source for the generation of clean energy.

Variable-temperature, variable-field magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopic study of NifEN-bound precursor and "FeMoco"

NifEN plays a key role in the biosynthesis of the iron-molybdenum cofactor (FeMoco) of nitrogenase. A scaffold protein that hosts the conversion of a FeMoco precursor to a mature cofactor, NifEN can assume three conformations during the process of FeMoco maturation. One, designated ΔnifB NifEN, contains only two permanent [Fe(4)S(4)]-like clusters. The second, designated NifEN(Precursor), contains the permanent clusters and a precursor form of FeMoco. The third, designated NifEN("FeMoco"), contains the permanent [Fe(4)S(4)]-like clusters and a fully complemented, "FeMoco"-like structure. Here, we report a variable-temperature, variable-field magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopic investigation of the electronic structure of the metal clusters in the three forms of dithionite-reduced NifEN. Our data indicate that the permanent [Fe(4)S(4)]-like clusters are structurally and electronically conserved in all three NifEN species and exhibit spectral features of classic [Fe(4)S(4)](+) clusters; however, they are present in a mixed spin state with a small contribution from the S > ½ spin state. Our results also suggest that both the precursor and "FeMoco" have a conserved Fe/S electronic structure that is similar to the electronic structure of FeMoco in the MoFe protein, and that the "FeMoco" in NifEN("FeMoco") exists, predominantly, in an S = 3/2 spin state with spectral parameters identical to those of FeMoco in the MoFe protein. These observations provide strong support to the outcome of our previous EPR and X-ray absorption spectroscopy/extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis of the three NifEN species while providing significant new insights into the unique electronic properties of the precursor and "FeMoco" in NifEN.

Crystal structure of the nitrogenase-like dark operative protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase catalytic complex (ChlN/ChlB)2

During (bacterio)chlorophyll biosynthesis of many photosynthetically active organisms, dark operative protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (DPOR) catalyzes the two-electron reduction of ring D of protochlorophyllide to form chlorophyllide. DPOR is composed of the subunits ChlL, ChlN, and ChlB. Homodimeric ChlL(2) bearing an intersubunit [4Fe-4S] cluster is an ATP-dependent reductase transferring single electrons to the heterotetrameric (ChlN/ChlB)(2) complex. The latter contains two intersubunit [4Fe-4S] clusters and two protochlorophyllide binding sites, respectively. Here we present the crystal structure of the catalytic (ChlN/ChlB)(2) complex of DPOR from the cyanobacterium Thermosynechococcus elongatus at a resolution of 2.4 A. Subunits ChlN and ChlB exhibit a related architecture of three subdomains each built around a central, parallel beta-sheet surrounded by alpha-helices. The (ChlN/ChlB)(2) crystal structure reveals a [4Fe-4S] cluster coordinated by an aspartate oxygen alongside three cysteine ligands. Two equivalent substrate binding sites enriched in aromatic residues for protochlorophyllide substrate binding are located at the interface of each ChlN/ChlB half-tetramer. The complete octameric (ChlN/ChlB)(2)(ChlL(2))(2) complex of DPOR was modeled based on the crystal structure and earlier functional studies. The electron transfer pathway via the various redox centers of DPOR to the substrate is proposed.

A complex of 2-hydroxyisocaproyl-coenzyme A dehydratase and its activator from Clostridium difficile stabilized by aluminium tetrafluoride-adenosine diphosphate

The dehydration of 2-hydroxyisocaproyl-CoA to isocaprenoyl-CoA is the chemically most demanding step in the reduction of leucine to isocaproate by Clostridium difficile, because the beta-hydrogen of the substrate is not acidic (pK(a) ca. 40). A two-component system, composed of a homodimeric activator and an heterodimeric dehydratase, catalyses this unusual alpha,beta-elimination of water. The reduced activator transfers an electron from its [4Fe-4S](+) cluster to that of the dehydratase in an ATP-dependent manner, similar to the iron protein of nitrogenase. Here we show that AlF(4)(-) x ADP traps the interaction of the activator with the dehydratase by forming a stable complex containing 1.0 mol homodimeric activator, 1.0 mol heterodimeric dehydratase and 1.2 mol ADP. The complex (148 kDa) was isolated by size exclusion chromatography, affinity chromatography using the Strep-tag at the activator, or most conveniently by ultrafiltration (100 kDa cut off membrane). Kinetic and EPR-spectroscopic experiments revealed that the complex formation proceeds much slower than the activation but in an almost irreversible manner. The isolated complex is devoid of any activity, because the dehydratase is in the oxidized form whereas the activator remains in the reduced state due to the presence of dithionite.

Cytosolic iron-sulfur cluster assembly (CIA) system: factors, mechanism, and relevance to cellular iron regulation

FeS cluster biogenesis is an essential process in virtually all forms of life. Complex protein machineries that are conserved from bacteria through higher eukaryotes facilitate assembly of the FeS cofactor in proteins. In the last several years, significant strides have been made in our understanding of FeS cluster assembly and the functional overlap of this process with cellular iron homeostasis. This minireview summarizes the present understanding of the cytosolic iron-sulfur cluster assembly (CIA) system in eukaryotes, with a focus on information gained from studies in budding yeast and mammalian systems.

