Functional waters in intraprotein proton transfer monitored by FTIR difference spectroscopy

Nitranilic acid hexahydrate, a novel benchmark system of the Zundel cation in an intrinsically asymmetric environment: spectroscopic features and hydrogen bond dynamics characterised by experimental and theoretical methods

Nitranilic acid (2,5-dihydroxy-3,6-dinitro-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione) as a strong dibasic acid in acidic aqueous media creates the Zundel cation, H5O2(+). The structural unit in a crystal comprises (H5O2)2(+) (2,5-dihydroxy-3,6-dinitro-1,4-benzoquinonate)(2-) dihydrate where the Zundel cation reveals no symmetry, being an ideal case for studying proton dynamics and its stability. The Zundel cation and proton transfer dynamics are studied by variable-temperature X-ray diffraction, IR and solid-state NMR spectroscopy, and various quantum chemical methods, including periodic DFT calculations, ab initio molecular dynamics simulation, and quantization of nuclear motion along three fully coupled internal coordinates. The Zundel cation features a short H-bond with the O···O distance of 2.433(2) Å with an asymmetric placement of hydrogen. The proton potential is of a single well type and, due to the non-symmetric surroundings, of asymmetric shape. The formation of the Zundel cation is facilitated by the electronegative NO2 groups. The employed spectroscopic techniques supported by calculations confirm the presence of a short H-bond with a complex proton dynamics.

Channelrhodopsins: a bioinformatics perspective

Channelrhodopsins are microbial-type rhodopsins that function as light-gated cation channels. Understanding how the detailed architecture of the protein governs its dynamics and specificity for ions is important, because it has the potential to assist in designing site-directed channelrhodopsin mutants for specific neurobiology applications. Here we use bioinformatics methods to derive accurate alignments of channelrhodopsin sequences, assess the sequence conservation patterns and find conserved motifs in channelrhodopsins, and use homology modeling to construct three-dimensional structural models of channelrhodopsins. The analyses reveal that helices C and D of channelrhodopsins contain Cys, Ser, and Thr groups that can engage in both intra- and inter-helical hydrogen bonds. We propose that these polar groups participate in inter-helical hydrogen-bonding clusters important for the protein conformational dynamics and for the local water interactions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Retinal Proteins - You can teach an old dog new tricks.

Participation of glutamate-333 of the D1 polypeptide in the ligation of the Mn₄CaO₅ cluster in photosystem II

In the 1.9 Å structural model of photosystem II (PDB: 3ARC), the amino acid residue Glu333 of the D1 polypeptide coordinates to the oxygen-evolving Mn₄CaO₅ cluster. This residue appears to be highly significant in that it bridges the two Mn ions (Mn(B3) and the "dangling" Mn(A4)) that are also bridged by the oxygen atom O5. This oxygen atom has been proposed to be derived from one of two substrate water molecules and to become incorporated into the product dioxygen molecule during the final step in the catalytic cycle. In addition, the backbone nitrogen of D1-Glu333 interacts directly with a nearby Cl⁻ atom. To further explore the influence of this structurally unique residue on the properties of the Mn₄CaO₅ cluster, the D1-E333Q mutant of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was characterized with a variety of biophysical and spectroscopic methods, including polarography, EPR, X-ray absorption, and FTIR difference spectroscopy. The kinetics of oxygen release in the mutant were essentially unchanged from those in wild-type. In addition, the oxygen flash yields exhibited normal period-four oscillations having normal S state parameters, although the yields were lower, indicative of the mutant's lower steady-state dioxygen evolution rate of approximately 30% compared to that of the wild-type. The S₁ state Mn-XANES and Mn-EXAFS and S₂ state multiline EPR signals of purified D1-E333Q PSII core complexes closely resembled those of wild-type, aside from having lower amplitudes. The S(n+1)-minus-S(n) FTIR difference spectra showed only minor alterations to the carbonyl, amide, and carboxylate stretching regions. However, the mutation eliminated a negative peak at 3663 cm⁻¹ in the weakly H-bonding O-H stretching region of the S₂-minus-S₁ FTIR difference spectrum and caused an approximately 9 cm⁻¹ downshift of the negative feature in this region of the S₁-minus-S₀ FTIR difference spectrum. We conclude that fully functional Mn₄CaO₅ clusters assemble in the presence of the D1-E333Q mutation but that the mutation decreases the yield of assembled clusters and alters the H-bonding properties of one or more water molecules or hydroxide groups that are located on or near the Mn₄CaO₅ cluster and that either deprotonate or form stronger hydrogen bonds during the S₀ to S₁ and S₁ to S₂ transitions.

