1
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Dance I. The HD Reaction of Nitrogenase: a Detailed Mechanism. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202202502. [PMID: 36274057 PMCID: PMC10099629 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202202502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Nitrogenase is the enzyme that converts N2 to NH3 under ambient conditions. The chemical mechanism of this catalysis at the active site FeMo-co [Fe7 S9 CMo(homocitrate)] is unknown. An obligatory co-product is H2 , while exogenous H2 is a competitive inhibitor. Isotopic substitution using exogenous D2 revealed the N2 -dependent reaction D2 +2H+ +2e- →2HD (the 'HD reaction'), together with a collection of additional experimental characteristics and requirements. This paper describes a detailed mechanism for the HD reaction, developed and elaborated using density functional simulations with a 486-atom model of the active site and surrounding protein. First D2 binds at one Fe atom (endo-Fe6 coordination position), where it is flanked by H-Fe6 (exo position) and H-Fe2 (endo position). Then there is synchronous transfer of these two H atoms to bound D2 , forming one HD bound to Fe2 and a second HD bound to Fe6. These two HD dissociate sequentially. The final phase is recovery of the two flanking H atoms. These H atoms are generated, sequentially, by translocation of a proton from the protein surface to S3B of FeMo-co and combination with introduced electrons. The first H atom migrates from S3B to exo-Fe6 and the second from S3B to endo-Fe2. Reaction energies and kinetic barriers are reported for all steps. This mechanism accounts for the experimental data: (a) stoichiometry; (b) the N2 -dependence results from promotional N2 bound at exo-Fe2; (c) different N2 binding Km for the HD reaction and the NH3 formation reaction results from involvement of two different sites; (d) inhibition by CO; (e) the non-occurrence of 2HD→H2 +D2 results from the synchronicity of the two transfers of H to D2 ; (f) inhibition of HD production at high pN2 is by competitive binding of N2 at endo-Fe6; (g) the non-leakage of D to solvent follows from the hydrophobic environment and irreversibility of proton introduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Dance
- School of Chemistry, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
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2
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Gee LB, Myers WK, Nack-Lehman PA, Scott AD, Yan L, George SJ, Dong W, Dapper CH, Newton WE, Cramer SP. Nitrogenase Chemistry at 10 Kelvin─Phototautomerization and Recombination of CO-Inhibited α-H195Q Enzyme. Inorg Chem 2022; 61:11509-11513. [PMID: 35856737 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c00818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
CO-bound forms of nitrogenase are N2-reduction inhibited and likely intermediates in Fischer-Tropsch chemistry. Visible-light photolysis at 7 K was used to interrogate all three known CO-related EPR-active forms as exhibited by the α-H195Q variant of Azotobacter vinelandii nitrogenase MoFe protein. The hi(5)-CO EPR signal converted to the hi-CO EPR signal, which reverted at 10 K. FT-IR monitoring revealed an exquisitely light-sensitive "Hi-2" species with bands at 1932 and 1866 cm-1 that yielded "Hi-1" with bands at 1969 and 1692 cm-1, which reverted to "Hi-2". The similarities of photochemical behavior and recombination kinetics showed, for the first time, that hi-CO EPR and "Hi-1" IR signals arise from one chemical species. hi(5)-CO EPR and "Hi-2" IR signals are from a second species, and lo-CO EPR and "Lo-2" IR signals, formed after prolonged illumination, are from a third species. Comparing FT-IR data with CO-inhibited MoFe-protein crystal structures allowed assignment of CO-bonding geometries in these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leland B Gee
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States.,LCLS, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, United States
| | - William K Myers
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford 3QR OX1, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick A Nack-Lehman
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Aubrey D Scott
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Lifen Yan
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Simon J George
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Weibing Dong
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Christie H Dapper
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - William E Newton
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Stephen P Cramer
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States.,SETI Institute, Mountain View, California 94043, United States
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3
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Stripp ST, Duffus BR, Fourmond V, Léger C, Leimkühler S, Hirota S, Hu Y, Jasniewski A, Ogata H, Ribbe MW. Second and Outer Coordination Sphere Effects in Nitrogenase, Hydrogenase, Formate Dehydrogenase, and CO Dehydrogenase. Chem Rev 2022; 122:11900-11973. [PMID: 35849738 PMCID: PMC9549741 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Gases like H2, N2, CO2, and CO are increasingly recognized as critical feedstock in "green" energy conversion and as sources of nitrogen and carbon for the agricultural and chemical sectors. However, the industrial transformation of N2, CO2, and CO and the production of H2 require significant energy input, which renders processes like steam reforming and the Haber-Bosch reaction economically and environmentally unviable. Nature, on the other hand, performs similar tasks efficiently at ambient temperature and pressure, exploiting gas-processing metalloenzymes (GPMs) that bind low-valent metal cofactors based on iron, nickel, molybdenum, tungsten, and sulfur. Such systems are studied to understand the biocatalytic principles of gas conversion