Decoding the nitrogenase mechanism: the homologue approach

The (Mo)-nitrogenase is a complex metalloenzyme that catalyzes the key step in the global nitrogen cycle, the reduction of atmospheric dinitrogen (N(2)) to bioavailable ammonia (NH(3)), at the iron-molybdenum cofactor (FeMoco) site of its molybdenum-iron (MoFe) protein component. Despite the fundamental significance of biological nitrogen fixation and extensive studies over the past decades, the catalytic mechanism of nitrogenase has not been deciphered. One major challenge for the mechanistic study of nitrogenase is the redox versatility of its FeMoco center. The ability of FeMoco to shuttle between oxidation states in a rapid and unsynchronized manner results in a mixed oxidation state of the cofactor population during turnover. The substrate and the various intermediates can only interact with the FeMoco site in a transient manner, so it is extremely difficult to capture any substrate- or intermediate-bound form of nitrogenase for the direct examination of substrate-enzyme interactions during catalysis. In this Account, we describe the approach of identifying a partially "defective" nitrogenase homologue, one with a slower turnover rate, as a means of overcoming this problem. The NifEN protein complex serves as an ideal candidate for this purpose. It is an alpha(2)beta(2)-heterotetramer that contains cluster-binding sites homologous to those found in the MoFe protein: the "P-cluster site" at the interface of the alphabeta-subunit dimer, which accommodates a [Fe(4)S(4)]-type cluster; and the "FeMoco site" within the alpha-subunit, which houses an all-iron homologue to the FeMoco. Moreover, NifEN mimics the MoFe protein in catalysis: it is capable of reducing acetylene (C(2)H(2)) and azide (N(3)(-)) in an ATP- and iron (Fe) protein-dependent manner. However, NifEN is unable to reduce proton (H(+)) and N(2), and it is an inefficient enzyme with a restricted electron flux during the turnover. The extremely slow turnover rate of NifEN and the possible "synchronization" of its FeMoco homologue at a certain oxidation level permit the observation of a new S = 1/2 EPR signal upon turnover of C(2)H(2) by NifEN, which is analogous to the signal reported for a MoFe protein variant upon turnover of the same substrate. This result is exciting, because it suggests the possibility of naturally enriching a C(2)H(2)-bound form of NifEN for the successful crystallization of the first intermediate-bound nitrogenase homologue. On the other hand, the fact that NifEN represents a partially "defective" homologue of the MoFe protein makes it a promising mutational platform on which a functional MoFe protein equivalent may be reconstructed by introducing the missing features of MoFe protein step-by-step into NifEN. Such a strategy allows us to define the function of each feature and address questions such as the following: What is the function of P-cluster in catalysis? Are Mo and homocitrate the essential constituents of the cofactor in N(2) reduction? How does substrate accessibility affect the reactivity of the enzyme? This homologue approach could complement the mechanistic analysis of the nitrogenase MoFe protein, and information derived from both approaches will help achieve the ultimate goal of solving the riddle of biological nitrogen fixation.

Formation of a homocitrate-free iron-molybdenum cluster on NifEN: implications for the role of homocitrate in nitrogenase assembly

Molybdenum (Mo)-dependent nitrogenase is a complex metalloprotein that catalyzes the biological reduction of dinitrogen (N(2)) to ammonia (NH(3)) at the molybdenum-iron cofactor (FeMoco) site of its molybdenum-iron (MoFe) protein component. Here we report the formation of a homocitrate-free, iron-molybdenum ("FeMo") cluster on the biosynthetic scaffold of FeMoco, NifEN. Such a NifEN-associated "FeMo" cluster exhibits EPR features similar to those of the NifEN-associated, fully-complemented "FeMoco", which originate from the presence of Mo in both cluster species; however, "FeMo" cluster and "FeMoco" display different temperature-dependent changes in the line shape and the signal intensity of their respective EPR features, which reflect the impact of homocitrate on the redox properties of these clusters. XAS/EXAFS analysis reveals that the Mo centers in both "FeMo" cluster and "FeMoco" are present in a similar coordination environment, although Mo in "FeMo" cluster is more loosely coordinated as compared to that in "FeMoco" with respect to the Mo-O distances in the cluster, likely due to the absence of homocitrate that normally serves as an additional ligand for the Mo in the cluster. Subsequent biochemical investigation of the "FeMo" cluster not only facilitates the determination of the sequence of events in the mobilization of Mo and homocitrate during FeMoco maturation, but also permits the examination of the role of homocitrate in the transfer of FeMoco between NifEN and MoFe protein. Combined outcome of these studies establishes a platform for future structural analysis of the interactions between NifEN and MoFe protein, which will provide useful insights into the mechanism of cluster transfer between the two proteins.

Role of signature lysines in the deviant walker a motifs of the ArsA ATPase

The ArsA ATPase belongs to the P-loop GTPase subgroup within the GTPase superfamily of proteins. Members of this subgroup have a deviant Walker A motif which contains a signature lysine that is predicted to make intermonomer contact with the bound nucleotides and to play a role in ATP hydrolysis. ArsA has two signature lysines located at positions 16 and 335. The role of Lys16 in the A1 half and Lys335 in the A2 half was investigated by altering the lysines individually to alanine, arginine, leucine, methionine, glutamate, and glutamine by site-directed mutagenesis. While Lys16 mutants show similar resistance phenotypes as the wild type, the Lys335 mutants are sensitive to higher concentrations of arsenite. K16Q ArsA shows 70% of wild-type ATPase activity while K335Q ArsA is inactive. ArsA is activated by binding of Sb(III), and both wild-type and mutant ArsAs bind Sb(III) with a 1:1 stoichiometry. Although each ArsA binds nucleotide, the binding affinity decreases in the order wild type > K16Q > K335Q. The results of limited trypsin digestion analysis indicate that both wild type and K16Q adopt a similar conformation during activated catalysis, whereas K335Q adopts a conformation that is resistant to trypsin cleavage. These biochemical data along with structural modeling suggest that, although Lys16 is not critical for ATPase activity, Lys335 is involved in intersubunit interaction and activation of ATPase activity in both halves of the protein. Taken together, the results indicate that Lys16 and Lys335, located in the A1 and A2 halves of the protein, have different roles in ArsA catalysis, consistent with our proposal that the nucleotide binding domains in these two halves are functionally nonequivalent.