Changing hydration level in an internal cavity modulates the proton affinity of a key glutamate in cytochrome c oxidase

Cytochrome c oxidase contributes to the transmembrane proton gradient by removing two protons from the high-pH side of the membrane each time the binuclear center active site is reduced. One proton goes to the binuclear center, whereas the other is pumped to the low-pH periplasmic space. Glutamate 286 (Glu286) has been proposed to serve as a transiently deprotonated proton donor. Using unrestrained atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the size of and water distribution in the hydrophobic cavity that holds Glu286 is controlled by the protonation state of the propionic acid of heme a3, a group on the proton outlet pathway. Protonation of the propionate disrupts hydrogen bonding to two side chains, allowing a loop to swing open. Continuum electrostatics and atomistic free-energy perturbation calculations show that the resultant changes in hydration and electrostatic interactions lower the Glu proton affinity by at least 5 kcal/mol. These changes in the internal hydration level occur in the absence of major conformational transitions and serve to stabilize needed transient intermediates in proton transport. The trigger is not the protonation of the Glu of interest, but rather the protonation of a residue ∼10 Å away. Thus, unlike local water penetration to stabilize a new charge, this finding represents a specific role for water molecules in the protein interior, mediating proton transfers and facilitating ion transport.

MP:PD--a data base of internal packing densities, internal packing defects and internal waters of helical membrane proteins

The membrane protein packing database (MP:PD) (http://proteinformatics.charite.de/mppd) is a database of helical membrane proteins featuring internal atomic packing densities, cavities and waters. Membrane proteins are not tightly packed but contain a considerable number of internal cavities that differ in volume, polarity and solvent accessibility as well as in their filling with internal water. Internal cavities are supposed to be regions of high physical compressibility. By serving as mobile hydrogen bonding donors or acceptors, internal waters likely facilitate transition between different functional states. Despite these distinct functional roles, internal cavities of helical membrane proteins are not well characterized, mainly because most internal waters are not resolved by crystal structure analysis. Here we combined various computational biophysical techniques to characterize internal cavities, reassign positions of internal waters and calculate internal packing densities of all available helical membrane protein structures and stored them in MP:PD. The database can be searched using keywords and entries can be downloaded. Each entry can be visualized in Provi, a Jmol-based protein viewer that provides an integrated display of low energy waters alongside membrane planes, internal packing density, hydrophobic cavities and hydrogen bonds.

Proteorhodopsin

Proteorhodopsins are the most abundant retinal based photoreceptors and their phototrophic function might be relevant in marine ecosystems. Here, we describe their remarkable molecular properties with a special focus on the green absorbing variant. Its distinct features include a high pKa value of the primary proton acceptor stabilized through an interaction with a conserved histidine, a long-range interaction between the cytoplasmic EF loop and the chromophore entailing a particular mode of color tuning and a variable proton pumping vectoriality with complex voltage-dependence. The proteorhodopsin family represents a profound example for structure-function relationships. Especially the development of a biophysical understanding of green proteorhodopsin is an excellent example for the unique opportunities offered by a combined approach of advanced spectroscopic and electrophysiological methods. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Retinal Proteins-You can teach an old dog new tricks.

The role of protein-bound water molecules in microbial rhodopsins

Protein-bound internal water molecules are essential features of the structure and function of microbial rhodopsins. Besides structural stabilization, they act as proton conductors and even proton storage sites. Currently, the most understood model system exhibiting such features is bacteriorhodopsin (bR). During the last 20 years, the importance of water molecules for proton transport has been revealed through this protein. It has been shown that water molecules are as essential as amino acids for proton transport and biological function. In this review, we present an overview of the historical development of this research on bR. We furthermore summarize the recently discovered protein-bound water features associated with proton transport. Specifically, we discuss a pentameric water/amino acid arrangement close to the protonated Schiff base as central proton-binding site, a protonated water cluster as proton storage site at the proton-release site, and a transient linear water chain at the proton uptake site. We highlight how protein conformational changes reposition or reorient internal water molecules, thereby guiding proton transport. Last, we compare the water positions in bR with those in other microbial rhodopsins to elucidate how protein-bound water molecules guide the function of microbial rhodopsins. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Retinal Proteins - You can teach an old dog new tricks.

Hydrogen-bonding changes of internal water molecules upon the actions of microbial rhodopsins studied by FTIR spectroscopy

Microbial rhodopsins are classified into type-I rhodopsins, which utilize light energy to perform wide varieties of function, such as proton pumping, ion pumping, light sensing, cation channels, and so on. The crystal structures of several type-I rhodopsins were solved and the molecular mechanisms have been investigated based on the atomic structures. However, the crystal structures of proteins of interest are not always available and the basic architectures are sometimes quite similar, which obscures how the proteins achieve different functions. Stimulus-induced difference FTIR spectroscopy is a powerful tool to detect minute structural changes providing a clue for elucidating the molecular mechanisms. In this review, the studies on type-I rhodopsins from fungi and marine bacteria, whose crystal structures have not been solved yet, were summarized. Neurospora rhodopsin and Leptosphaeria rhodopsin found from Fungi have sequence similarity. The former has no proton pumping function, while the latter has. Proteorhodopsin is another example, whose proton pumping machinery is altered at alkaline and acidic conditions. We described how the structural changes of protein were different and how water molecules were involved in them. We reviewed the results on dynamics of the internal water molecules in pharaonis halorhodopsin as well. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Retinal Proteins - You can teach an old dog new tricks.