including N2 fixation by nitrogenase and H2 production by hydrogenase as well as CO2 and CO conversion by formate dehydrogenase, carbon monoxide dehydrogenase, and nitrogenase. In this review, we emphasize the importance of the cofactor/protein interface, discussing how second and outer coordination sphere effects determine, modulate, and optimize the catalytic activity of GPMs. These may comprise ionic interactions in the second coordination sphere that shape the electron density distribution across the cofactor, hydrogen bonding changes, and allosteric effects. In the outer coordination sphere, proton transfer and electron transfer are discussed, alongside the role of hydrophobic substrate channels and protein structural changes. Combining the information gained from structural biology, enzyme kinetics, and various spectroscopic techniques, we aim toward a comprehensive understanding of catalysis beyond the first coordination sphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven T Stripp
- Freie Universität Berlin, Experimental Molecular Biophysics, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | | | - Vincent Fourmond
- Laboratoire de Bioénergétique et Ingénierie des Protéines, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Institut Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille 13402, France
| | - Christophe Léger
- Laboratoire de Bioénergétique et Ingénierie des Protéines, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Institut Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille 13402, France
| | - Silke Leimkühler
- University of Potsdam, Molecular Enzymology, Potsdam 14476, Germany
| | - Shun Hirota
- Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Division of Materials Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Yilin Hu
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-3900, United States
| | - Andrew Jasniewski
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-3900, United States
| | - Hideaki Ogata
- Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Division of Materials Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara 630-0192, Japan.,Hokkaido University, Institute of Low Temperature Science, Sapporo 060-0819, Japan.,Graduate School of Science, University of Hyogo, Hyogo 678-1297, Japan
| | - Markus W Ribbe
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-3900, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
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4
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Gee LB, Scott AD, Dapper CH, Newton WE, Cramer SP. Carbon monoxide binding to α-R277H Mo-nitrogenase – Evidence for multiple pH-dependent species from IR-monitored photolysis. J Inorg Biochem 2022; 232:111806. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.111806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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5
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Spiller N, Bjornsson R, DeBeer S, Neese F. Carbon Monoxide Binding to the Iron-Molybdenum Cofactor of Nitrogenase: a Detailed Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics Investigation. Inorg Chem 2021; 60:18031-18047. [PMID: 34767349 PMCID: PMC8653219 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.1c02649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a well-known inhibitor of nitrogenase activity. Under turnover conditions, CO binds to FeMoco, the active site of Mo nitrogenase. Time-resolved IR measurements suggest an initial terminal CO at 1904 cm-1 that converts to a bridging CO at 1715 cm-1, and an X-ray structure shows that CO can displace one of the bridging belt sulfides of FeMoco. However, the CO-binding redox state(s) of FeMoco (En) and the role of the protein environment in stabilizing specific CO-bound intermediates remain elusive. In this work, we carry out an in-depth analysis of the CO-FeMoco interaction based on quantum chemical calculations addressing different aspects of the electronic structure. (1) The local electronic structure of the Fe-CO bond is studied through diamagnetically substituted FeMoco. (2) A cluster model of FeMoco within a polarizable continuum illustrates how CO binding may affect the spin-coupling between the metal centers. (3) A QM/MM model incorporates the explicit influence of the amino acid residues surrounding FeMoco in the MoFe protein. The QM/MM model predicts both a terminal and a bridging CO in the E1 redox state. The scaled calculated CO frequencies (1922 and 1716 cm-1, respectively) are in good agreement with the experimentally observed IR bands supporting CO binding to the E1 state. Alternatively, an E2 state QM/MM model, which has the same atomic structure as the CO-bound X-ray structure, features a semi-bridging CO with a scaled calculated frequency (1718 cm-1) similar to the bridging CO in the E1 model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Spiller
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Ragnar Bjornsson
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Stiftstr 34-36, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Serena DeBeer
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Stiftstr 34-36, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Frank Neese
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
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6