Biosynthesis of (bacterio)chlorophylls: ATP-dependent transient subunit interaction and electron transfer of dark operative protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase

Dark operative protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (DPOR) catalyzes the light-independent two-electron reduction of protochlorophyllide a to form chlorophyllide a, the last common precursor of chlorophyll a and bacteriochlorophyll a biosynthesis. During ATP-dependent DPOR catalysis the homodimeric ChlL(2) subunit carrying a [4Fe-4S] cluster transfers electrons to the corresponding heterotetrameric catalytic subunit (ChlN/ChlB)(2), which also possesses a redox active [4Fe-4S] cluster. To investigate the transient interaction of both subcomplexes and the resulting electron transfer reactions, the ternary DPOR enzyme holocomplex comprising subunits ChlN, ChlB, and ChlL from the cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus marinus was trapped as an octameric (ChlN/ChlB)(2)(ChlL(2))(2) complex after incubation with the nonhydrolyzable ATP analogs adenosine 5'-(gamma-thio)triphosphate, adenosine 5'-(beta,gamma-imido)triphosphate, or MgADP in combination with AlF(4)(-). Additionally, a mutant ChlL(2) protein, with a deleted Leu(153) in the switch II region also allowed for the formation of a stable octameric complex. Furthermore, efficient complex formation required the presence of protochlorophyllide. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy of ternary DPOR complexes revealed a reduced [4Fe-4S] cluster located on ChlL(2), indicating that complete ATP hydrolysis is a prerequisite for intersubunit electron transfer. Circular dichroism spectroscopic experiments indicated nucleotide-dependent conformational changes for ChlL(2) after ATP binding. A nucleotide-dependent switch mechanism triggering ternary complex formation and electron transfer was concluded. From these results a detailed redox cycle for DPOR catalysis was deduced.

Crystal structure of the ATP-dependent maturation factor of Ni,Fe-containing carbon monoxide dehydrogenases

CooC proteins are ATPases involved in the incorporation of nickel into the complex active site ([Ni-4Fe-4S]) cluster of Ni,Fe-dependent carbon monoxide dehydrogenases. The genome of the carboxydotrophic bacterium Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformans encodes five carbon monoxide dehydrogenases and three CooC-type proteins, of which CooC1 was shown to be a nickel-binding ATPase. We determined the crystal structure of CooC1 in four different states: empty, ADP-bound, Zn(2+)/ADP-bound, and Zn(2+)-bound. The structure of CooC1 consists of two spatially separated functional modules: an ATPase module containing the deviant Walker A motif and a metal-binding module that confers the specific function of CooC1. The ATPase module is homologous to other members of the MinD family and, in analogy to the dimeric structure of ATP-bound Soj, is likely responsible for the ATP-dependent dimerization of CooC1. Its core topology classifies CooC1 as a member of the MinD family of SIMIBI (signal recognition particle, MinD and BioD)-class NTPases. The crystal structure of Zn(2+)-bound CooC1 reveals a conserved C-X-C motif as the metal-binding site responsible for metal-induced dimerization. The competitive binding of Ni(2+) and Zn(2+) to CooC1 in solution confirms that the conserved C-X-C motif is also responsible for the interaction with Ni(2+). A comparison of the different CooC1 structures determined suggests a mutual dependence of metal-binding site and nucleotide-binding site.

Dual functions of NifEN: insights into the evolution and mechanism of nitrogenase

Nitrogenase catalyzes the nucleotide-dependent conversion of dinitrogen to ammonia at the iron-molybdenum cofactor (FeMoco) center of its molybdenum-iron (MoFe) protein component. Biosynthesis of FeMoco is arguably one of the most complex processes in the field of bioinorganic chemistry, which involves the participation of a number of nif (nitrogen fixing) gene products. One key player in this process, NifEN (encoded by nifE and nifN), is homologous to the MoFe protein with regard to both the primary sequences and the types of the metal centers. Recently, an all-iron precursor has been identified on NifEN, which closely resembles the Fe/S core structure of the mature cofactor. Such a precursor-bound form of NifEN has not only served as an excellent platform for the investigation of FeMoco assembly, but also facilitated the examination of the capacity of NifEN as a catalytic homolog of MoFe protein. This perspective will focus on the recent advances toward elucidating the dual functions of NifEN in nitrogenase assembly and catalysis, and the insights afforded by these advances into the evolution and mechanism of nitrogenase.