Functions of the hydrophilic channels in protonmotive cytochrome c oxidase

The structures and functions of hydrophilic channels in electron-transferring membrane proteins are discussed. A distinction is made between proton channels that can conduct protons and dielectric channels that are non-conducting but can dielectrically polarize in response to the introduction of charge changes in buried functional centres. Functions of the K, D and H channels found in A1-type cytochrome c oxidases are reviewed in relation to these ideas. Possible control of function by dielectric channels and their evolutionary relation to proton channels is explored.

Barrierless inter and intramolecular proton transfer; a DFT study of tautomerism in microsolvated and protonated systems

DFT calculations were employed to study tautomers of 2,2-di(pyrimidin-2-yl)acetic acid (DPA) in the gas phase and in the presence of water, methanol, DMSO (microsolvation models), and proton (H(+)). In the gas phase, all three tautomers were in equilibrium with each other (T2 was slightly more favorable); but, in microsolvation with protic solvent, T3 was a major isomer. Moreover, unexpectedly enough, T1 (common form of DPA) was the least stable tautomer in the gas phase, while, in the water (as solvent), T1 was the most stable one. The calculated energy values indicated a very special barrierless tautomeric system between T2 and T3. In the gas phase, ΔG(#) for T2 → T3 was only 0.30 kcal/mol, while it was 56.4 and 44.8 kcal/mol for T2 → T1 and T3 → T1, respectively. Rate constants for conversion of T2 into T3 were high in all cases, and their values in the gas phase and in the presence of water, methanol, DMSO, and proton were 3.6 × 10(12), 3.3 × 10(9), 2.7 × 10(11), 2.3 × 10(12), and 2.3 × 10(12) s(-1), respectively. All types of microsolvation slightly decreased the rate constant of this conversion. The rate constant for conversion of T2 into T1 (1,3-H shift) in the gas phase and in the presence of water, methanol, DMSO, and proton was 3.0 × 10(-29), 2.2 × 10(5), 1.1 × 10(-34), 5.2 × 10(-40), and 4.2 × 10(-26) s(-1), respectively. These values showed that only microsolvation with water strongly increased rate constants of tautomerism for T2 → T1 and this type of tautomerism was impossible in the gas phase or other microsolvation models. Although using water as the solvent enhanced rate constants of all types of tautomeric interconversions, its enhancement was less than that of microsolvation with water.

Deprotonation of D96 in bacteriorhodopsin opens the proton uptake pathway

Despite extensive investigation, the precise mechanism controlling the opening of the cytoplasmic proton uptake pathway in bacteriorhodopsin (bR) has remained a mystery. From an analysis of the X-ray structure of the D96G/F171C/F219L triple mutant of bR and 60 independent molecular dynamics simulations of bR photointermediates, we report that the deprotonation of D96, a key residue in proton transfer reactions, serves two roles that occur sequentially. First, D96 donates a proton to the Schiff base. Subsequently, the deprotonation of D96 serves to "unlatch" the cytoplasmic side. The latching function of D96 appears to be remarkably robust, functioning to open hydration channels in all photointermediate structures. These results suggest that the protonation state of D96 may be the critical biophysical cue controlling the opening and closing of the cytoplasmic half-channel in bR. We suspect that this protonation-switch mechanism could also be utilized in other proton pumps to minimize backflow and reinforce directionality.

Common folds and transport mechanisms of secondary active transporters

Secondary active transporters exploit the electrochemical potential of solutes to shuttle specific substrate molecules across biological membranes, usually against their concentration gradient. Transporters of different functional families with little sequence similarity have repeatedly been found to exhibit similar folds, exemplified by the MFS, LeuT, and NhaA folds. Observations of multiple conformational states of the same transporter, represented by the LeuT superfamily members Mhp1, AdiC, vSGLT, and LeuT, led to proposals that structural changes are associated with substrate binding and transport. Despite recent biochemical and structural advances, our understanding of substrate recognition and energy coupling is rather preliminary. This review focuses on the common folds and shared transport mechanisms of secondary active transporters. Available structural information generally supports the alternating access model for substrate transport, with variations and extensions made by emerging structural, biochemical, and computational evidence.