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Oehlmann NN, Rebelein JG. The Conversion of Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide by Nitrogenases. Chembiochem 2021; 23:e202100453. [PMID: 34643977 PMCID: PMC9298215 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Nitrogenases are the only known family of enzymes that catalyze the reduction of molecular nitrogen (N2) to ammonia (NH3). The N2 reduction drives biological nitrogen fixation and the global nitrogen cycle. Besides the conversion of N2, nitrogenases catalyze a whole range of other reductions, including the reduction of the small gaseous substrates carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) to hydrocarbons. However, it remains an open question whether these ‘side reactivities’ play a role under environmental conditions. Nonetheless, these reactivities and particularly the formation of hydrocarbons have spurred the interest in nitrogenases for biotechnological applications. There are three different isozymes of nitrogenase: the molybdenum and the alternative vanadium and iron‐only nitrogenase. The isozymes differ in their metal content, structure, and substrate‐dependent activity, despite their homology. This minireview focuses on the conversion of CO and CO2 to methane and higher hydrocarbons and aims to specify the differences in activity between the three nitrogenase isozymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels N Oehlmann
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 10, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Johannes G Rebelein
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 10, 35043, Marburg, Germany
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7
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Van Stappen C, Decamps L, Cutsail GE, Bjornsson R, Henthorn JT, Birrell JA, DeBeer S. The Spectroscopy of Nitrogenases. Chem Rev 2020; 120:5005-5081. [PMID: 32237739 PMCID: PMC7318057 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.9b00650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogenases are responsible for biological nitrogen fixation, a crucial step in the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle. These enzymes utilize a two-component protein system and a series of iron-sulfur clusters to perform this reaction, culminating at the FeMco active site (M = Mo, V, Fe), which is capable of binding and reducing N2 to 2NH3. In this review, we summarize how different spectroscopic approaches have shed light on various aspects of these enzymes, including their structure, mechanism, alternative reactivity, and maturation. Synthetic model chemistry and theory have also played significant roles in developing our present understanding of these systems and are discussed in the context of their contributions to interpreting the nature of nitrogenases. Despite years of significant progress, there is still much to be learned from these enzymes through spectroscopic means, and we highlight where further spectroscopic investigations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Van Stappen
- Max Planck Institute for
Chemical Energy Conversion, Stiftstrasse 34-36, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Laure Decamps
- Max Planck Institute for
Chemical Energy Conversion, Stiftstrasse 34-36, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - George E. Cutsail
- Max Planck Institute for
Chemical Energy Conversion, Stiftstrasse 34-36, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Ragnar Bjornsson
- Max Planck Institute for
Chemical Energy Conversion, Stiftstrasse 34-36, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Justin T. Henthorn
- Max Planck Institute for
Chemical Energy Conversion, Stiftstrasse 34-36, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - James A. Birrell
- Max Planck Institute for
Chemical Energy Conversion, Stiftstrasse 34-36, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Serena DeBeer
- Max Planck Institute for
Chemical Energy Conversion, Stiftstrasse 34-36, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
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8
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Einsle
- Institute for Biochemistry, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Douglas C. Rees
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena California 91125, United States
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9
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Seefeldt LC, Yang ZY, Lukoyanov DA, Harris DF, Dean DR, Raugei S, Hoffman BM. Reduction of Substrates by Nitrogenases. Chem Rev 2020; 120:5082-5106. [PMID: 32176472 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.9b00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nitrogenase is the enzyme that catalyzes biological N2 reduction to NH3. This enzyme achieves an impressive rate enhancement over the uncatalyzed reaction. Given the high demand for N2 fixation to support food and chemical production and the heavy reliance of the industrial Haber-Bosch nitrogen fixation reaction on fossil fuels, there is a strong need to elucidate how nitrogenase achieves this difficult reaction under benign conditions as a means of informing the design of next generation synthetic catalysts. This Review summarizes recent progress in addressing how nitrogenase catalyzes the reduction of an array of substrates. New insights into the mechanism of N2 and proton reduction are first considered. This is followed by a summary of recent gains in understanding the reduction of a number of other nitrogenous compounds not considered to be physiological substrates. Progress in understanding the reduction of a wide range of C-based substrates, including CO and CO2, is also discussed, and remaining challenges in understanding nitrogenase substrate reduction are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance C Seefeldt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322, United States
| | - Zhi-Yong Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322, United States
| | - Dmitriy A Lukoyanov
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Derek F Harris
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322, United States
| | - Dennis R Dean
- Biochemistry Department, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Simone Raugei
- Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Brian M Hoffman
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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10
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Dance I. Computational Investigations of the Chemical Mechanism of the Enzyme Nitrogenase. Chembiochem 2020; 21:1671-1709. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Dance
