Cloning and functional expression of a nitrile hydratase (NHase) from Rhodococcus equi TG328-2 in Escherichia coli, its purification and biochemical characterisation

Moving metals: How microbes deliver metal cofactors to metalloproteins

First row d-block metal ions serve as vital cofactors for numerous essential enzymes and are therefore required nutrients for all forms of life. Despite this requirement, excess free transition metals are toxic. Free metal ions participate in the production of noxious reactive oxygen species and mis-metalate metalloproteins, rendering enzymes catalytically inactive. Thus, bacteria require systems to ensure metalloproteins are properly loaded with cognate metal ions to maintain protein function, while avoiding metal-mediated cellular toxicity. In this perspective we summarize the current mechanistic understanding of bacterial metallocenter maturation with specific emphasis on metallochaperones; a group of specialized proteins that both shield metal ions from inadvertent reactions and distribute them to cognate target metalloproteins. We highlight several recent advances in the field that have implicated new classes of proteins in the distribution of metal ions within bacterial proteins, while speculating on the future of the field of bacterial metallobiology.

Merging enzymes with chemocatalysis for amide bond synthesis

Amides are one of the most fundamental chemical bonds in nature. In addition to proteins and other metabolites, many valuable synthetic products comprise amide bonds. Despite this, there is a need for more sustainable amide synthesis. Herein, we report an integrated next generation multi-catalytic system, merging nitrile hydratase enzymes with a Cu-catalysed N-arylation reaction in a single reaction vessel, for the construction of ubiquitous amide bonds. This synergistic one-pot combination of chemo- and biocatalysis provides an amide bond disconnection to precursors, that are orthogonal to those in classical amide synthesis, obviating the need for protecting groups and delivering amides in a manner unachievable using existing catalytic regimes. Our integrated approach also affords broad scope, very high (molar) substrate loading, and has excellent functional group tolerance, telescoping routes to natural product derivatives, drug molecules, and challenging chiral amides under environmentally friendly conditions at scale.

Proteins, other metabolites and many valuable synthetic products contain amide bonds and there is a need for more sustainable amide synthesis routes. Here the authors show an integrated next generation multi-catalytic system, merging nitrile hydratase enzymes with a Cu-catalysed N-arylation reaction in a single reaction vessel, for the construction of ubiquitous amide bonds.

Maturation Mechanism of Nitrile Hydratase From Streptomyces canus CGMCC 13662 and Its Structural Character

Nitrile hydratases have received significant interest both in the large-scale industrial production of acrylamide and nicotinamide, and the remediation of environmental contamination with nitrile-containing pollutants. Almost all known nitrile hydratases include an α-subunit (AnhA) and β-subunit (AnhB), and a specific activator protein is crucial for their maturation and catalytic activity. Many studies exist on nitrile hydratase characteristics and applications, but few have reported their metal insertion and post-translational maturation mechanism. In this study, we investigated the cobalt insertion and maturation mechanism of nitrile hydratase from Streptomyces canus CGMCC 13662 (ScNHase) bearing three subunits (AnhD, AnhE, and AnhA). ScNHase subunits were purified, and the cobalt content and nitrile hydratase activity of the ScNHase subunits were detected. We discovered that cobalt could insert into the cobalt-free AnhA of ScNHase in the absence of activator protein under reduction agent DL-dithiothreitol (DTT) environment. AnhD not only performed the function of AnhB of NHase, but also acted as a metal ion chaperone and self-subunit swapping chaperone, while AnhE did not act as similar performance. A cobalt direct-insertion under reduction condition coordinated self-subunit swapping mechanism is responsible for ScNHase post-translational maturation. Molecular docking of ScNHase and substrates suggested that the substrate specificity of ScNHase was correlated with its structure. ScNHase had a weak hydrophobic interaction with IAN through protein-ligand interaction analysis and, therefore, had no affinity with indole-3-acetonitrile (IAN). The post-translational maturation mechanism and structure characteristics of ScNHase could help guide research on the environmental remediation of nitrile-containing waste contamination and three-subunit nitrile hydratase.