CooC1 from Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformans is a nickel-binding ATPase

The maturation of nickel-dependent enzymes requires the participation of several accessory proteins. Typically the hydrolysis of nucleotides is necessary for the final metal transfer steps. The ATPase CooC has been implicated in the insertion of nickel into the Ni,Fe cluster (C cluster) of the carbon monoxide dehydrogenase from Rhodospirillum rubrum. Analysis of the amino acid sequence of CooC suggests the presence of motifs typical for the MinD family of SIMIBI class NTPases, which contain a deviant Walker A motif. The genome of the carboxidotrophic hydrogenogenic bacterium Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformans contains three open reading frames with distinct sequence homology to CooC from R. rubrum. We overproduced, isolated, and studied CooC1 from C. hydrogenoformans. As-isolated CooC1 is monomeric in the absence of ligands but dimerizes in the presence of either nickel, ADP, or ATP. CooC1 shows ATPase activity, and the ADP- and ATP-bound dimeric states are distinguished by their stability. The K8A mutant of CooC1, in which alanine replaces the signature lysine typical for the deviant Walker A motif in the MinD family, is incapable of both ATP hydrolysis and ATP-dependent dimerization. This corroborates that CooC1 is indeed a member of the MinD family and suggests an analogous dynamic equilibrium between monomeric and dimeric states. CooC proteins are involved in the insertion of nickel into carbon monoxide dehydrogenases, and we found that one CooC1 dimer binds one Ni(II) ion with nanomolar affinity. Ni-induced dimerization and the Ni(II)-CooC1 stoichiometry suggest that the Ni-binding site of CooC1 occurs in the dimer interface.

Nitrogenase switch-off and regulation of ammonium assimilation in response to light deprivation in Rhodospirillum rubrum are influenced by the nitrogen source used during growth

Nitrogen fixation and ammonium assimilation in Rhodospirillum rubrum are regulated in response to changes in light availability, and we show that the response in terms of glutamine synthetase activity and P(II) modification is dependent on the nitrogen source used for growth, N(2) or glutamate, although both lead to nitrogenase derepression.

Radical and electron recycling in catalysis

An increasing number of enzymes are being discovered that contain radicals or catalyze reactions via radical intermediates. These radical enzymes are able to open reaction pathways that two-electron steps cannot achieve. Recently, organic chemists started to apply related radical chemistry for synthetic purposes, whereby an electron energized by light is recycled in every turnover. This Minireview compares this new type of reaction with enzymes that use recycling radicals and single electrons as cofactors.

Molecular characterization of potential nitrogen fixation by anaerobic methane-oxidizing archaea in the methane seep sediments at the number 8 Kumano Knoll in the Kumano Basin, offshore of Japan

The potential for microbial nitrogen fixation in the anoxic methane seep sediments in a mud volcano, the number 8 Kumano Knoll, was characterized by molecular phylogenetic analyses. A total of 111 of the nifH (a gene coding a nitrogen fixation enzyme, Fe protein) clones were obtained from different depths of the core sediments, and the phylogenetic analysis of the clones indicated the genetic diversity of nifH genes. The predominant group detected (methane seep group 2), representing 74% of clonal abundance, was phylogenetically related to the nifH sequences obtained from the Methanosarcina species but was most closely related to the nifH sequences potentially derived from the anoxic methanotrophic archaea (ANME-2 archaea). The recovery of the nif gene clusters including the nifH sequences of the methane seep group 2 and the subsequent reverse transcription-PCR detection of the nifD and nifH genes strongly suggested that the genetic components of the gene clusters would be operative for the in situ assimilation of molecular nitrogen (N(2)) by the host microorganisms. DNA-based quantitative PCR of the archaeal 16S rRNA gene, the group-specific mcrA (a gene encoding the methyl-coenzyme M reductase alpha subunit) gene, and the nifD and nifH genes demonstrated the similar distribution patterns of the archaeal 16S rRNA gene, the mcrA groups c-d and e, and the nifD and nifH genes through the core sediments. These results supported the idea that the anoxic methanotrophic archaea ANME-2c could be the microorganisms hosting the nif gene clusters and could play an important role in not only the in situ carbon (methane) cycle but also the nitrogen cycle in subseafloor sediments.

Catalytic activities of NifEN: implications for nitrogenase evolution and mechanism

NifEN is a key player in the biosynthesis of nitrogenase MoFe protein. It not only shares a considerable degree of sequence homology with the MoFe protein, but also contains clusters that are homologous to those found in the MoFe protein. Here we present an investigation of the catalytic activities of NifEN. Our data show that NifEN is catalytically competent in acetylene (C(2)H(2)) and azide (N(3)(-)) reduction, yet unable to reduce dinitrogen (N(2)) or evolve hydrogen (H(2)). Upon turnover, C(2)H(2) gives rise to an additional S = 1/2 signal, whereas N(3)(-) perturbs the signal originating from the NifEN-associated FeMoco homolog. Combined biochemical and spectroscopic studies reveal that N(3)(-) can act as either an inhibitor or an activator for the binding and/or reduction of C(2)H(2), while carbon monoxide (CO) is a potent inhibitor for the binding and/or reduction of both N(3)(-) and C(2)H(2). Taken together, our results suggest that NifEN is a catalytic homolog of MoFe protein; however, it is only a "skeleton" version of the MoFe protein, as its associated clusters are simpler in structure and less versatile in function, which, in turn, may account for its narrower range of substrates and lower activities of substrate reduction. The resemblance of NifEN to MoFe protein in catalysis points to a plausible, sequential appearance of the two proteins in nitrogenase evolution. More importantly, the discrepancy between the two systems may provide useful insights into nitrogenase mechanism and allow reconstruction of a fully functional nitrogenase from the "skeleton" enzyme, NifEN.

Molybdenum cofactors, enzymes and pathways

The trace element molybdenum is essential for nearly all organisms and forms the catalytic centre of a large variety of enzymes such as nitrogenase, nitrate reductases, sulphite oxidase and xanthine oxidoreductases. Nature has developed two scaffolds holding molybdenum in place, the iron-molybdenum cofactor and pterin-based molybdenum cofactors. Despite the different structures and functions of molybdenum-dependent enzymes, there are important similarities, which we highlight here. The biosynthetic pathways leading to both types of cofactor have common mechanistic aspects relating to scaffold formation, metal activation and cofactor insertion into apoenzymes, and have served as an evolutionary 'toolbox' to mediate additional cellular functions in eukaryotic metabolism.