- School of Chemistry UNSW Sydney Sydney 2052 Australia
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11
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Fisher K, Hare ND, Newton WE. Another Role for CO with Nitrogenase? CO Stimulates Hydrogen Evolution Catalyzed by Variant Azotobacter vinelandii Mo-Nitrogenases. Biochemistry 2014; 53:6151-60. [DOI: 10.1021/bi500546k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karl Fisher
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Nathan D. Hare
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - William E. Newton
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
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12
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Seefeldt LC, Yang ZY, Duval S, Dean DR. Nitrogenase reduction of carbon-containing compounds. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2013; 1827:1102-11. [PMID: 23597875 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2013.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Revised: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Nitrogenase is an enzyme found in many bacteria and archaea that catalyzes biological dinitrogen fixation, the reduction of N2 to NH3, accounting for the major input of fixed nitrogen into the biogeochemical N cycle. In addition to reducing N2 and protons, nitrogenase can reduce a number of small, non-physiological substrates. Among these alternative substrates are included a wide array of carbon-containing compounds. These compounds have provided unique insights into aspects of the nitrogenase mechanism. Recently, it was shown that carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) can also be reduced by nitrogenase to yield hydrocarbons, opening new insights into the mechanism of small molecule activation and reduction by this complex enzyme as well as providing clues for the design of novel molecular catalysts. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Metals in Bioenergetics and Biomimetics Systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance C Seefeldt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA.
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13
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Yan L, Pelmenschikov V, Dapper CH, Scott AD, Newton WE, Cramer SP. IR-monitored photolysis of CO-inhibited nitrogenase: a major EPR-silent species with coupled terminal CO ligands. Chemistry 2012; 18:16349-57. [PMID: 23136072 PMCID: PMC4497518 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201202072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to observe the photolysis and recombination of a new EPR-silent CO-inhibited form of α-H195Q nitrogenase from Azotobacter vinelandii. Photolysis at 4 K reveals a strong negative IR difference band at nu = 1938 cm(-1), along with a weaker negative feature at 1911 cm(-1). These bands and the associated chemical species have both been assigned the label "Hi-3". A positive band at nu = 1921 cm(-1) was assigned to the "Lo-3" photoproduct. By using an isotopic mixture of (12)C (16)O and (13)C (18)O, we show that the Hi-3 bands arise from coupling of two similar CO oscillators with one uncoupled frequency at approximately nu = 1917 cm(-1). Although in previous studies Lo-3 was not observed to recombine, by extending the observation range to 200-240 K, we found that recombination to Hi-3 does indeed occur, with an activation energy of approximately 6.5 kJ mol(-1). The frequencies of the Hi-3 bands suggest terminal CO ligation. This hypothesis was tested with DFT calculations on models with terminal CO ligands on Fe2 and Fe6 of the FeMo-cofactor. An S = 0 model with both CO ligands in exo positions predicts symmetric and asymmetric stretches at nu = 1938 and 1909 cm(-1), respectively, with relative band intensities of about 3.5:1, which is in good agreement with experiment. From the observed IR intensities, Hi-3 was found to be present at a concentration about equal to that of the EPR-active Hi-1 species. The relevance of Hi-3 to the nitrogenase catalytic mechanism and its recently discovered Fischer-Tropsch chemistry is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifen Yan
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | | | - Christie H. Dapper
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Aubrey D. Scott
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - William E. Newton
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Stephen P. Cramer
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
- Physical Biosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA 94720
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14
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Carbon dioxide reduction to methane and coupling with acetylene to form propylene catalyzed by remodeled nitrogenase. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:19644-8. [PMID: 23150564 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1213159109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A doubly substituted form of the nitrogenase MoFe protein (α-70(Val)(→Ala), α-195(His→Gln)) has the capacity to catalyze the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) to yield methane (CH(4)). Under optimized conditions, 1 nmol of the substituted MoFe protein catalyzes the formation of 21 nmol of CH(4) within 20 min. The catalytic rate depends on the partial pressure of CO(2) (or concentration of HCO(3)(-)) and the electron flux through nitrogenase. The doubly substituted MoFe protein also has the capacity to catalyze the unprecedented formation of propylene (H(2)C = CH-CH(3)) through the reductive coupling of CO(2) and acetylene (HC≡CH). In light of these observations, we suggest that an emerging understanding of the mechanistic features of nitrogenase could be relevant to the design of synthetic catalysts for CO(2) sequestration and formation of olefins.