Cellular maturation of an iron-type nitrile hydratase interrogated using EPR spectroscopy

Nitrile hydratase (NHase) is a non-heme iron-containing enzyme that has applications in commodity chemical synthesis, pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis, and reclamation of nitrile-(bromoxynil) contaminated land. Mechanistic study of the enzyme has been complicated by the expression of multiple overlapping Fe(III) EPR signals. The individual signals were recently assigned to distinct chemical species with the assistance of DFT calculations. Here, the origins and evolution of the EPR signals from cells overexpressing the enzyme were investigated, with the aims of optimizing the preparation of homogeneous samples of NHase for study and investigating the application of E. coli overexpressing the enzyme for "green" chemistry. It was revealed that nitrile hydratase forms two sets of inactive complexes in vivo over time. One is due to reversible complexation with endogenous carboxylic acids, while the second is due to irreversibly inactivating oxidation of an essential cysteine sulfenic acid. It was shown that the homogeneity of preparations can be improved by employing an anaerobic protocol. The ability of the substrates acrylonitrile and acetonitrile to be taken up by cells and hydrated to the corresponding amides by NHase was demonstrated by EPR identification of the product complexes of NHase in intact cells. The inhibitors butyric acid and butane boronic acid were also taken up by E. coli and formed complexes with NHase in vivo, indicating that care must be taken with environmental variables when attempting microbially assisted synthesis and reclamation.

Biodegradation of the Neonicotinoid Insecticide Acetamiprid by Actinomycetes Streptomyces canus CGMCC 13662 and Characterization of the Novel Nitrile Hydratase Involved

Neonicotinoid insecticide pollution in soil and water poses serious environmental risks. Microbial biodegradation is an important neonicotinoid insecticide degradation pathway in the environment. In this study, 70.0% of the acetamiprid in a 200 mg/L solution was degraded by actinomycetes Streptomyces canus CGMCC 13662 (isolated from soil) in 48 h, and the acetamiprid degradation half-life was 27.7 h. Acetamiprid was degraded to IM-1-2 (( E)-1-(1-(((6-chloropyridin-3-yl)methyl)(methyl) amino)ethylidene)urea) through hydrolysis of the cyanoimine moiety. Gene cloning and overexpression indicated that a novel nitrile hydratase with three unusual subunits (AnhD, AnhE, and AnhA) without accessory protein mediated IM-1-2 formation. The purified nitrile hydratase responsible for degrading acetamiprid had a K_m of 5.85 mmol/L and a V_max of 15.99 U/mg. A homology model suggested that AnhD-Glu56 and AnhE-His21 play important roles in the catalytic efficiency of the nitrile hydratase. S. canus CGMCC 13662 could be used to remediate environments contaminated with acetamiprid.

From Multistep Enzyme Monitoring to Whole-Cell Biotransformations: Development of Real-Time Ultraviolet Resonance Raman Spectroscopy

Process analytical technologies (PAT) are used within industry to give real-time measurements of critical quality parameters, ultimately improving the quality by design (QbD) of the final product and reducing manufacturing costs. Spectroscopic and spectrophotometric methods are readily employed within PAT due to their ease of use, compatibility toward a range of sample types, robustness, and multiplexing capabilities. We have developed a UV resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy approach to quantify industrially relevant biotransformations accurately, focusing on nitrile metabolizing enzymes: nitrile hydratase (NHase) and amidase versus nitrilase activity. Sensitive detection of the amide intermediate by UVRR spectroscopy enabled discrimination between the two nitrile-hydrolyzing pathways. Development of a flow-cell apparatus further exemplifies its suitability toward PAT measurements, incorporating in situ analysis within a closed system. Multivariate curve resolution-alternating least-squares (MCR-ALS) was applied to the UVRR spectra, as well as off-line HPLC measurements, to enable absolute quantification of substrate, intermediate, and product. Further application of hard modeling to MCR-ALS deconvolved concentration profiles enabled accurate kinetic determinations, thus removing the requirement for comparative off-line HPLC. Finally, successful quantitative measurements of in vivo activity using whole-cell biotransformations, where two Escherichia coli strains expressing either NHase (transforming benzonitrile to benzamide) or amidase (further conversion of benzamide to benzoic acid), illustrate the power, practicality, and sensitivity of this novel approach of multistep and, with further refinement, we believe, multiple micro-organism biotransformations.