Model for eukaryotic tail-anchored protein binding based on the structure of Get3

The Get3 ATPase directs the delivery of tail-anchored (TA) proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). TA-proteins are characterized by having a single transmembrane helix (TM) at their extreme C terminus and include many essential proteins, such as SNAREs, apoptosis factors, and protein translocation components. These proteins cannot follow the SRP-dependent co-translational pathway that typifies most integral membrane proteins; instead, post-translationally, these proteins are recognized and bound by Get3 then delivered to the ER in the ATP dependent Get pathway. To elucidate a molecular mechanism for TA protein binding by Get3 we have determined three crystal structures in apo and ADP forms from Saccharomyces cerevisae (ScGet3-apo) and Aspergillus fumigatus (AfGet3-apo and AfGet3-ADP). Using structural information, we generated mutants to confirm important interfaces and essential residues. These results point to a model of how Get3 couples ATP hydrolysis to the binding and release of TA-proteins.

The structural basis of tail-anchored membrane protein recognition by Get3

Targeting of newly synthesized membrane proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum is an essential cellular process. Most membrane proteins are recognized and targeted co-translationally by the signal recognition particle. However, nearly 5% of membrane proteins are 'tail-anchored' by a single carboxy-terminal transmembrane domain that cannot access the co-translational pathway. Instead, tail-anchored proteins are targeted post-translationally by a conserved ATPase termed Get3. The mechanistic basis for tail-anchored protein recognition or targeting by Get3 is not known. Here we present crystal structures of yeast Get3 in 'open' (nucleotide-free) and 'closed' (ADP.AlF(4)(-)-bound) dimer states. In the closed state, the dimer interface of Get3 contains an enormous hydrophobic groove implicated by mutational analyses in tail-anchored protein binding. In the open state, Get3 undergoes a striking rearrangement that disrupts the groove and shields its hydrophobic surfaces. These data provide a molecular mechanism for nucleotide-regulated binding and release of tail-anchored proteins during their membrane targeting by Get3.

Mechanism of Mo-dependent nitrogenase

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria catalyze the reduction of dinitrogen (N(2)) to two ammonia molecules (NH(3)), the major contribution of fixed nitrogen to the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle. The most widely studied nitrogenase is the molybdenum (Mo)-dependent enzyme. The reduction of N(2) by this enzyme involves the transient interaction of two component proteins, designated the iron (Fe) protein and the MoFe protein, and minimally requires 16 magnesium ATP (MgATP), eight protons, and eight electrons. The current state of knowledge on how these proteins and small molecules together effect the reduction of N(2) to ammonia is reviewed. Included is a summary of the roles of the Fe protein and MgATP hydrolysis, information on the roles of the two metal clusters contained in the MoFe protein in catalysis, insights gained from recent success in trapping substrates and inhibitors at the active-site metal cluster FeMo cofactor, and finally, considerations of the mechanism of N(2) reduction catalyzed by nitrogenase.

Crystal structure of dinitrogenase reductase-activating glycohydrolase (DraG) reveals conservation in the ADP-ribosylhydrolase fold and specific features in the ADP-ribose-binding pocket

Protein-reversible ADP-ribosylation is emerging as an important post-translational modification used to control enzymatic and protein activity in different biological systems. This modification regulates nitrogenase activity in several nitrogen-fixing bacterial species. ADP-ribosylation is catalyzed by ADP-ribosyltransferases and is reversed by ADP-ribosylhydrolases. The structure of the ADP-ribosylhydrolase that acts on Azospirillum brasilense nitrogenase (dinitrogenase reductase-activating glycohydrolase, DraG) has been solved at a resolution of 2.5 A. This bacterial member of the ADP-ribosylhydrolase family acts specifically towards a mono-ADP-ribosylated substrate. The protein shows an all-alpha-helix structure with two magnesium ions located in the active site. Comparison of the DraG structure with orthologues deposited in the Protein Data Bank from Archaea and mammals indicates that the ADP-ribosylhydrolase fold is conserved in all domains of life. Modeling of the binding of the substrate ADP-ribosyl moiety to DraG is in excellent agreement with biochemical data.

It takes two to tango: regulation of G proteins by dimerization

Guanine nucleotide-binding (G) proteins, which cycle between a GDP- and a GTP-bound conformation, are conventionally regulated by GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) and guanine nucleotide-exchange factors (GEFs), and function by interacting with effector proteins in the GTP-bound 'on' state. Here we present another class of G proteins that are regulated by homodimerization, which we would categorize as G proteins activated by nucleotide-dependent dimerization (GADs). This class includes proteins such as signal recognition particle (SRP), dynamin, septins and the newly discovered Roco protein Leu-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2). We propose that the juxtaposition of the G domains of two monomers across the GTP-binding sites activates the biological function of these proteins and the GTPase reaction.