Detection of an intermediary, protonated water cluster in photosynthetic oxygen evolution

In photosynthesis, photosystem II evolves oxygen from water by the accumulation of photooxidizing equivalents at the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC). The OEC is a Mn4CaO5 cluster, and its sequentially oxidized states are termed the Sn states. The dark-stable state is S1, and oxygen is released during the transition from S3 to S0. In this study, a laser flash induces the S1 to S2 transition, which corresponds to the oxidation of Mn(III) to Mn(IV). A broad infrared band, at 2,880 cm(-1), is produced during this transition. Experiments using ammonia and (2)H2O assign this band to a cationic cluster of internal water molecules, termed "W5(+)." Observation of the W5(+) band is dependent on the presence of calcium, and flash dependence is observed. These data provide evidence that manganese oxidation during the S1 to S2 transition results in a coupled proton transfer to a substrate-containing, internal water cluster in the OEC hydrogen-bonded network.

Photocycle of Exiguobacterium sibiricum rhodopsin characterized by low-temperature trapping in the IR and time-resolved studies in the visible

The photocycle of the retinal protein from Exiguobacterium sibiricum, which differs from bacteriorhodopsin in both its primary donor and acceptor, is characterized by visible and infrared spectroscopy. At pH above pKa ~6.5, we find a bacteriorhodopsin-like photocycle, which originates from excitation of the all-trans retinal chromophore with K-, L-, M-, and N-like intermediates. At pH below pKa ~6.5, the M state, which reflects Schiff base deprotonation during proton pumping, is not accumulated. However, using the infrared band at ~1760 cm(-1) as a marker for transient protonation of the primary acceptor, we find that Schiff base deprotonation must have occurred at pH not only above but also below the pKa ~6.5. Thus, the M state is formed but not accumulated for kinetic reasons. Further, chromophore reisomerization from the 13-cis to the all-trans conformation occurs very late in the photocycle. The strongly red-shifted states that dominate the second half of the cycle are produced before the reisomerization step, and by this criterion, they are not O-like but rather N-like states. The assignment of photocycle intermediates enables reevaluation of the photocycle; its specific features are discussed in relation to the general mechanism of proton transport in retinal proteins.

Eubacterial rhodopsins - unique photosensors and diverse ion pumps

Since the discovery of proteorhodopsins, the ubiquitous marine light-driven proton pumps of eubacteria, a large number of other eubacterial rhodopsins with diverse structures and functions have been characterized. Here, we review the body of knowledge accumulated on the four major groups of eubacterial rhodopsins, with the focus on their biophysical characterization. We discuss advances and controversies on the unique eubacterial sensory rhodopsins (as represented by Anabaena sensory rhodopsin), proton-pumping proteorhodopsins and xanthorhodopsins, as well as novel non-proton ion pumps. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Retinal Proteins - You can teach an old dog new tricks.

Probing Small Protonated Water Clusters in Acetonitrile Solutions by 1H NMR

In a previous publication by Kalish et al. (J. Phys. Chem. A 115 (2011) 4063) the existence of well defined small protonated water clusters in acetonitrile has been established by IR spectroscopy. Here we report on a 1H NMR study of triflic acid, CF3SO3H, in acetonitrile-water solutions. Using NMR we are able to corroborate the general solvation scheme we have proposed for the hydrated proton in acetonitrile as a function of the molar ratio between the strong mineral acid and water, n = [H2O]/[acid]. According to this scheme, backed now by both IR absorption spectroscopy and NMR measurements, the very strong triflic acid completely dissociates in acetonitrile/water solutions to yield the aqueous proton and the triflate anion when n > 1. Furthermore, increasing n results in the proton solvated in increasingly larger water clusters formed within the acetonitrile solution.

Clearly distinguishable by NMR are the smallest protonated water clusters, the protonated water monomer, H3 +O, and the protonated water dimer, H5 +O2, which dominate the solution for n = 1,2,3. For larger n the NMR study indicates the gradual increase of the average protonated water cluster size as a function of n while the proton inner solvation core more closely retaining the characteristics of a deformed protonated water dimer, (H2O-H+⋯OH2) s than that of the protonated water monomer (H3 +O) s .

Anharmonic Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) and product branching ratio calculations for the partially deuterated protonated water dimers: dissociation and isomerization

Partially deuterated protonated water dimers, H2O·H(+)·D2O, H2O·D(+)·HDO, and HDO·H(+)·HDO, as important intermediates of isotopic labeled reaction of H3O(+) + D2O, undergo direct dissociation and indirect dissociation, i.e., isomerization before the dissociation. With Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus theory and ab initio calculations, we have computed their dissociation and isomerization rate constants separately under the harmonic and anharmonic oscillator models. On the basis of the dissociation and isomerization rate constants, branching ratios of two primary products, [HD2O(+)]∕[H2DO(+)], are predicted under various kinetics models with the harmonic or anharmonic approximation included. The feasible kinetics model accounting for experimental results is shown to include anharmonic effect in describing dissociation, while adopting harmonic approximation for isomerization. Thus, the anharmonic effect is found to play important roles affecting the dissociation reaction, while isomerization rates are shown to be insensitive to whether the anharmonic or harmonic oscillator model is being applied.

