The iron-sulfur composition of the active site of hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough) deduced from its subunit structure and total iron-sulfur content

[FeFe]-hydrogenase maturation: insights into the role HydE plays in dithiomethylamine biosynthesis

HydE and HydG are radical S-adenosyl-l-methionine enzymes required for the maturation of [FeFe]-hydrogenase (HydA) and produce the nonprotein organic ligands characteristic of its unique catalytic cluster. The catalytic cluster of HydA (the H-cluster) is a typical [4Fe-4S] cubane bridged to a 2Fe-subcluster that contains two carbon monoxides, three cyanides, and a bridging dithiomethylamine as ligands. While recent studies have shed light on the nature of diatomic ligand biosynthesis by HydG, little information exists on the function of HydE. Herein, we present biochemical, spectroscopic, bioinformatic, and molecular modeling data that together map the active site and provide significant insight into the role of HydE in H-cluster biosynthesis. Electron paramagnetic resonance and UV-visible spectroscopic studies demonstrate that reconstituted HydE binds two [4Fe-4S] clusters and copurifies with S-adenosyl-l-methionine. Incorporation of deuterium from D2O into 5'-deoxyadenosine, the cleavage product of S-adenosyl-l-methionine, coupled with molecular docking experiments suggests that the HydE substrate contains a thiol functional group. This information, along with HydE sequence similarity and genome context networks, has allowed us to redefine the presumed mechanism for HydE away from BioB-like sulfur insertion chemistry; these data collectively suggest that the source of the sulfur atoms in the dithiomethylamine bridge of the H-cluster is likely derived from HydE's thiol containing substrate.

Carbon Monoxide and Cyanide Ligands in the Active Site of [FeFe]-Hydrogenases

The [FeFe]-hydrogenases, although share common features when compared to other metal containing hydrogenases, clearly have independent evolutionary origins. Examples of [FeFe]-hydrogenases have been characterized in detail by biochemical and spectroscopic approaches and the high resolution structures of two examples have been determined. The active site H-cluster is a complex bridged metal assembly in which a [4Fe-4S] cubane is bridged to a 2Fe subcluster with unique non-protein ligands including carbon monoxide, cyanide, and a five carbon dithiolate. Carbon monoxide and cyanide ligands as a component of a native active metal center is a property unique to the metal containing hydrogenases and there has been considerable attention to the characterization of the H-cluster at the level of electronic structure and mechanism as well as to defining the biological means to synthesize such a unique metal cluster. The chapter describes the structural architecture of [FeFe]-hydrogenases and key spectroscopic observations that have afforded the field with a fundamental basis for understanding the relationship between structure and reactivity of the H-cluster. In addition, the results and ideas concerning the topic of H-cluster biosynthesis as an emerging and fascinating area of research, effectively reinforcing the potential linkage between iron-sulfur biochemistry to the role of iron-sulfur minerals in prebiotic chemistry and the origin of life.

The Electronic Structure of the H-Cluster in the [FeFe]-Hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans: A Q-band 57Fe-ENDOR and HYSCORE Study

The active site of the (57)Fe-enriched [FeFe]-hydrogenase (i.e., the "H-cluster") from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans has been examined using advanced pulse EPR methods at X- and Q-band frequencies. For both the active oxidized state (H(ox)) and the CO inhibited form (H(ox)-CO) all six (57)Fe hyperfine couplings were detected. The analysis shows that the apparent spin density extends over the whole H-cluster. The investigations revealed different hyperfine couplings of all six (57)Fe nuclei in the H-cluster of the H(ox)-CO state. Four large 57Fe hyperfine couplings in the range 20-40 MHz were found (using pulse ENDOR and TRIPLE methods) and were assigned to the [4Fe-4S](H) (cubane) subcluster. Two weak (57)Fe hyperfine couplings below 5 MHz were identified using Q-band HYSCORE spectroscopy and were assigned to the [2Fe](H) subcluster. For the H(ox) state only two different 57Fe hyperfine couplings in the range 10-13 MHz were detected using pulse ENDOR. An (57)Fe line broadening analysis of the X-band CW EPR spectrum indicated, however, that all six (57)Fe nuclei in the H-cluster are contributing to the hyperfine pattern. It is concluded that in both states the binuclear subcluster [2Fe](H) assumes a [Fe(I)Fe(II)] redox configuration where the paramagnetic Fe(I) atom is attached to the [4Fe-4S](H) subcluster. The (57)Fe hyperfine interactions of the formally diamagnetic [4Fe-4S](H) are due to an exchange interaction between the two subclusters as has been discussed earlier by Popescu and Münck [Popescu, C.V.; Münck, E., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1999, 121, 7877-7884]. This exchange coupling is strongly enhanced by binding of the extrinsic CO ligand. Binding of the dihydrogen substrate may induce a similar effect, and it is therefore proposed that the observed modulation of the electronic structure by the changing ligand surrounding plays an important role in the catalytic mechanism of [FeFe]-hydrogenase.