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15
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16
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Danyal K, Yang ZY, Seefeldt LC. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2011; 766:191-205. [PMID: 21833869 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-194-9_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
EPR spectroscopy has been an important tool in nitrogenase research for the last 50 years. The three metalloclusters in nitrogenase, the Fe protein [4Fe-4S] cluster, and the MoFe protein P-cluster, and FeMo-cofactor, all have EPR spectra when poised in the appropriate paramagnetic states. EPR spectroscopy can probe changes in the electronic properties of each metal cluster, such as when substrates bind, and can provide a definitive method for observing changes in the redox states of the clusters. In this chapter, the methods for analysis of the three metal clusters of nitrogenase by EPR spectroscopy are described, along with methods for trapping substrate-derived intermediates on the active site that are amenable to characterization by EPR and other magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karamatullah Danyal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA.
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17
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Yang ZY, Seefeldt LC, Dean DR, Cramer SP, George SJ. Steric control of the Hi-CO MoFe nitrogenase complex revealed by stopped-flow infrared spectroscopy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2011; 50:272-5. [PMID: 21120978 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201005145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yong Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UMC 0300 Old Main Hill, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
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18
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Yang ZY, Dean DR, Seefeldt LC. Molybdenum nitrogenase catalyzes the reduction and coupling of CO to form hydrocarbons. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:19417-21. [PMID: 21454640 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.229344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The molybdenum-dependent nitrogenase catalyzes the multi-electron reduction of protons and N(2) to yield H(2) and 2NH(3). It also catalyzes the reduction of a number of non-physiological doubly and triply bonded small molecules (e.g. C(2)H(2), N(2)O). Carbon monoxide (CO) is not reduced by the wild-type molybdenum nitrogenase but instead inhibits the reduction of all substrates catalyzed by nitrogenase except protons. Here, we report that when the nitrogenase MoFe protein α-Val(70) residue is substituted by alanine or glycine, the resulting variant proteins will catalyze the reduction and coupling of CO to form methane (CH(4)), ethane (C(2)H(6)), ethylene (C(2)H(4)), propene (C(3)H(6)), and propane (C(3)H(8)). The rates and ratios of hydrocarbon production from CO can be adjusted by changing the flux of electrons through nitrogenase, by substitution of other amino acids located near the FeMo-cofactor, or by changing the partial pressure of CO. Increasing the partial pressure of CO shifted the product ratio in favor of the longer chain alkanes and alkenes. The implications of these findings in understanding the nitrogenase mechanism and the relationship to Fischer-Tropsch production of hydrocarbons from CO are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yong Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322, USA
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19
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Yan L, Dapper CH, George SJ, Wang H, Mitra D, Dong W, Newton WE, Cramer SP. Photolysis of Hi-CO Nitrogenase - Observation of a Plethora of Distinct CO Species using Infrared Spectroscopy. Eur J Inorg Chem 2011; 2011:2064-2074. [PMID: 27630531 DOI: 10.1002/ejic.201100029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to study the photochemistry of CO-inhibited Azotobacter vinelandii nitrogenase using visible light at cryogenic temperatures. The FT-IR difference spectrum of photolyzed hi-CO at 4 K comprises negative bands at 1973 cm-1 and 1679 cm-1 together with positive bands at 1711 cm-1, 2135 and 2123 cm-1. The negative bands are assigned to a hi-CO state that comprises 2 metal-bound CO ligands, one terminally bound, and one bridged and/or protonated species. The positive band at 1711 cm-1 is assigned to a lo-CO product with a single bridged and/or protonated metal-CO group. We term these species 'Hi-1' and 'Lo-1' respectively. The high-energy bands are assigned to a liberated CO trapped in the protein pocket. Warming results in CO recombination, and the temperature dependence of the recombination rate yields an activation energy of 4 kJ mol-1. Two α-H195 variant enzymes yielded additional signals. Asparagine substitution, α-H195N, gives a spectrum containing 2 negative 'Hi-2' bands at 1936 and 1858 cm-1 with a positive 'Lo-2' band at 1780 cm-1, while glutamine substitution, α-H195Q, produces a complex spectrum that includes a third CO species, with negative 'Hi-3' bands at 1938 and 1911 cm-1 and a positive feature 'Lo-3' band at 1921 cm-1. These species can be assigned to a combination of terminal, bridged, and possibly protonated CO groups bound to the FeMo-cofactor active site. The proposed structures are discussed in terms of both CO inhibition and the mechanism nitrogenase catalysis. Given the intractability of observing nitrogenase intermediates by crystallographic methods, IR-monitored photolysis appears to be a promising and information-rich probe of nitrogenase structure and chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifen Yan