Multiple States of Nitrile Hydratase from Rhodococcus equi TG328-2: Structural and Mechanistic Insights from Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Density Functional Theory Studies

Iron-type nitrile hydratases (NHases) contain an Fe(III) ion coordinated in a characteristic "claw setting" by an axial cysteine thiolate, two equatorial peptide nitrogens, the sulfur atoms of equatorial cysteine-sulfenic and cysteine-sulfinic acids, and an axial water/hydroxyl moiety. The cysteine-sulfenic acid is susceptible to oxidation, and the enzyme is traditionally prepared using butyric acid as an oxidative protectant. The as-prepared enzyme exhibits a complex electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum due to multiple low-spin (S = 1/2) Fe(III) species. Four distinct signals can be assigned to the resting active state, the active state bound to butyric acid, an oxidized Fe(III)-bis(sulfinic acid) form, and an oxidized complex with butyric acid. A combination of comparison with earlier work, development of methods to elicit individual signals, and design and application of a novel density functional theory method for reproducing g tensors to unprecedentedly high precision was used to assign the signals. These species account for the previously reported EPR spectra from Fe-NHases, including spectra observed upon addition of substrates. Completely new EPR signals were observed upon addition of inhibitory boronic acids, and the distinctive g1 features of these signals were replicated in the steady state with the slow substrate acetonitrile. This latter signal constitutes the first EPR signal from a catalytic intermediate of NHase and is assigned to a key intermediate in the proposed catalytic cycle. Earlier, apparently contradictory, electron nuclear double resonance reports are reconsidered in the context of this work.

The iron-type nitrile hydratase activator protein is a GTPase

The Fe-type nitrile hydratase activator protein from Rhodococcus equi TG328-2 (ReNHase TG328-2) was successfully expressed and purified. Sequence analysis and homology modeling suggest that it is a G3E P-loop guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) within the COG0523 subfamily. Kinetic studies revealed that the Fe-type activator protein is capable of hydrolyzing GTP to GDP with a k_cat value of 1.2 × 10^-3s^-1 and a K_m value of 40 μM in the presence of 5 mM MgCl₂ in 50 mM 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-1-ethanesulfonic acid at a pH of 8.0. The addition of divalent metal ions, such as Co(II), which binds to the ReNHase TG328-2 activator protein with a K_d of 2.9 μM, accelerated the rate of GTP hydrolysis, suggesting that GTP hydrolysis is potentially connected to the proposed metal chaperone function of the ReNHase TG328-2 activator protein. Circular dichroism data reveal a significant conformational change upon the addition of GTP, which may be linked to the interconnectivity of the cofactor binding sites, resulting in an activator protein that can be recognized and can bind to the NHase α-subunit. A combination of these data establishes, for the first time, that the ReNHase TG328-2 activator protein falls into the COG0523 subfamily of G3E P-loop GTPases, many of which play a role in metal homeostasis processes.

Characterization of a versatile nitrile hydratase of the neonicotinoid thiacloprid-degrading bacterium Ensifer meliloti CGMCC 7333

The nitrogen-fixing bacterium Ensifer meliloti CGMCC 7333 and its nitrile hydratase (NHase) degrade the neonicotinoid insecticides, thiacloprid (THI) and acetamiprid (ACE), to their corresponding amide metabolites.