The active site of the [FeFe]-hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans. I. Light sensitivity and magnetic hyperfine interactions as observed by electron paramagnetic resonance

The hydrogen-activating cluster (H cluster) in [FeFe]-hydrogenases consists of two moieties. The [2Fe]H subcluster is a (L)(CO)(CN)Fe(mu-RS2)(mu-CO)Fe(CysS)(CO)(CN) centre. The Cys-bound Fe is called Fe1, the other iron Fe2. The Cys-thiol forms a bridge to a [4Fe-4S] cluster, the [4Fe-4S]H subcluster. We report that electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of the 57Fe-enriched enzyme from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans in the H(ox)-CO state are consistent with a magnetic hyperfine interaction of the unpaired spin with all six Fe atoms of the H cluster. In contrast to the inactive aerobic enzyme, the active enzyme is easily destroyed by light. The [2Fe]H subcluster in some enzyme molecules loses CO by photolysis, whereupon other molecules firmly bind the released CO to form the H(ox)-CO state giving rise to the so-called axial 2.06 EPR signal. Though not destroyed by light, the H(ox)-CO state is affected by it. As demonstrated in the accompanying paper [49] two of the intrinsic COs, both bound to Fe2, can be exchanged by extrinsic 13CO during illumination at 2 degrees C. We found that only one of the three 13COs, the one at the extrinsic position, gives an EPR-detectable isotropic superhyperfine interaction of 0.6 mT. At 30 K both the inhibiting extrinsic CO bound to Fe2 and one more CO can be photolysed. EPR spectra of the photolysed products are consistent with a 3d7 system of Fe with the formal oxidation state +1. The damaged enzyme shows a light-sensitive g = 5 signal which is ascribed to an S = 3/2 form of the [2Fe](H) subcluster. The light sensitivity of the enzyme explains the occurrence of the g = 5 signal and the axial 2.06 signal in published EPR spectra of nearly all preparations studied thus far.

Mössbauer characterization of the iron-sulfur clusters in Desulfovibrio vulgaris hydrogenase

The periplasmic hydrogenase of Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenbourough) is an all Fe-containing hydrogenase. It contains two ferredoxin type [4Fe-4S] clusters, termed the F clusters, and a catalytic H cluster. Recent X-ray crystallographic studies on two Fe hydrogenases revealed that the H cluster is composed of two sub-clusters, a [4Fe-4S] cluster ([4Fe-4S](H)) and a binuclear Fe cluster ([2Fe](H)), bridged by a cysteine sulfur. The aerobically purified D. vulgaris hydrogenase is stable in air. It is inactive and requires reductive activation. Upon reduction, the enzyme becomes sensitive to O(2), indicating that the reductive activation process is irreversible. Previous EPR investigations showed that upon reoxidation (under argon) the H cluster exhibits a rhombic EPR signal that is not seen in the as-purified enzyme, suggesting a conformational change in association with the reductive activation. For the purpose of gaining more information on the electronic properties of this unique H cluster and to understand further the reductive activation process, variable-temperature and variable-field Mössbauer spectroscopy has been used to characterize the Fe-S clusters in D. vulgaris hydrogenase poised at different redox states generated during a reductive titration, and in the CO-reacted enzyme. The data were successfully decomposed into spectral components corresponding to the F and H clusters, and characteristic parameters describing the electronic and magnetic properties of the F and H clusters were obtained. Consistent with the X-ray crystallographic results, the spectra of the H cluster can be understood as originating from an exchange coupled [4Fe-4S]-[2Fe] system. In particular, detailed analysis of the data reveals that the reductive activation begins with reduction of the [4Fe-4S](H) cluster from the 2+ to the 1+ state, followed by transfer of the reducing equivalent from the [4Fe-4S](H) subcluster to the binuclear [2Fe](H) subcluster. The results also reveal that binding of exogenous CO to the H cluster affects significantly the exchange coupling between the [4Fe-4S](H) and the [2Fe](H) subclusters. Implication of such a CO binding effect is discussed.

Crystallographic and FTIR spectroscopic evidence of changes in Fe coordination upon reduction of the active site of the Fe-only hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans

Fe-only hydrogenases, as well as their NiFe counterparts, display unusual intrinsic high-frequency IR bands that have been assigned to CO and CN(-) ligation to iron in their active sites. FTIR experiments performed on the Fe-only hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans indicate that upon reduction of the active oxidized form, there is a major shift of one of these bands that is provoked, most likely, by the change of a CO ligand from a bridging position to a terminal one. Indeed, the crystal structure of the reduced active site of this enzyme shows that the previously bridging CO is now terminally bound to the iron ion that most likely corresponds to the primary hydrogen binding site (Fe2). The CO binding change may result from changes in the coordination sphere of Fe2 or its reduction. Superposition of this reduced active site with the equivalent region of a NiFe hydrogenase shows a remarkable coincidence between the coordination of Fe2 and that of the Fe ion in the NiFe cluster. Both stereochemical and mechanistic considerations suggest that the small organic molecule found at the Fe-only hydrogenase active site and previously modeled as 1,3-propanedithiolate may, in fact, be di-(thiomethyl)-amine.