- Department of Applied Science, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Christie H Dapper
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 123 Engel Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Simon J George
- Department of Applied Science, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA; Physical Biosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, MS 6R2100, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Hongxin Wang
- Department of Applied Science, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA; Physical Biosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, MS 6R2100, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Devrani Mitra
- Department of Applied Science, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Weibing Dong
- Department of Applied Science, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - William E Newton
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 123 Engel Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Stephen P Cramer
- Department of Applied Science, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA; Physical Biosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, MS 6R2100, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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20
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Roth LE, Nguyen JC, Tezcan FA. ATP- and iron-protein-independent activation of nitrogenase catalysis by light. J Am Chem Soc 2011; 132:13672-4. [PMID: 20843032 DOI: 10.1021/ja1071866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
We report here the light-driven activation of the molybdenum-iron-protein (MoFeP) of nitrogenase for substrate reduction independent of ATP hydrolysis and the iron-protein (FeP), which have been believed to be essential for catalytic turnover. A MoFeP variant labeled on its surface with a Ru-photosensitizer is shown to photocatalytically reduce protons and acetylene, most likely at its active site, FeMoco. The uncoupling of nitrogenase catalysis from ATP hydrolysis should enable the study of redox dynamics within MoFeP and the population of discrete reaction intermediates for structural investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Roth
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, La Jolla, California 92093-0356, USA
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21
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22
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Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yong Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA.
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23
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Yang Z, Seefeldt LC, Dean DR, Cramer SP, George SJ. Steric Control of the Hi‐CO MoFe Nitrogenase Complex Revealed by Stopped‐Flow Infrared Spectroscopy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201005145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi‐Yong Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UMC 0300 Old Main Hill, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322 (USA)
| | - Lance C. Seefeldt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UMC 0300 Old Main Hill, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322 (USA)
| | - Dennis R. Dean
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 110 Fralin Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061 (USA)
| | - Stephen P. Cramer
- Department of Applied Science, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 (USA), Fax: (+1) 530‐752‐2444
- Advanced Biological and Environmental X‐ray Facility, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, MS 6R2100, Berkeley, CA 94720 (USA)
| | - Simon J. George
- Department of Applied Science, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 (USA), Fax: (+1) 530‐752‐2444
- Advanced Biological and Environmental X‐ray Facility, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, MS 6R2100, Berkeley, CA 94720 (USA)
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24
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Catalytic activities of NifEN: implications for nitrogenase evolution and mechanism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:16962-6. [PMID: 19805110 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0907872106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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25