Protonated triplet-excited flavin resolved by step-scan FTIR spectroscopy: implications for photosensory LOV domains

Among many other functions, flavin serves as a chromophore in LOV (light-, oxygen-, or voltage-sensitive) domains of blue light sensors. These sensors regulate central responses in many organisms such as the growth of plants towards light. The triplet-excited state of flavin ((3)Fl) has been identified as a key intermediate in the photocycle of LOV domains, either in its neutral or protonated state. Even time-resolved infrared spectroscopy could not resolve unambiguously whether (3)Fl becomes protonated during the photoreaction, because the protonated triplet-excited state (3)FlH(+) has not been characterized before. Here, the step-scan Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technique was applied to the flavin mononucleotide (FMN) in aqueous solution at different pH values to resolve laser-induced changes in the time range from 1.5 μs to 860 μs. A high-pressure-resistant flow cell system was established to account for the irreversibility of the photoreaction and the small path length. Several marker bands were identified in the spectrum of (3)Fl in water and assigned by quantum chemical calculations. These bands exhibit a solvent-induced shift as compared with previous spectra of (3)Fl in organic solvents. The marker bands undergo a further distinct shift upon formation of (3)FlH(+). Band patterns can be clearly separated from those of the anion radical or the fully reduced state resolved in the presence of an electron donor. A comparison to spectra of (3)Fl in LOV domains leads to the conclusion that (3)FlH(+) is not formed in the photoreaction of these blue light sensors.

Key role of water in proton transfer at the Qo-site of the cytochrome bc1 complex predicted by atomistic molecular dynamics simulations

Cytochrome (cyt) bc1 complex, which is an integral part of the respiratory chain and related energy-conserving systems, has two quinone-binding cavities (Qo- and Qi-sites), where the substrate participates in electron and proton transfer. Due to its complexity, many of the mechanistic details of the cyt bc1 function have remained unclear especially regarding the substrate binding at the Qo-site. In this work we address this issue by performing extensive atomistic molecular dynamics simulations with the cyt bc1 complex of Rhodobacter capsulatus embedded in a lipid bilayer. Based on the simulations we are able to show the atom-level binding modes of two substrate forms: quinol (QH2) and quinone (Q). The QH2 binding at the Qo-site involves a coordinated water arrangement that produces an exceptionally close and stable interaction between the cyt b and iron sulfur protein subunits. In this arrangement water molecules are positioned suitably in relation to the hydroxyls of the QH2 ring to act as the primary acceptors of protons detaching from the oxidized substrate. In contrast, water does not have a similar role in the Q binding at the Qo-site. Moreover, the coordinated water molecule is also a prime candidate to act as a structural element, gating for short-circuit suppression at the Qo-site.

Structural advances for the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporters

The major facilitator superfamily (MFS) is one of the largest groups of secondary active transporters conserved from bacteria to humans. MFS proteins selectively transport a wide spectrum of substrates across biomembranes and play a pivotal role in multiple physiological processes. Despite intense investigation, only seven MFS proteins from six subfamilies have been structurally elucidated. These structures were captured in distinct states during a transport cycle involving alternating access to binding sites from either side of the membrane. This review discusses recent progress in MFS structure analysis and focuses on the molecular basis for substrate binding, co-transport coupling, and alternating access.

Structure changes upon deprotonation of the proton release group in the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle

In the photocycle of bacteriorhodopsin at pH 7, a proton is ejected to the extracellular medium during the protonation of Asp-85 upon formation of the M intermediate. The group that releases the ejected proton does not become reprotonated until the prephotolysis state is restored from the N and O intermediates. In contrast, at acidic pH, this proton release group remains protonated to the end of the cycle. Time-resolved Fourier transform infrared measurements obtained at pH 5 and 7 were fitted to obtain spectra of kinetic intermediates, from which the spectra of M and N/O versus unphotolyzed state were calculated. Vibrational features that appear in both M and N/O spectra at pH 7, but not at pH 5, are attributable to deprotonation from the proton release group and resulting structural alterations. Our results agree with the earlier conclusion that this group is a protonated internal water cluster, and provide a stronger experimental basis for this assignment. A decrease in local polarity at the N-C bond of the side chain of Lys-216 resulting from deprotonation of this water cluster may be responsible for the increase in the proton affinity of Asp-85 through M and N/O, which is crucial for maintaining the directionality of proton pumping.