Learning from hydrogenases: location of a proton pump and of a second FMN in bovine NADH--ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex I)

Hydrogenases have clear evolutionary links to the much more complex NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductases (Complex I). Certain membrane-bound [NiFe]-hydrogenases presumably pump protons. From a detailed comparison of hydrogenases and Complex I, it is concluded here that the TYKY subunit in these enzymes is a special 2[4Fe-4S] ferredoxin, which functions as the electrical driving unit for a proton pump. The comparison further revealed that the flavodoxin fold from [NiFe]-hydrogenases is presumably conserved in the PSST subunit of Complex I. It is proposed that bovine Complex I and the soluble NAD(+)-reducing hydrogenase from Ralstonia eutropha each contain a second FMN group.

Carboxy-terminal processing of the large subunit of [Fe] hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ATCC 7757

hydA and hydB, the genes encoding the large (46-kDa) and small (13. 5-kDa) subunits of the periplasmic [Fe] hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ATCC 7757, have been cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence of the genes product showed complete identity to the sequence of the well-characterized [Fe] hydrogenase from the closely related species Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough (G. Voordouw and S. Brenner, Eur. J. Biochem. 148:515-520, 1985). The data show that in addition to the well-known signal peptide preceding the NH2 terminus of the mature small subunit, the large subunit undergoes a carboxy-terminal processing involving the cleavage of a peptide of 24 residues, in agreement with the recently reported data on the three-dimensional structure of the enzyme (Y. Nicolet, C. Piras, P. Legrand, E. C. Hatchikian, and J. C. Fontecilla-Camps, Structure 7:13-23, 1999). We suggest that this C-terminal processing is involved in the export of the protein to the periplasm.

Electrochemical study of reversible hydrogenase reaction of Desulfovibrio vulgaris cells with methyl viologen as an electron carrier

An electrode modified with immobilized whole cells of Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough) produces an S-shaped voltammogram with both cathodic- and anodic-catalytic-limiting currents in a methyl viologen-containing buffer saturated with H2. Methyl viologen penetrates into the bacterial cells to serve as an electron carrier in the reversible reaction of hydrogenase in the cells and functions as an electron-transfer mediator between the bacterial cells and the electrode, thus producing the catalytic currents for the evolution and consumption of H2. An equation for the catalytic current that takes into account the reversible hydrogenase reaction explains well the shape of the voltammogram. The potential at null current on the voltammogram agrees with the potential determined by potentiometry with the same electrode, which is equal to the redox potential of the H+/H2 couple in the solution--the standard potential of a hydrogen electrode at the pH of the solution. When D. vulgaris cells are suspended in an argon-saturated buffer containing methyl viologen, the suspension produces a catalytic current at a bare glassy carbon electrode for the evolution of H2. Analysis of the current by a theory for a catalytic current for a unidirectional nonlinear enzyme catalysis allows us to determine the kinetic parameters of the reaction between methyl viologen and hydrogenase in intact D. vulgaris cells. Thus we obtain the apparent Michaelis constant for methyl viologen cation radical, K'MV.+ = 0.16 mM, and the apparent catalytic constant (that is, the turnover number per D. vulgaris cell), zkcat,H+ = 1.2 x 10(7) s-1, for the H2 evolution reaction at pH 5.5 and at 25 degrees C, z being the number of hydrogenases contained in a D. vulgaris cell. The bimolecular reaction rate constant, kcat,H+/K'MV.+, of the reaction between methyl viologen cation radical and oxidized hydrogenase in intact D. vulgaris cells is estimated as 4.2 x 10(7) M-1 s-1. Similarly, the bimolecular reaction rate constant, kcat,H2/K'MV2+, of the reaction between methyl viologen and reduced hydrogenase is estimated to be 1.2 x 10(7) M-1 s-1 at pH 9.5 and 25 degrees C. Both rate constants are large enough for the reactions to be diffusion-limited processes.

Carbon monoxide and cyanide as intrinsic ligands to iron in the active site of [NiFe]-hydrogenases. NiFe(CN)2CO, Biology's way to activate H2

Infrared-spectroscopic studies on the [NiFe]-hydrogenase of Chromatium vinosum-enriched in 15N or 13C, as well as chemical analyses, show that this enzyme contains three non-exchangeable, intrinsic, diatomic molecules as ligands to the active site, one carbon monoxide molecule and two cyanide groups. The results form an explanation for the three non-protein ligands to iron detected in the crystal structure of the Desulfovibrio gigas hydrogenase (Volbeda, A., Garcin, E., Piras, C., De Lacey, A. I., Fernandez, V. M., Hatchikian, E. C., Frey, M., and Fontecilla-Camps, J. C. (1996) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 118, 12989-12996) and for the low spin character of the lone ferrous iron ion observed with Mössbauer spectroscopy (Surerus, K. K., Chen, M., Van der Zwaan, W., Rusnak, F. M., Kolk, M. , Duin, E. C., Albracht, S. P. J., and Münck, E. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 4980-4993). The results do not support the notion, based upon studies of Desulfovibrio vulgaris [NiFe]-hydrogenase (Higuchi, Y., Yagi, T., and Noritake, Y. (1997) Structure 5, 1671-1680), that SO is a ligand to the active site. The occurrence of both cyanide and carbon monoxide as intrinsic constituents of a prosthetic group is unprecedented in biology.