The catalytic transition state in ATP synthase

The catalytic transition state of ATP synthase has been characterized and modeled by combined use of (1) Mg-ADP-fluoroaluminate, Mg-ADP-fluoroscandium, and corresponding Mg-IDP-fluorometals as transition-state analogs; (2) fluorescence signals of beta-Trp331 and beta-Trp148 as optical probes to assess formation of the transition state; (3) mutations of critical catalytic residues to determine side-chain ligands required to stabilize the transition state. Rate acceleration by positive catalytic site cooperativity is explained as due to mobility of alpha-Arg376, acting as an "arginine finger" residue, which interacts with nucleotide specifically at the transition state step of catalysis, not with Mg-ATP- or Mg-ADP-bound ground states. We speculate that formation and collapse of the transition state may engender catalytic site alpha/beta subunit-interface conformational movement, which is linked to gamma-subunit rotation.

Chimeric nitrogenase-like enzymes of (bacterio)chlorophyll biosynthesis

Nitrogenase-like light-independent protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (DPOR) is involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis. Bacteriochlorophyll formation additionally requires the structurally related chlorophyllide oxidoreductase (COR). During catalysis, homodimeric subunit BchL(2) or ChlL(2) of DPOR transfers electrons to the corresponding heterotetrameric catalytic subunit, (BchNB)(2) or (ChlNB)(2). Analogously, subunit BchX(2) of the COR enzymes delivers electrons to subunit (BchYZ)(2). Various chimeric DPOR enzymes formed between recombinant subunits (BchNB)(2) and BchL(2) from Chlorobaculum tepidum or (ChlNB)(2) and ChlL(2) from Prochlorococcus marinus and Thermosynechococcus elongatus were found to be enzymatically active, indicating a conserved docking surface for the interaction of both DPOR protein subunits. Biotin label transfer experiments revealed the interaction of P. marinus ChlL(2) with both subunits, ChlN and ChlB, of the (ChlNB)(2) tetramer. Based on these findings and on structural information from the homologous nitrogenase system, a site-directed mutagenesis approach yielded 10 DPOR mutants for the characterization of amino acid residues involved in protein-protein interaction. Surface-exposed residues Tyr(127) of subunit ChlL, Leu(70) and Val(107) of subunit ChlN, and Gly(66) of subunit ChlB were found essential for P. marinus DPOR activity. Next, the BchL(2) or ChlL(2) part of DPOR was exchanged with electron-transferring BchX(2) subunits of COR and NifH(2) of nitrogenase. Active chimeric DPOR was generated via a combination of BchX(2) from C. tepidum or Roseobacter denitrificans with (BchNB)(2) from C. tepidum. No DPOR activity was observed for the chimeric enzyme consisting of NifH(2) from Azotobacter vinelandii in combination with (BchNB)(2) from C. tepidum or (ChlNB)(2) from P. marinus and T. elongatus, respectively.

Crystal structure of the L protein of Rhodobacter sphaeroides light-independent protochlorophyllide reductase with MgADP bound: a homologue of the nitrogenase Fe protein

The L protein (BchL) of the dark-operative protochlorophyllide reductase (DPOR) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides has been purified from an Azotobacter vinelandii expression system; its interaction with nucleotides has been examined, and the X-ray structure of the protein has been determined with bound MgADP to 1.6 A resolution. DPOR catalyzes the reduction of protochlorophyllide to chlorophyllide, a reaction critical to the biosynthesis of bacteriochlorophylls. The DPOR holoenzyme is comprised of two component proteins, the dimeric BchL protein and the heterotetrameric BchN/BchB protein. The DPOR component proteins share significant overall similarities with the nitrogenase Fe protein (NifH) and the MoFe (NifDK) protein, the enzyme system responsible for reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia. Here, BchL was expressed in A. vinelandii and purified to homogeneity using an engineered polyhistidine tag. The purified, recombinant BchL was found to contain 3.6 mol of Fe/mol of BchL homodimer, consistent with the presence of a [4Fe-4S] cluster and analogous to the [4Fe-4S] cluster present in the Fe protein. The MgATP- and MgADP-induced conformational changes in BchL were examined by an Fe chelation assay and found to be distinctly different from the nucleotide-stimulated Fe release observed for the Fe protein. The recombinant BchL was crystallized with bound MgADP, and the structure was determined to 1.6 A resolution. BchL is found to share overall structural similarity with the nitrogenase Fe protein, including the subunit bridging [4Fe-4S] cluster and nucleotide binding sites. Despite the high level of structural similarity, however, BchL is found to be incapable of substituting for the Fe protein in a nitrogenase substrate reduction assay. The newly determined structure of BchL and its comparison to its close homologue, the nitrogenase Fe protein, provide the basis for understanding how these highly related proteins can discriminate between their respective functions in microbial systems where each must function simultaneously.

ABC transporters: the power to change

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters constitute a ubiquitous superfamily of integral membrane proteins that are responsible for the ATP-powered translocation of many substrates across membranes. The highly conserved ABC domains of ABC transporters provide the nucleotide-dependent engine that drives transport. By contrast, the transmembrane domains that create the translocation pathway are more variable. Recent structural advances with prokaryotic ABC transporters have provided a qualitative molecular framework for deciphering the transport cycle. An important goal is to develop quantitative models that detail the kinetic and molecular mechanisms by which ABC transporters couple the binding and hydrolysis of ATP to substrate translocation.

Diverse and novel nifH and nifH-like gene sequences in the deep-sea methane seep sediments of the Okhotsk Sea

Diverse nifH and nifH-like gene sequences were obtained from the deep-sea surface sediments of the methane hydrate-bearing Okhotsk Sea. Some sequences formed novel families of the NifH or NifH-like proteins, of currently unresolved bacterial or archaeal origin. Comparison with other marine environments indicates environmental specificity of some of the sequences, either unique to the methane seep sediments of the Okhotsk Sea or to the general deep-sea methane seep sedimentary environments.