Catalytic mechanism of a mammalian Rab·RabGAP complex in atomic detail

Rab GTPases, key regulators of vesicular transport, hydrolyze GTP very slowly unless assisted by Rab GTPase-activating proteins (RabGAPs). Dysfunction of RabGAPs is involved in many diseases. By combining X-ray structure analysis and time-resolved FTIR spectroscopy we reveal here the detailed molecular reaction mechanism of a complex between human Rab and RabGAP at the highest possible spatiotemporal resolution and in atomic detail. A glutamine residue of Rab proteins (cis-glutamine) that is essential for intrinsic activity is less important in the GAP-activated reaction. During generation of the RabGAP·Rab:GTP complex, there is a rapid conformational change in which the cis-glutamine is replaced by a glutamine from RabGAP (trans-glutamine); this differs from the RasGAP mechanism, where the cis-glutamine is also important for GAP catalysis. However, as in the case of Ras, a trans-arginine is also recruited to complete the active center during this conformational change. In contrast to the RasGAP mechanism, an accumulation of a state in which phosphate is bound is not observed, and bond breakage is the rate-limiting step. The movement of trans-glutamine and trans-arginine into the catalytic site and bond breakage during hydrolysis are monitored in real time. The combination of X-ray structure analysis and time-resolved FTIR spectroscopy provides detailed insight in the catalysis of human Rab GTPases.

Dynamics of Dangling Bonds of Water Molecules in pharaonis Halorhodopsin during Chloride Ion Transportation

Ion transportation via the chloride ion pump protein pharaonis halorhodopsin (pHR) occurs through the sequential formation of several intermediates during a photocyclic reaction. Although the structural details of each intermediate state have been studied, the role of water molecules in the translocation of chloride ions inside of the protein at physiological temperatures remains unclear. To analyze the structural dynamics of water inside of the protein, we performed time-resolved Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy under H2O or H2(18)O hydration and successfully assigned water O-H stretching bands. We found that a dangling water band at 3626 cm(-1) in pHR disappears in the L1 and L2 states. On the other hand, relatively intense positive bands at 3605 and 3608 cm(-1) emerged upon the formation of the X(N) and O states, respectively, suggesting that the chloride transportation is accompanied by dynamic rearrangement of the hydrogen-bonding network of the internal water molecules in pHR.

Alternating electron and proton transfer steps in photosynthetic water oxidation

Water oxidation by cyanobacteria, algae, and plants is pivotal in oxygenic photosynthesis, the process that powers life on Earth, and is the paradigm for engineering solar fuel-production systems. Each complete reaction cycle of photosynthetic water oxidation requires the removal of four electrons and four protons from the catalytic site, a manganese-calcium complex and its protein environment in photosystem II. In time-resolved photothermal beam deflection experiments, we monitored apparent volume changes of the photosystem II protein associated with charge creation by light-induced electron transfer (contraction) and charge-compensating proton relocation (expansion). Two previously invisible proton removal steps were detected, thereby filling two gaps in the basic reaction-cycle model of photosynthetic water oxidation. In the S(2) → S(3) transition of the classical S-state cycle, an intermediate is formed by deprotonation clearly before electron transfer to the oxidant (Y Z OX). The rate-determining elementary step (τ, approximately 30 µs at 20 °C) in the long-distance proton relocation toward the protein-water interface is characterized by a high activation energy (E(a) = 0.46 ± 0.05 eV) and strong H/D kinetic isotope effect (approximately 6). The characteristics of a proton transfer step during the S(0) → S(1) transition are similar (τ, approximately 100 µs; E(a) = 0.34 ± 0.08 eV; kinetic isotope effect, approximately 3); however, the proton removal from the Mn complex proceeds after electron transfer to . By discovery of the transient formation of two further intermediate states in the reaction cycle of photosynthetic water oxidation, a temporal sequence of strictly alternating removal of electrons and protons from the catalytic site is established.

Molecular dynamics simulations reveal proton transfer pathways in cytochrome C-dependent nitric oxide reductase

Nitric oxide reductases (NORs) are membrane proteins that catalyze the reduction of nitric oxide (NO) to nitrous oxide (N₂O), which is a critical step of the nitrate respiration process in denitrifying bacteria. Using the recently determined first crystal structure of the cytochrome c-dependent NOR (cNOR) [Hino T, Matsumoto Y, Nagano S, Sugimoto H, Fukumori Y, et al. (2010) Structural basis of biological N2O generation by bacterial nitric oxide reductase. Science 330: 1666–70.], we performed extensive all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of cNOR within an explicit membrane/solvent environment to fully characterize water distribution and dynamics as well as hydrogen-bonded networks inside the protein, yielding the atomic details of functionally important proton channels. Simulations reveal two possible proton transfer pathways leading from the periplasm to the active site, while no pathways from the cytoplasmic side were found, consistently with the experimental observations that cNOR is not a proton pump. One of the pathways, which was newly identified in the MD simulation, is blocked in the crystal structure and requires small structural rearrangements to allow for water channel formation. That pathway is equivalent to the functional periplasmic cavity postulated in cbb₃ oxidase, which illustrates that the two enzymes share some elements of the proton transfer mechanisms and confirms a close evolutionary relation between NORs and C-type oxidases. Several mechanisms of the critical proton transfer steps near the catalytic center are proposed.