Molecular Study and Partial Characterization of Iron-only Hydrogenase inDesulfovibrio fructosovorans

An iron-only hydrogenase was partially purified and characterized from Desulfovibrio fructosovorans wild-type strain. The enzyme exhibits a molecular mass of 56 kDa and is composed of two distinct subunits HydA and HydB (46 and 13 kDa, respectively). The N-terminal amino acid sequences of the two subunits of the enzyme were determined with the aim of designing degenerate oligonucleotides. Direct and inverse polymerase chain reaction techniques were used to clone the hydrogenase encoding genes. A 9-nucleotide region located 75 bp upstream from the translational start codon of the D. fructosovorans hydA gene was found to be highly conserved. The analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of these genes showed the presence of a signal sequence located in the small subunit, exhibiting the consensus sequence which is likely to be involved in the specific export mechanism of hydrogenases. Two ferredoxin-like motives involved in the coordination of [4Fe-4S] clusters were identified in the N-terminal domain of the large subunit. The amino acid sequence of the [Fe] hydrogenase from D. fructosovorans was compared with the amino acid sequences from eight other hydrogenases (cytoplasmic and periplasmic). These enzymes share an overall 18% identity and 28% similarity. The identity reached 73% and 69% when the D. fructosovorans hydrogenase sequence was compared with the hydrogenase sequences from Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough and Desulfovibrio vulgaris oxamicus Monticello, respectively.

Nature and electronic structure of the Ni-X dinuclear center of Desulfovibrio gigas hydrogenase. Implications for the enzymatic mechanism

The recent determination of the X-ray crystal structure of Desulfovibrio gigas hydrogenase has revealed that the active site is a Ni-X dinuclear center [Volbeda, A., Charon, M. H., Piras, C., Hatchikian, E. C., Frey, M., & Fontecilla-Camps, J. C. (1995) Nature 373, 580-587]. This unexpected result calls for a re-examination of the magnetic and redox properties that have been attributed previously to a mononuclear Ni center. We have used a combination of dosimetric and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques to investigate the nature and the electronic structure of the Ni-X center in the redox forms of D. gigas hydrogenase giving EPR signals. The metal atom X was first shown to be Fe by accurate metal content analyses. Next, by determining the EPR characteristics of a polycrystal powder, it was shown that the redox form of the enzyme studied in the X-ray crystal experiments was essentially Ni-A. The temperature dependence of the Ni-A, Ni-B, Ni-C, and Ni-L EPR signals was studied over a large temperature range. No deviation from Curie's law could be detected, which places strong constraints upon the magnitude of the possible magnetic interactions between the Ni and Fe centers. When these results and the other available magnetic data are analyzed in the light of the crystal structure, it is concluded that the Fe center is diamagnetic in all the redox states of the enzyme. On the basis of these results, a mechanistic scheme consistent with a large body of experimental data can be proposed for Ni-containing hydrogenases.

Direct electrochemistry of Megasphaera elsdenii iron hydrogenase. Definition of the enzyme's catalytic operating potential and quantitation of the catalytic behaviour over a continuous potential range

The Fe-hydrogenase from Megasphaera elsdenii undergoes direct electron exchange with glassy carbon electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry defines the catalytic-performance of the enzyme over a continuous but precisely defined range of potentials. In the presence of H2 and protons the bias of the enzyme towards H2 production is readily visualised. Variation of the response with pH indicates that protein ionisations with pK of approximately 6.7 and 8.3 regulate the catalytic activity. Possible origins for these observations in the chemistry of the H2-activating site are discussed. The mid-wave potential of the catalytic response, Emid, is defined as the catalytic operating potential of the enzyme. Under an atmosphere of hydrogen Emid = -421 +/- 10 mV, pH 7 with a variation of -21 +/- 4 mV pH-1, 22 degrees C. Deviation of Emid from the thermodynamic potential of the hydrogen/proton couple reflects the enzyme's influence over the catalysed reaction. Emid is the reduction potential of the H2-activating centre (H-cluster) in the absence of kinetic bottle-necks at other steps in the reaction mechanism.

Bovine-heart NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase is a monomer with 8 Fe-S clusters and 2 FMN groups

The availability of the amino-acid sequences of a number of mitochondrial and bacterial NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductases (Complex I), the sequence similarities of five of the essential subunits of Complex I with subunits of [NiFe]hydrogenases and [Fe]hydrogenases, as well as some long-standing controversies about the precise EPR properties and stoichiometries of the iron-sulfur clusters in Complex I have led us to propose a new structural and functional model for this complicated enzyme. The functional unit is a monomer comprising 8 different Fe-S clusters and 2 FMN molecules as prosthetic groups. The electron-input pathway, as well as part of the electron-transfer components, seem largely inherited from bacterial NAD(+)-reducing hydrogenases. The essential electron-transfer components of the electron-output pathway are located in the TYKY subunit. This subunit is proposed to hold both iron-sulfur clusters 2 and to render the enzyme the ability to perform coupled electron transfer. Based on earlier observed similarities (Albracht. S.P.J. (1993) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1144, 221-224) of the 49 kDa subunit and the PSST subunit with, respectively, the large and small subunits of [NiFe]hydrogenases, it is proposed that the 49 kDa/PSST subunit couple provides Complex I with an ancient proton-transfer pathway.