Zn2+-linked dimerization of UreG from Helicobacter pylori, a chaperone involved in nickel trafficking and urease activation

The biosynthesis of the active metal-bound form of the nickel-dependent enzyme urease involves the formation of a lysine-carbamate functional group concomitantly with the delivery of two Ni(2+) ions into the precast active site of the apoenzyme and with GTP hydrolysis. In the urease system, this role is performed by UreG, an accessory protein belonging to the group of homologous P-loop GTPases, often required to complete the biosynthesis of nickel-enzymes. This study is focused on UreG from Helicobacter pylori (HpUreG), a bacterium responsible for gastric ulcers and cancer, infecting large part of the human population, and for which urease is a fundamental virulence factor. The soluble HpUreG was expressed in E. coli and purified to homogeneity. On-line size exclusion chromatography and light scattering indicated that apo-HpUreG exists as a monomer in solution. Circular dichroism, which demonstrated the presence of a well-defined secondary structure, and NMR spectroscopy, which revealed a large number of residues that appear structured on the basis of their backbone amide proton chemical shift dispersion, indicated that, at variance with other UreG proteins so far characterized, this protein is significantly folded in solution. The amino acid sequence of HpUreG is 29% identical to that of HypB from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, a dimeric zinc-binding GTPase involved in the in vivo assembly of [Ni,Fe]-hydrogenase. A homology-based molecular model of HpUreG was calculated, which allowed us to identify structural and functional features of the protein. Isothermal titration microcalorimetry demonstrated that HpUreG specifically binds 0.5 equivalents of Zn(2+) per monomer (K(d) = 0.33 +/- 0.03 microM), whereas it has 20-fold lower affinity for Ni(2+) (K(d) = 10 +/- 1 microM). Zinc ion binding (but not Ni(2+) binding) causes protein dimerization, as confirmed using light scattering measurements. The structural rearrangement occurring upon Zn(2+)-binding and consequent dimerization was evaluated using circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy. Fully conserved histidine and cysteine residues were identified and their role in zinc binding was verified by site-directed mutagenesis and microcalorimetry. The results are analyzed and discussed with respect to analogous examples of GTPases in nickel metabolism.

Structural basis for VO2+ inhibition of nitrogenase activity (A): 31P and 23Na interactions with the metal at the nucleotide binding site of the nitrogenase Fe protein identified by ENDOR spectroscopy

We previously reported the vanadyl hyperfine couplings of VO(2+)-ATP and VO(2+)-ADP complexes in the presence of the nitrogenase Fe protein from Klebsiella pneumoniae (Petersen et al. in Biochemistry 41:13253-13263, 2002). It was demonstrated that different VO(2+)-nucleotide coordination environments coexist and are distinguishable by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Here orientation-selective continuous-wave electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectra have been investigated especially in the low-radio-frequency range in order to identify superhyperfine interactions with nuclei other than protons. Some of these resonances have been attributed to the presence of a strong interaction with a 31P nucleus although no resolvable superhyperfine structure due to 31P or other nuclei was detected in the EPR spectra. The superhyperfine coupling component is determined to be about 25 MHz. Such a 31P coupling is consistent with an interaction of the metal with phosphorus from a directly, equatorially coordinated nucleotide phosphate group(s). Additionally, novel more prominent 31P ENDOR signals are detected in the low-frequency region. Some of these correspond to a relatively weak 31P coupling. This coupling is present with ATP for all pH forms but is absent with ADP. The ENDOR resonances of these weakly coupled 31P are likely to originate from an interaction of the metal with a nucleotide phosphate group of the nucleoside triphosphate and are attributed to a phosphorus with axial characteristics. Another set of resonances, split about the nuclear Zeeman frequency of 23Na, was detected, suggesting that a monovalent Na+ ion is closely associated with the divalent metal-nucleotide binding site. Na+ replacement by K+ unambiguously confirmed that ENDORs at radio frequencies between 3.0 and 4.5 MHz arise from an interaction with Na+ ions. In contrast to the low-frequency 31P signal, these resonances are present in spectra with both ADP and ATP, and for both low- and neutral-pH forms, although slight differences are detected, showing that these are sensitive to the nucleotide and pH.

Identification of FleQ from Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a c-di-GMP-responsive transcription factor

High levels of the intracellular signalling molecule cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) supress motility and activate exopolysaccharide (EPS) production in a variety of bacterial species. In many bacteria part of the effect of c-di-GMP is on gene expression, but the mechanism involved is not known for any species. We have identified the protein FleQ as a c-di-GMP-responsive transcriptional regulator in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. FleQ is known to activate expression of flagella biosynthesis genes. Here we show that it also represses transcription of genes including the pel operon involved in EPS biosynthesis, and that this repression is relieved by c-di-GMP. Our in vivo data indicate that FleQ represses pel transcription and that pel transcription is not repressed when intracellular c-di-GMP levels are high. FleN, a known antiactivator of FleQ also participates in control of pel expression. In in vitro experiments we found that FleQ binds to pel promoter DNA and that this binding is inhibited by c-di-GMP. FleQ binds radiolabelled c-di-GMP in vitro. FleQ does not have amino acid motifs that resemble previously defined c-di-GMP binding domains. Our results show that FleQ is a new type of c-di-GMP binding protein that controls the transcriptional regulation of EPS biosynthesis genes in P. aeruginosa.