Denitrification is an anaerobic process performed by several bacteria as an alternative to aerobic respiration. A key intermediate step is catalyzed by the nitric oxide reductase (NOR) enzyme, which is situated in the cytoplasmic membrane. Proton delivery to the catalytic site inside NOR is an important part of its functioning. In this work we use molecular dynamics simulations to describe water distribution and to identify proton transfer pathways in cNOR. Our results reveal two channels from the periplasmic side of the membrane and none from the cytoplasmic side, indicating that cNOR is not a proton pump. It is our hope that these results will provide a basis for further experimental and computational studies aimed to understand details of the NOR mechanism. Furthermore, this work sheds light on the molecular evolution of respiratory enzymes.

Surface-attached polyhistidine-tag proteins characterized by FTIR difference spectroscopy

A universal label-free method for the spectroscopic investigation of polyhistidine-tagged proteins is presented. A solid supported lipid bilayer (SSLB, picture) containing nitrilotriacetic-acid-modified lipids is attached on top of a germanium attenuated total reflection crystal by hydrophilic interactions. Any His tag-modified protein can be immobilized and investigated by FTIR spectroscopy.

Structural water cluster as a possible proton acceptor in the adduct decay reaction of oat phototropin 1 LOV2 domain

LOV domains (Light, Oxygen, Voltage) are the light-sensory modules of phototropins, the blue-light photoreceptor kinases in plants, and of a wide variety of flavoproteins found in all three domains of life. These 12 kDa modules bind a flavin chromophore (FMN or FAD) noncovalently and undergo a photochemical activation in which the sulfur atom of a conserved cysteine forms an adduct to the C(4a) carbon of the flavin. The adduct breaks spontaneously in a base-catalyzed reaction involving a rate-limiting proton-transfer step, regenerating the dark state in seconds. This photocycle involves chromophore and protein structural changes that activate the C-terminal serine/threonine kinase. Previous studies (Biochemistry 2007, 46, 7016-7021) showed that decreased hydration obtained at high glycerol concentrations stabilizes the adduct state in a manner similar to that attained at low temperatures, resulting in much longer adduct decay times. This kinetic effect was attributed to an increased protein rigidity that hindered structural fluctuations necessary for the decay reaction. In this work, we studied the adduct decay kinetics of oat phototropin 1 (phot1) LOV2 at varying hydration using a specially designed chamber that allowed for measurement of UV-visible and FTIR spectra of the same samples. Therefore, we obtained LOV protein concentrations, adduct decay kinetics, and the different populations of bound water by deconvolution of the broad water absorption peak around 3500 cm(-1). A linear dependence of the adduct decay rate constant on the concentration of double and triple hydrogen-bonded waters strongly suggests that the adduct decay is a pseudo-first-order reaction in which both the adduct and the strongly bound waters are reactants. We suggest that a cluster of strongly bound water functions as the proton acceptor in the rate-limiting step of adduct decay.

Full-Quantum chemical calculation of the absorption maximum of bacteriorhodopsin: a comprehensive analysis of the amino acid residues contributing to the opsin shift

Herein, the absorption maximum of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) is calculated using our recently developed method in which the whole protein can be treated quantum mechanically at the level of INDO/S-CIS//ONIOM (B3LYP/6-31G(d,p): AMBER). The full quantum mechanical calculation is shown to reproduce the so-called opsin shift of bR with an error of less than 0.04 eV. We also apply the same calculation for 226 different bR mutants, each of which was constructed by replacing any one of the amino acid residues of the wild-type bR with Gly. This substitution makes it possible to elucidate the extent to which each amino acid contributes to the opsin shift and to estimate the inter-residue synergistic effect. It was found that one of the most important contributions to the opsin shift is the electron transfer from Tyr185 to the chromophore upon excitation. We also indicate that some aromatic (Trp86, Trp182) and polar (Ser141, Thr142) residues, located in the vicinity of the retinal polyene chain and the β-ionone ring, respectively, play an important role in compensating for the large blue-shift induced by both the counterion residues (Asp85, Asp212) and an internal water molecule (W402) located near the Schiff base linkage. In particular, the effect of Trp86 is comparable to that of Tyr185. In addition, Ser141 and Thr142 were found to contribute to an increase in the dipole moment of bR in the excited state. Finally, we provide a complete energy diagram for the opsin shift together with the contribution of the chromophore-protein steric interaction.

The role of magnesium for geometry and charge in GTP hydrolysis, revealed by quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics simulations

The coordination of the magnesium ion in proteins by triphosphates plays an important role in catalytic hydrolysis of GTP or ATP, either in signal transduction or energy conversion. For example, in Ras the magnesium ion contributes to the catalysis of GTP hydrolysis. The cleavage of GTP to GDP and P(i) in Ras switches off cellular signaling. We analyzed GTP hydrolysis in water, Ras, and Ras·Ras-GTPase-activating protein using quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics simulations. By comparison of the theoretical IR-difference spectra for magnesium ion coordinated triphosphate to experimental ones, the simulations are validated. We elucidated thereby how the magnesium ion contributes to catalysis. It provides a temporary storage for the electrons taken from the triphosphate and it returns them after bond cleavage and P(i) release back to the diphosphate. Furthermore, the Ras·Mg(2+) complex forces the triphosphate into a stretched conformation in which the β- and γ-phosphates are coordinated in a bidentate manner. In this conformation, the triphosphate elongates the bond, which has to be cleaved during hydrolysis. Furthermore, the γ-phosphate adopts a more planar structure, driving the conformation of the molecule closer to the hydrolysis transition state. GTPase-activating protein enhances these changes in GTP conformation and charge distribution via the intruding arginine finger.