Interactions of 77Se and 13CO with nickel in the active site of active F420-nonreducing hydrogenase from Methanococcus voltae

The selenium-containing F420-nonreducing hydrogenase from Methanococcus voltae was prepared in the Nia(I) middle dotCO state. The effect of illumination on this light-sensitive species was studied. EPR studies were carried out with enzyme containing natural selenium or with enzyme enriched in 77Se. Samples were prepared with either CO or 13CO. In the Nia(I) middle dotCO state, the nuclear spins of both 77Se (I = 1/2) and 13C (I = 1/2) interacted with the nickel-based unpaired electron, suggesting that they are positioned on opposite sites of the nickel ion. In the light-induced signal, the interaction with 13CO was lost. The 77Se nuclear spin introduced an anisotropic hyperfine splitting in both the dark and light-induced EPR signals. The data on the active enzyme of M. voltae are difficult to reconcile with the crystal structure of the inactive hydrogenase of Desulfovibrio gigas (Volbeda, A., Charon, M. H., Piras, C., Hatchikian, E. C., Frey, M., and Fontecilla Camps, J. C. (1995) Nature 373, 580-587) and suggest a structural change in the active site upon activation of the enzyme.

Similarities in the architecture of the active sites of Ni-hydrogenases and Fe-hydrogenases detected by means of infrared spectroscopy

Three groups that absorb in the 2100-1800-cm-1 infrared spectral region have recently been detected in Ni-hydrogenase from Chromatium vinosum [Bagley, K.A., Duin, E.C., Roseboom, W., Albracht, S. P.J. & Woodruff, W.H. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 5527-5535]. To assess the significance and generality of this observation, we have carried out an infrared-spectroscopic study of eight hydrogenases of three different types (nickel, iron and metal-free) and of 11 other iron-sulfur and/or nickel proteins. Infrared bands in the 2100-1800-cm-1 spectral region were found in spectra of all Ni-hydrogenases and Fe-hydrogenases and were absent from spectra of any of the other proteins, including a metal-free hydrogenase. The positions of these bands are dependent on the redox state of the hydrogenase. The three groups in Ni-hydrogenases that are detected by infrared spectroscopy are assigned to the three unidentified small non-protein ligands that coordinate iron in the dinuclear Ni/Fe active site as observed in the X-ray structure of the enzyme from Desulfovibrio gigas [Volbeda, A., Charon, M.-H., Piras, C., Hatchikian, E.C., Frey, M. & Fontecilla-Camps, J.C. (1995) Nature 373, 580-587]. It is concluded that these groups occur exclusively in metal-containing H2-activating enzymes. It is proposed that the active sites of Ni-hydrogenases and of Fe-hydrogenases have a similar architecture, that is required for the activation of molecular hydrogen.

Electrochemical study of the redox properties of [2Fe-2S] ferredoxins. Evidence for superreduction of the Rieske [2Fe-2S] cluster

Direct, unmediated electrochemistry has been used to compare the redox properties of [2Fe-2S] clusters in spinach ferredoxin, Spirulina platensis ferredoxin and the water soluble fragment of the Rieske protein. The use of electrochemistry enabled, for the first time, the observation of the second reduction step, [Fe(III), Fe(II)] to [Fe(II), Fe(II)], in a biological [2Fe-2S] system. A water-soluble fragment of the Rieske protein from bovine heart bc1 complex exhibits two subsequent quasi-reversible responses in cyclic voltammetry on activated glassy carbon. In contrast the ferredoxins from spinach and Spirulina platensis only show one single reduction potential. These results support a seniority scheme for biological iron-sulfur clusters related cluster size to electron transfer versatility. Electrochemical reduction of spinach ferredoxin in the presence of NADP+ and ferredoxin: NADP+ oxidoreductase results in the generation of NADPH. The second order rate constant for the reaction between the ferredoxin and the reductase was estimated from cyclic voltammetry experiments to be > 3.10(5) M-1.s-1.