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Fisher K, Lowe DJ, Tavares P, Pereira AS, Huynh BH, Edmondson D, Newton WE. Conformations generated during turnover of the Azotobacter vinelandii nitrogenase MoFe protein and their relationship to physiological function. J Inorg Biochem 2007; 101:1649-56. [PMID: 17845818 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2007.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2007] [Revised: 07/10/2007] [Accepted: 07/13/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Various S=3/2 EPR signals elicited from wild-type and variant Azotobacter vinelandii nitrogenase MoFe proteins appear to reflect different conformations assumed by the FeMo-cofactor with different protonation states. To determine whether these presumed changes in protonation and conformation reflect catalytic capacity, the responses (particularly to changes in electron flux) of the alphaH195Q, alphaH195N, and alphaQ191K variant MoFe proteins (where His at position 195 in the alpha subunit is replaced by Gln/Asn or Gln at position alpha-191 by Lys), which have strikingly different substrate-reduction properties, were studied by stopped-flow or rapid-freeze techniques. Rapid-freeze EPR at low electron flux (at 3-fold molar excess of wild-type Fe protein) elicited two transient FeMo-cofactor-based EPR signals within 1 s of initiating turnover under N(2) with the alphaH195Q and alphaH195N variants, but not with the alphaQ191K variant. No EPR signals attributable to P cluster oxidation were observed for any of the variants under these conditions. Furthermore, during turnover at low electron flux with the wild-type, alphaH195Q or alphaH195N MoFe protein, the longer-time 430-nm absorbance increase, which likely reflects P cluster oxidation, was also not observed (by stopped-flow spectrophotometry); it did, however, occur for all three MoFe proteins under higher electron flux. No 430-nm absorbance increase occurred with the alphaQ191K variant, not even at higher electron flux. This putative lack of involvement of the P cluster in electron transfer at low electron flux was confirmed by rapid-freeze (57)Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, which clearly showed FeMo-factor reduction without P cluster oxidation. Because the wild-type, alphaH195Q and alphaH195N MoFe proteins can bind N(2), but alphaQ195K cannot, these results suggest that P cluster oxidation occurs only under high electron flux as required for N(2) reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Fisher
- Department of Biochemistry, The Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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26
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McKee ML. Modeling hydrogen evolution from the Fe4S4and Fe8S9X (X = N, C) clusters. Can a FeS high-spin cluster serve as a surrogate for the FeMo cofactor? J Comput Chem 2007; 28:1796-808. [PMID: 17285558 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.20636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A high-spin model of nitrogenase with a Fe(8)S(9)X(+) cluster (X = nitrogen or carbon) is used to test a mechanism for molecular hydrogen production, which is known to accompany ammonia production. The reaction proceeds with a series of protonation-reduction (PR) steps which are considered to be spontaneous if the calculated hydrogen-cluster bond energy exceeds 35-40 kcal/mol. The novel features of this mechanism include the opening of the cluster when one of the bridging sulfides undergoes two PR steps and the direct participation of the central atom when it undergoes a PR step. After the sixth PR step, a cluster is formed which has a low barrier for loss of molecular hydrogen in an exothermic reaction step. The central atom (nitrogen or carbon) has only a minor effect on the reaction steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L McKee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, USA.
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27
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McKee ML. Modeling the nitrogenase FeMo cofactor with high-spin Fe8
S9
X+
(XN, C) clusters. Is the first step for N2
reduction to NH3
a concerted dihydrogen transfer? J Comput Chem 2007; 28:1342-56. [PMID: 17318945 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.20635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
A high-spin Fe(8)S(9)X(+) (X=N, C) cluster is used to model the reduction of molecular nitrogen to ammonia by the nitrogenase FeMo cofactor at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p)/ECP(Fe,SDD) level of theory. A total of seventy-three structures were optimized (including three transition state optimizations) to explore the structure and energetic of N(2), C(2)H(2), and CO coordination to the Fe(8)S(9)X(+) cluster. After three protonation-reduction (PR) steps (modeled by addition of hydrogen atoms), N(2), C(2)H(2), and CO are predicted to bind to a Fe atom in the exo (cage does not open) position with binding energies of 7.6, 14.7, and 11.7 kcal/mol. With additional PR steps the coordination number of the core nitrogen atom is reduced from six to five and the bridging thiol group becomes a terminal SH(2) group. The fifth and sixth PR steps occur on the core nitrogen and the open Fe site. Coordination of N(2) is enhanced after six PR steps to give an intermediate ideally suited for a concerted dihydrogen transfer from the Fe and core nitrogen atoms to the coordinated N(2). The identity of the central atom (nitrogen or carbon) has only a minor effect on the reaction steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L McKee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, USA.