Perspectives in biological nitrogen fixation research

Nitrogen fixation, along with photosynthesis is the basis of all life on earth. Current understanding suggests that no plant fixes its own nitrogen. Some plants (mainly legumes) fix nitrogen via symbiotic anaerobic microorganisms (mainly rhizobia). The nature of biological nitrogen fixation is that the dinitrogenase catalyzes the reaction-splitting triple-bond inert atmospheric nitrogen (N(2)) into organic ammonia molecule (NH(3)). All known nitrogenases are found to be prokaryotic, multi-complex and normally oxygen liable. Not surprisingly, the engineering of autonomous nitrogen-fixing plants would be a long-term effort because it requires the assembly of a complex enzyme and provision of anaerobic conditions. However, in the light of evolving protein catalysts, the anaerobic enzyme has almost certainly been replaced in many reactions by the more efficient and irreversible aerobic version that uses O(2). On the other hand, nature has shown numerous examples of evolutionary convergence where an enzyme catalyzing a highly specific, O(2)-requiring reaction has an oxygen-independent counterpart, able to carry out the same reaction under anoxic conditions. In this review, I attempt to take the reader on a simplified journey from conventional nitrogenase complex to a possible simplified version of a yet to be discovered light-utilizing nitrogenase.

Spectroscopic evidence for an all-ferrous [4Fe-4S]0 cluster in the superreduced activator of 2-hydroxyglutaryl-CoA dehydratase from Acidaminococcus fermentans

The key enzyme of the fermentation of glutamate by Acidaminococcus fermentans, 2-hydroxyglutaryl-coenzyme A dehydratase, catalyzes the reversible syn-elimination of water from (R)-2-hydroxyglutaryl-coenzyme A, resulting in (E)-glutaconylcoenzyme A. The dehydratase system consists of two oxygen-sensitive protein components, the activator (HgdC) and the actual dehydratase (HgdAB). Previous biochemical and spectroscopic studies revealed that the reduced [4Fe-4S]+ cluster containing activator transfers one electron to the dehydratase driven by ATP hydrolysis, which activates the enzyme. With a tenfold excess of titanium(III) citrate at pH 8.0 the activator can be further reduced, yielding about 50% of a superreduced [4Fe-4S]0 cluster in the all-ferrous state. This is inferred from the appearance of a new Mössbauer spectrum with parameters delta = 0.65 mm/s and deltaE(Q) = 1.51-2.19 mm/s at 140 K, which are typical of Fe(II)S4 sites. Parallel-mode electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy performed at temperatures between 3 and 20 K showed two sharp signals at g = 16 and 12, indicating an integer-spin system. The X-band EPR spectra and magnetic Mössbauer spectra could be consistently simulated by adopting a total spin S(t) = 4 for the all-ferrous cluster with weak zero-field splitting parameters D = -0.66 cm(-1) and E/D = 0.17. The superreduced cluster has apparent spectroscopic similarities with the corresponding [4Fe-4S]0 cluster described for the nitrogenase Fe-protein, but in detail their properties differ. While the all-ferrous Fe-protein is capable of transferring electrons to the MoFe-protein for dinitrogen reduction, a similar physiological role is elusive for the superreduced activator. This finding supports our model that only one-electron transfer steps are involved in dehydratase catalysis. Nevertheless we discuss a common basic mechanism of the two diverse systems, which are so far the only described examples of the all-ferrous [4Fe-4S]0 cluster found in biology.

Assembly of nitrogenase MoFe protein

Assembly of nitrogenase MoFe protein is arguably one of the most complex processes in the field of bioinorganic chemistry, requiring, at least, the participation of nifS, nifU, nifB, nifE, nifN, nifV, nifQ, nifZ, nifH, nifD, and nifK gene products. Previous genetic studies have identified factors involved in MoFe protein assembly; however, the exact functions of these factors and the precise sequence of events during the process have remained unclear until the recent characterization of a number of assembly-related intermediates that provided significant insights into this biosynthetic "black box". This review summarizes the recent advances in elucidation of the mechanism of FeMoco biosynthesis in four aspects: (1) the ex situ assembly of FeMoco on NifEN, (2) the incorporation of FeMoco into MoFe protein, (3) the in situ assembly of P-cluster on MoFe protein, and (4) the stepwise assembly of MoFe protein.

Effects of iron limitation on the expression of metabolic genes in the marine cyanobacterium Trichodesmium erythraeum IMS101

Iron deficiency in axenic cultures of Trichodesmium erythraeum IMS101 led to significant declines in both nitrogen fixation rates and photochemical energy conversion efficiency, accompanied by downregulation of genes encoding the major iron-binding proteins, including psbA and psbE of photosystem II, psaA and psaC of photosystem I, petB and petC of the cytochrome b(6)f complex, and nifH. However, the iron-starved cultures remained viable and expression of the metalloprotein genes was partially or fully restored within 3 days following the addition of iron. Both physiological and molecular responses revealed that expression and synthesis of the nitrogen fixation and photosynthetic machinery follow the hierarchy of iron demand; that is, nitrogen fixation was far more susceptible to iron limitation than photosynthesis. Consequently, the nifH transcript exhibited a 1-2 day shorter half-life and two to three times faster degradation rate than that of the photosynthetic genes. Our results suggest that the changes in gene expression are related to the redox state in the shared photosynthetic/respiratory pathway which, when faced with short-term iron deficiency, signals Trichodesmium to selectively sacrifice nitrogen fixation to conserve iron for photosynthetic and respiratory electron transport. The observed functional and compositional alterations represent the compromises in gene expression and acclimation capacity between two basic metabolic pathways competing for iron when it is limiting.