Overproduction of the prismane protein from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ATCC 27774 in Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough) and EPR spectroscopy of the [6Fe-6S] cluster in different redox states

The Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ATCC 27774 prismane protein was isolated from a Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough) strain that contained the gene for this protein in expression vector pSUP104. A redox titration demonstrated that the [Fe-S] cluster in this protein may attain four different redox states, indicated as +3, +4, +5 and +6, with midpoint potentials for the transitions of approx. -220, +50/-25 and +370 mV, respectively. EPR spectra of the protein in the various redox states are reminiscent of those of the D. vulgaris prismane protein (Pierik et al. (1992) Eur. J. Biochem. 206, 705-719), but differ in details. In the +5-state, virtually all the iron is in a S = 9/2 spin state, indicative for a cluster that is more complex than common [4Fe-4S] or [2Fe-2S] clusters. Similarity of the EPR spectrum of the protein in the +3-state with those of inorganic [6Fe-6S] model compounds suggests that the cluster in the protein is also [6Fe-6S]. In the +4-state of the protein a broad signal due to an integer-spin system can be detected with normal-mode EPR. A dramatic sharpening-up and increase of intensity of this band (g = 14.7) is observed with parallel-mode EPR. In accordance with the chemically determined iron content of the protein (6.0 +/- 0.45 moles of iron/mole of protein), the spectroscopic data indicate one [6Fe-6S] cluster in this protein. We did not find evidence for a previous claim (Moura et al. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 4489-4496) that the D. desulfuricans protein contains two [6Fe-6S] clusters.

Identification of an unusual paramagnetic species and of three [2Fe-2S] clusters in the iron-only hydrogenase from the hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritima

Thermotoga maritima is a H2-producing, fermentative anaerobe and is one of the most thermophilic bacteria known. Its iron-only (Fe-)hydrogenase was previously shown to be a homotetramer and to contain two [4Fe-4S] and two [2Fe-2S] clusters per monomer, but the enzyme lacked the characteristic EPR signal of the oxidized H cluster, the proposed site of H2 catalysis in mesophilic Fe-hydrogenases (Juszczak, A., Aono, S. and Adams, M.W.W. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 13834-13841). The two types of cluster were shown by spectroelectrochemistry to have reduction potentials (Em) of -390 and -440 mV, respectively. We have now identified two additional redox centers in the enzyme, a [2Fe-2S] center with a higher reduction potential (Em = -365 mV) and an unusual paramagnetic species (Em > -200 mV). The higher potential [2Fe-2S] center can be reduced by sodium dithionite at pH 6.0 and exhibits an axial-type EPR signal with gz = 2.026 and gy = gx = 1.940. The two lower potential [2Fe-2S] centers are fully reduced by sodium dithionite only at pH 10.0. Both of these clusters in their reduced states exhibit rhombic-type EPR signals with gz = 2.005, gy = 1.955, and gx = 1.921. This hydrogenase is therefore thought to contain three [2Fe-2S] clusters, as well as two [4Fe-4S] clusters. In addition, a nearly isotropic EPR signal (g = 2.01) was observed when the enzyme was anaerobically oxidized by organic dyes such as thionine (E alpha = 64 mV) or 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (E alpha = 217 mV). This resonance was not observed at 20 K due to relaxation broadening and therefore did not arise from a conventional organic radical. The oxidized enzyme was fully active in an H2 production assay, and also reacted directly with H2. In contrast, the air-oxidized enzyme was inactive and did not exhibit the g = 2.01 EPR signal. This resonance was assigned to a novel paramagnetic species with an approximate Em value of -70 mV. It is thought to be associated with the H2 activating site of this atypical Fe-hydrogenase.

Influence of illumination on the electronic interaction between 77Se and nickel in active F420-non-reducing hydrogenase from Methanococcus voltae

The selenium-containing F420-non-reducing hydrogenase from Methanococcus voltae was anaerobically purified. The enzyme as isolated showed an EPR spectrum with gx,y,z = 2.21, 2.15 and 2.01. Upon illumination this spectrum disappeared and a new signal with the lowest g value at 2.05 arose. EPR studies were carried out either with the enzyme containing natural selenium or enriched in the nuclear isotope 77Se. The hyperfine splitting caused by 77Se in the 'dark' signal is shown to be highly anisotropic. In contrast the splitting is nearly isotropic after illumination. A new model for the nickel site is proposed to explain these observations.

Resonance Raman studies of iron-only hydrogenases

The nature of the iron-sulfur clusters in oxidized and reduced forms of Fe-only hydrogenases from Desulfovibrio vulgaris, Thermotoga maritima, and Clostridium pasteurianum has been investigated by resonance Raman spectroscopy. The results indicate the presence of ferredoxin-like [4Fe-4S]2+,+ and [2Fe-2S]2+,+ clusters in both T. maritima hydrogenase and C. pasteurianum hydrogenase I, but only [4Fe-4S]2+,+ clusters in D. vulgaris hydrogenase. This necessitates a reevaluation of the iron-sulfur cluster composition of C. pasteurianum hydrogenase I and indicates that the resonance Raman bands in the oxidized hydrogenase that were previously attributed to the hydrogen activating center [Macor, K. A., Czernuszewicz, R. S., Adams, M. W. W., & Spiro, T. G. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 9945-9947] arise from an indigenous [2Fe-2S]2+ cluster. No resonance Raman bands that could be uniquely attributed to the oxidized or reduced hydrogen activating center were observed. This suggests that the hydrogen activating center is a novel Fe center that is unrelated to any known type of Fe-S cluster.