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28
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Durrant M, Francis A, Lowe D, Newton W, Fisher K. Evidence for a dynamic role for homocitrate during nitrogen fixation: the effect of substitution at the alpha-Lys426 position in MoFe-protein of Azotobacter vinelandii. Biochem J 2006; 397:261-70. [PMID: 16566750 PMCID: PMC1513279 DOI: 10.1042/bj20060102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Although it is generally accepted that the active site of nitrogenase is located on the FeMo-cofactor, the exact site(s) of N2 binding and reduction remain the subject of continuing debate, with both molybdenum and iron atoms being suggested as key players. The current consensus favours binding of acetylene and some other non-biologically relevant substrates to the central iron atoms of the FeMo-cofactor [Dos Santos, Igarashi, Lee, Hoffman, Seefeldt and Dean (2005) Acc. Chem. Res. 38, 208-214]. The reduction of N2 is, however, a more demanding process than reduction of these alternative substrates because it has a much higher activation energy and does not bind until three electrons have been accumulated on the enzyme. The possible conversion of bidentate into monodentate homocitrate on this three electron-reduced species has been proposed to free up a binding site for N2 on the molybdenum atom. One of the features of this hypothesis is that alpha-Lys426 facilitates chelate ring opening and subsequent orientation of the monodentate homocitrate by forming a specific hydrogen bond to the homocitrate -CH2CH2CO2- carboxylate group. In support of this concept, we show that mutation of alpha-Lys426 can selectively perturb N2 reduction without affecting acetylene reduction. We interpret our experimental observations in the light of a detailed molecular mechanics modelling study of the wild-type and altered MoFe-nitrogenases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus C. Durrant
- *Biomolecular and Biomedical Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, Ellison Building, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, U.K
| | - Amanda Francis
- †Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, U.K
| | - David J. Lowe
- †Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, U.K
- Correspondence may be addressed to either of these authors (email or )
| | - William E. Newton
- ‡Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, U.S.A
| | - Karl Fisher
- †Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, U.K
- Correspondence may be addressed to either of these authors (email or )
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29
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Fisher K, Dilworth MJ, Newton WE. Azotobacter vinelandii vanadium nitrogenase: formaldehyde is a product of catalyzed HCN reduction, and excess ammonia arises directly from catalyzed azide reduction. Biochemistry 2006; 45:4190-8. [PMID: 16566593 PMCID: PMC4296739 DOI: 10.1021/bi0514109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The Mo-nitrogenase-catalyzed reduction of both cyanide and azide results in the production of excess NH3, which is an amount of NH3 over and above that expected to be formed from the well-recognized reactions. Several suggestions about the possible sources of excess NH3 have been made, but previous attempts to characterize these reactions have met with either limited (or no) success or controversy. Because V-nitrogenase has a propensity to release partially reduced intermediates, e.g., N2H4 during N2 reduction, it was selected to probe the reduction of cyanide and azide. Sensitive assay procedures were developed and employed to monitor the production of either HCHO or CH3OH (its further two-electron-reduced product) from HCN. Like Mo-nitrogenase, V-nitrogenase suffered electron-flux inhibition by CN- (but was much less sensitive than Mo-nitrogenase), but unlike the case for Mo-nitrogenase, MgATP hydrolysis was also inhibited by CN-. V-Nitrogenase also released more of the four-electron-reduced intermediate, CH3NH2, than did Mo-nitrogenase. At high NaCN concentrations, V-nitrogenase directed a significant percentage of electron flux into excess NH3, and under these conditions, substantial amounts of HCHO, but no CH3OH, were detected for the first time. With azide, in contrast to the case for Mo-nitrogenase, both total electron flux and MgATP hydrolysis with V-nitrogenase were inhibited. V-Nitrogenase, unlike Mo-nitrogenase, showed no preference between the two-electron reduction to N2-plus-NH3 and the six-electron reduction to N2H4-plus-NH3. V-Nitrogenase formed more excess NH3, but reduction of the N2 produced by the two-electron reduction of N3(-) was not its source. Rather, it was formed directly by the eight-electron reduction of N3(-). Unlike Mo-nitrogenase, CO could not completely eliminate either cyanide or azide reduction by V-nitrogenase. CO did, however, eliminate the inhibition of both electron flux and MgATP hydrolysis by CN-, but not that caused by azide. These different responses to CO suggest different sites or modes of interaction for these two substrates with V-nitrogenase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - William E. Newton
- Corresponding author W.E. Newton (Tel: 540-231-8431; FAX: 540-231-9070; ) to whom proofs should be sent
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