Chaperones-assisted soluble expression and maturation of recombinant Co-type nitrile hydratase in Escherichia coli to avoid the need for a low induction temperature

Nitrile hydratase (NHase) is an important industrial enzyme that biosynthesizes high-value amides. However, most of NHases expressed in Escherichia coli easily aggregate to inactive inclusion bodies unless the induction temperature is reduced to approximately 20°C. The NHase from Aurantimonas manganoxydans has been functionally expressed in E. coli, and exhibits considerable potential for the production of nicotinamide in industrial application. In this study, the effects of chaperones including GroEL/ES, Dnak/J-GrpE and trigger factor on the expression of the recombinant Co-type NHase were investigated. The results indicate that three chaperones can significantly promote the active expression of the recombinant NHase at 30°C. The total NHase activities reached to 263 and 155U/ml in shake flasks when the NHase was co-expressed with GroEL/ES and DnaK/J-GrpE, which were 52- and 31-fold higher than the observed activities without chaperones, respectively. This increase is possibly due to the soluble expression of the recombinant NHase assisted by molecular chaperones. Furthermore, GroEL/ES and DnaK/J-GrpE were determined to promote the maturation of the Co-type NHase in E. coli under the absence of the parental activator gene. These knowledge regarding the chaperones effect on the NHase expression are useful for understanding the biosynthesis of Co-type NHase.

Simultaneous purification of nitrile hydratase and amidase of Alcaligenes sp. MTCC 10674

Alcaligenes sp. MTCC 10674 has a bienzymatic system for the hydrolysis of nitriles. The nitrile hydratase and amidase have been purified simultaneously to homogeneity using a combination of (NH)₄SO₄ precipitation, ion exchange chromatography and gel permeation chromatography. Nitrile hydratase and amidase have molecular weight of 47 and 114 kDa, respectively and exist as heterodimer. Optimum temperatures for maximum activity of nitrile hydratase and amidase were 15 °C (2.4 U/mg protein) and 45 °C (2.3 U/mg protein), respectively. Nitrile hydratase showed maximum 7.8 U/mg protein at 50 mM acrylonitrile and amidase has 9.2 U/mg protein at 25 mM propionamide. Nitrile hydratase has V_max 10 μmol/min/mg and K_m 40 mM, while amidase has V_max 12.5 μmol/min/mg and K_m 45.5 mM, respectively. Heavy metal ions Hg²⁺, Ag⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ were strong inhibitors of nitrile hydratase and amidase activity.

Indole-3-acetic acid in plant-microbe interactions

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is an important phytohormone with the capacity to control plant development in both beneficial and deleterious ways. The ability to synthesize IAA is an attribute that many bacteria including both plant growth-promoters and phytopathogens possess. There are three main pathways through which IAA is synthesized; the indole-3-pyruvic acid, indole-3-acetamide and indole-3-acetonitrile pathways. This chapter reviews the factors that effect the production of this phytohormone, the role of IAA in bacterial physiology and in plant-microbe interactions including phytostimulation and phytopathogenesis.

Identification of an active site-bound nitrile hydratase intermediate through single turnover stopped-flow spectroscopy

Stopped-flow kinetic data were obtained for the iron-type nitrile hydratase from Rhodococcus equi TG328-2 (ReNHase) using methacrylonitrile as the substrate. Multiple turnover experiments suggest a three-step kinetic model that allows for the reversible binding of substrate, the presence of an intermediate, and the formation of product. Microscopic rate constants determined from these data are in good agreement with steady state data confirming that the stopped-flow method used was appropriate for the reaction. Single turnover stopped-flow experiments were used to identify catalytic intermediates. These data were globally fit confirming a three-step kinetic model. Independent absorption spectra acquired between 0.005 and 0.5 s of the reaction reveal a significant increase in absorbance at 375, 460, and 550 nm along with the hypsochromic shift of an Fe(3+)←S ligand-to-metal charge transfer band from 700 to 650 nm. The observed UV-visible absorption bands for the Fe(3+)-nitrile intermediate species are similar to low spin Fe(3+)-enzyme and model complexes bound by NO or N3((-)). These data provide spectroscopic evidence for the direct coordination of the nitrile substrate to the nitrile hydratase active site low spin Fe(3+) center.