Microbial hydrogenases: primary structure, classification, signatures and phylogeny

Thirty sequenced microbial hydrogenases are classified into six classes according to sequence homologies, metal content and physiological function. The first class contains nine H2-uptake membrane-bound NiFe-hydrogenases from eight aerobic, facultative anaerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The second comprises four periplasmic and two membrane-bound H2-uptake NiFe(Se)-hydrogenases from sulphate-reducing bacteria. The third consists of four periplasmic Fe-hydrogenases from strict anaerobic bacteria. The fourth contains eight methyl-viologen- (MV), factor F420- (F420) or NAD-reducing soluble hydrogenases from methanobacteria and Alcaligenes eutrophusH16. The fifth is the H2-producing labile hydrogenase isoenzyme 3 of Escherichia coli. The sixth class contains two soluble tritium-exchange hydrogenases of cyanobacteria. The results of sequence comparison reveal that the 30 hydrogenases have evolved from at least three different ancestors. While those of class I, II, IV and V hydrogenases are homologous, i.e. sharing the same evolutionary origin, both class III and VI hydrogenases are neither related to each other nor to the other classes. Sequence comparison scores, hierarchical cluster structures and phylogenetic trees show that class II falls into two distinct clusters composed of NiFe- and NiFeSe-hydrogenases, respectively. These results also reveal that class IV comprises three distinct clusters: MV-reducing, F420-reducing and NAD-reducing hydrogenases. Specific signatures of the six classes of hydrogenases as well as some subclusters have been detected. Analyses of motif compositions indicate that all hydrogenases, except those of class VI, must contain some common motifs probably participating in the formation of hydrogen activation domains and electron transfer domains. The regions of hydrogen activation domains are highly conserved and can be divided into two categories. One corresponds to the 'nickel active center' of NiFe(Se)-hydrogenases. It consists of two possible specific nickel-binding motifs, RxCGxCxxxH and DPCxxCxxH, located at the N- and C-termini of so-called large subunits in the dimeric hydrogenases, respectively. The other is the H-cluster of the Fe-hydrogenases. It might comprise three motifs on the C-terminal half of the large subunits. However, the motifs corresponding to the putative electron transfer domains, as well as their polypeptides chains, are poorly or even not at all conserved. They are present essentially on the small subunits in NiFe-hydrogenases. Some of these motifs resemble the typical ferredoxin-like Fe-S cluster binding site.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Evidence for an [Fe]-type hydrogenase in the parasitic protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis

The hydrogenase of the pathogenic protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis was extracted and partially purified. The catalytic and spectroscopic properties of the enzyme indicate that it belongs to the class of [Fe]-hydrogenases, rather than the [NiFe]-hydrogenases. The hydrogenase activity was highly sensitive to carbon monoxide, 50% inhibition being attained by 1 microM CO. The EPR spectrum of the most active fractions from chromatography, after reduction by hydrogen and partial reoxidation under argon, showed an EPR spectrum at g = 2.10, 2.04, 2.00. This unusual spectrum is characteristic of the 'H-cluster', as seen in [Fe]-hydrogenases of anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium spp.

Further characterization of the [Fe]-hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ATCC 7757

The properties of the periplasmic hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ATCC 7757, previously reported to be a single-subunit protein [Glick, B. R., Martin, W. G., and Martin, S. M. (1980) Can. J. Microbiol. 26, 1214-1223] were reinvestigated. The pure enzyme exhibited a molecular mass of 53.5 kDa as measured by analytical ultracentrifugation and was found to comprise two different subunits of 42.5 kDa and 11 kDa, with serine and alanine as N-terminal residues, respectively. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of its large and small subunits, determined up to 25 residues, were identical to those of the Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough [Fe]-hydrogenase. D. desulfuricans ATCC 7757 hydrogenase was free of nickel and contained 14.0 atoms of iron and 14.4 atoms of acid-labile sulfur/molecule and had E400, 52.5 mM-1.cm-1. The purified hydrogenase showed a specific activity of 62 kU/mg of protein in the H2-uptake assay, and the H2-uptake activity was higher than H2-evolution activity. The enzyme isolated under aerobic conditions required incubation under reducing conditions to express its maximum activity both in the H2-uptake and 2H2/1H2 exchange reaction. The ratio of the activity of activated to as-isolated hydrogenase was approximately 3. EPR studies allowed the identification of two ferredoxin-type [4Fe-4S]1+ clusters in hydrogenase samples reduced by hydrogen. In addition, an atypical cluster exhibiting a rhombic signal (g values 2.10, 2.038, 1.994) assigned to the H2-activating site in other [Fe]-hydrogenases was detected in partially reduced samples. Molecular properties, EPR spectroscopy, catalytic activities with different substrates and sensitivity to hydrogenase inhibitors indicated that D. desulfuricans ATCC 7757 periplasmic hydrogenase is a [Fe]-hydrogenase, similar in most respects to the well characterized [Fe]-hydrogenase from D. vulgaris Hildenborough.