Pushing the Sample-Size Limit of Infrared Vibrational Nanospectroscopy: From Monolayer toward Single Molecule Sensitivity

While scattering-scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) has demonstrated its potential to extend infrared (IR) spectroscopy into the nanometer scale, it has not yet reached its full potential in terms of spectroscopic sensitivity. We combine broadband femtosecond mid-IR excitation with an optimized spectral irradiance of ∼2 W/cm(2)/ cm(-1) (power/area/bandwidth) and a combination of tip- and substrate enhancement to demonstrate single-monolayer sensitivity with exceptional signal-to-noise ratio. Using interferometric time domain detection, the near-field IR s-SNOM spectral phase directly reflects the molecular vibrational resonances and their intrinsic line shapes. We probe the stretching resonance of ∼1000 carbonyl groups at 1700 cm(-1) in a self-assembled monolayer of 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid (MHDA) on an evaporated gold substrate with spectroscopic contrast and sensitivity of ≲100 vibrational oscillators. From these results we provide a roadmap for achieving true single-molecule IR vibrational spectroscopy in s-SNOM by implementing optical antenna resonant enhancement, increased spectral pump power, and improved detection schemes.

Nanoscale distinction of membrane patches--a TERS study of Halobacterium salinarum

The structural organization of cellular membranes has an essential influence on their functionality. The membrane surfaces currently are considered to consist of various distinct patches, which play an important role in many processes, however, not all parameters such as size and distribution are fully determined. In this study, purple membrane (PM) patches isolated from Halobacterium salinarum were investigated in a first step using TERS (tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy). The characteristic Raman modes of the resonantly enhanced component of the purple membrane lattice, the retinal moiety of bacteriorhodopsin, were found to be suitable as PM markers. In a subsequent experiment a single Halobacterium salinarum was investigated with TERS. By means of the PM marker bands it was feasible to identify and localize PM patches on the bacterial surface. The size of these areas was determined to be a few hundred nanometers.

Protein-bound water as the determinant of asymmetric functional conversion between light-driven proton and chloride pumps

Bacteriorhodopsin (BR) and halorhodopsin (HR) are light-driven outward proton and inward chloride pumps, respectively. They have similar protein architecture, being composed of seven-transmembrane helices that bind an all-trans-retinal. BR can be converted into a chloride pump by a single amino acid replacement at position 85, suggesting that BR and HR share a common transport mechanism, and the ionic specificity is determined by the amino acid at that position. However, HR cannot be converted into a proton pump by the corresponding reverse mutation. Here we mutated 6 and 10 amino acids of HR into BR-like, whereas such multiple HR mutants never pump protons. Light-induced Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that hydrogen bonds of the retinal Schiff base and water are both strong for BR and both weak for HR. Multiple HR mutants exhibit strong hydrogen bonds of the Schiff base, but the hydrogen bond of water is still weak. We concluded that the cause of nonfunctional conversion of HR is the lack of strongly hydrogen-bonded water, the functional determinant of the proton pump.

Extended protein/water H-bond networks in photosynthetic water oxidation

Oxidation of water molecules in the photosystem II (PSII) protein complex proceeds at the manganese-calcium complex, which is buried deeply in the lumenal part of PSII. Understanding the PSII function requires knowledge of the intricate coupling between the water-oxidation chemistry and the dynamic proton management by the PSII protein matrix. Here we assess the structural basis for long-distance proton transfer in the interior of PSII and for proton management at its surface. Using the recent high-resolution crystal structure of PSII, we investigate prominent hydrogen-bonded networks of the lumenal side of PSII. This analysis leads to the identification of clusters of polar groups and hydrogen-bonded networks consisting of amino acid residues and water molecules. We suggest that long-distance proton transfer and conformational coupling is facilitated by hydrogen-bonded networks that often involve more than one protein subunit. Proton-storing Asp/Glu dyads, such as the D1-E65/D2-E312 dyad connected to a complex water-wire network, may be particularly important for coupling protonation states to the protein conformation. Clusters of carboxylic amino acids could participate in proton management at the lumenal surface of PSII. We propose that rather than having a classical hydrophobic protein interior, the lumenal side of PSII resembles a complex polyelectrolyte with evolutionary optimized hydrogen-bonding networks. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Photosynthesis Research for Sustainability: from Natural to Artificial.