Biotransformation of the neonicotinoid insecticide thiacloprid by the bacterium Variovorax boronicumulans strain J1 and mediation of the major metabolic pathway by nitrile hydratase

A neonicotinoid insecticide thiacloprid-degrading bacterium strain J1 was isolated from soil and identified as Variovorax boronicumulans by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis indicated the major pathway of thiacloprid (THI) metabolism by V. boronicumulans J1 involved hydrolysis of the N-cyanoimino group to form an N-carbamoylinino group containing metabolite, THI amide. Resting cells of V. boronicumulans J1 degraded 62.5% of the thiacloprid at a concentration of 200 mg/L in 60 h, and 98% of the reduced thiacloprid was converted to the final metabolite thiacloprid amide. A 2.6 kb gene cluster from V. boronicumulans J1 that includes the full length of the nitrile hydratase gene was cloned and investigated by degenerate primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and inverse PCR. The nitrile hydratase gene has a length of 1304 bp and codes a cobalt-type nitrile hydratase with an α-subunit of 213 amino acids and a β-subunit of 221 amino acids. The nitrile hydratase gene was recombined into plasmid pET28a and overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The resting cells of recombinant E. coli BL21 (DE3)-pET28a-NHase with overexpression of nitrile hydratase transformed thiacloprid to its amide metabolite, whereas resting cells of the control E. coli BL21 (DE3)-pET28a did not. Therefore, the major hydration pathway of thiacloprid is mediated by nitrile hydratase.

Biochemical characterization of the carotenoid 1,2-hydratases (CrtC) from Rubrivivax gelatinosus and Thiocapsa roseopersicina

Two carotenoid 1,2-hydratase (CrtC) genes from the photosynthetic bacteria Rubrivivax gelatinosus and Thiocapsa roseopersicina were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli in an active form and purified by affinity chromatography. The biochemical properties of the recombinant enzymes and their substrate specificities were studied. The purified CrtCs catalyze cofactor independently the conversion of lycopene to 1-HO- and 1,1′-(HO)₂-lycopene. The optimal pH and temperature for hydratase activity was 8.0 and 30°C, respectively. The apparent K_m and V_max values obtained for the hydration of lycopene were 24 μM and 0.31 nmol h⁻¹ mg⁻¹ for RgCrtC and 9.5 μM and 0.15 nmol h⁻¹ mg⁻¹ for TrCrtC, respectively. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed two protein bands of 44 and 38 kDa for TrCrtC, which indicate protein processing. Both hydratases are also able to convert the unnatural substrate geranylgeraniol (C20 substrate), which functionally resembles the natural substrate lycopene.

Real-time PCR detection of Fe-type nitrile hydratase genes from environmental isolates suggests horizontal gene transfer between multiple genera

Nitriles are widespread in the environment as a result of biological and industrial activity. Nitrile hydratases catalyse the hydration of nitriles to the corresponding amide and are often associated with amidases, which catalyze the conversion of amides to the corresponding acids. Nitrile hydratases have potential as biocatalysts in bioremediation and biotransformation applications, and several successful examples demonstrate the advantages. In this work a real-time PCR assay was designed for the detection of Fe-type nitrile hydratase genes from environmental isolates purified from nitrile-enriched soils and seaweeds. Specific PCR primers were also designed for amplification and sequencing of the genes. Identical or highly homologous nitrile hydratase genes were detected from isolates of numerous genera from geographically diverse sites, as were numerous novel genes. The genes were also detected from isolates of genera not previously reported to harbour nitrile hydratases. The results provide further evidence that many bacteria have acquired the genes via horizontal gene transfer. The real-time PCR assay should prove useful in searching for nitrile hydratases that could have novel substrate specificities and therefore potential in industrial applications.