Redox properties of the iron-sulfur clusters in activated Fe-hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough)

The periplasmic Fe-hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough) contains three iron-sulfur prosthetic groups: two putative electron transferring [4Fe-4S] ferredoxin-like cubanes (two F-clusters), and one putative Fe/S supercluster redox catalyst (one H-cluster). Combined elemental analysis by proton-induced X-ray emission, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, instrumental neutron activation analysis, atomic absorption spectroscopy and colorimetry establishes that elements with Z > 21 (except for 12-15 Fe) are present in 0.001-0.1 mol/mol quantities, not correlating with activity. Isoelectric focussing reveals the existence of multiple charge conformers with pI in the range 5.7-6.4. Repeated re-chromatography results in small amounts of enzyme of very high H2-production activity determined under standardized conditions (approximately 7000 U/mg). The enzyme exists in two different catalytic forms: as isolated the protein is 'resting' and O2-insensitive; upon reduction the protein becomes active and O2-sensitive. EPR-monitored redox titrations have been carried out of both the resting and the activated enzyme. In the course of a reductive titration, the resting protein becomes activated and begins to produce molecular hydrogen at the expense of reduced titrant. Therefore, equilibrium potentials are undefined, and previously reported apparent Em and n values [Patil, D. S., Moura, J. J. G., He, S. H., Teixeira, M, Prickril, B. C., DerVartanian, D. V., Peck, H. D. Jr, LeGall, J. & Huynh, B.-H. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 18,732-18,738] are not thermodynamic quantities. In the activated enzyme an S = 1/2 signal (g = 2.11, 2.05, 2.00; 0.4 spin/protein molecule), attributed to the oxidized H cluster, exhibits a single reduction potential, Em,7 = -307 mV, just above the onset potential of H2 production. The midpoint potential of the two F clusters (2.0 spins/protein molecule) has been determined either by titrating active enzyme with the H2/H+ couple (E,m = -330 mV) or by dithionite-titrating a recombinant protein that lacks the H-cluster active site (Em,7.5 = -340 mV). There is no significant redox interaction between the two F clusters (n approximately 1).

The primary structure of a protein containing a putative [6Fe-6S] prismane cluster from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough)

The gene encoding a protein containing a putative [6Fe-6S] prismane cluster has been cloned from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough) and sequenced. The gene encodes a polypeptide composed of 553 amino acids (60,161 Da). The DNA-derived amino acid sequence was partly confirmed by N-terminal sequencing of the purified protein and of fragments of the protein generated by CNBr cleavage. Furthermore, the C-terminal sequence was verified by digestion with carboxypeptidases A and B. The polypeptide contains nine Cys residues. Four of these residues are gathered in a Cys-Xaa2-Cys-Xaa7-Cys-Xaa5-Cys motif located towards the N-terminus of the protein. No relevant sequence similarity was found with other proteins, including those with high-spin Fe-S clusters (nitrogenase, hydrogenase), with one significant exception: the stretch containing the first four Cys residues spans two submotifs, Cys-Xaa2-Cys and Lys-Gly-Xaa-Cys-Gly, separated by 11 residues, that are also present in high-spin Fe-S cluster containing CO dehydrogenase. Western-blot analysis demonstrates cross-reactivity of antibodies raised against the purified protein both in Desulfovibrio strains and other sulfate-reducing bacteria. Hybridization of the cloned gene with genomic DNA of several other Desulfovibrio species indicates that homologous sequences are generally present in the genus Desulfovibrio.

The primary structure of a protein containing a putative [6Fe-6S] prismane cluster from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans (ATCC 27774)

The gene encoding a protein containing a novel iron sulfur cluster ([6Fe-6S]) has been cloned from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ATCC 27774 and sequenced. An open reading frame was found encoding a 545 amino acid protein (M(r) 58,496). The amino acid sequence is highly homologous with that of the corresponding protein from D. vulgaris (Hildenborough) and contains a Cys-motif that may be involved in coordination of the Fe-S cluster.

Multi-frequency EPR and high-resolution Mössbauer spectroscopy of a putative [6Fe-6S] prismane-cluster-containing protein from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough). Characterization of a supercluster and superspin model protein

The putative [6Fe-6S] prismane cluster in the 6-Fe/S-containing protein from Desulfovibrio vulgaris, strain Hildenborough, has been enriched to 80% in 57Fe, and has been characterized in detail by S-, X-, P- and Q-band EPR spectroscopy, parallel-mode EPR spectroscopy and high-resolution 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. In EPR-monitored redox-equilibrium titrations, the cluster is found to be capable of three one-electron transitions with midpoint potentials at pH 7.5 of +285, +5 and -165 mV. As the fully reduced protein is assumed to carry the [6Fe-6S]3+ cluster, by spectroscopic analogy to prismane model compounds, four valency states are identified in the titration experiments: [6Fe-6S]3+, [6Fe-6S]4+, [6Fe-6S]5+, [6Fe-6S]6+. The fully oxidized 6+ state appears to be diamagnetic at low temperature. The prismane protein is aerobically isolated predominantly in the one-electron-reduced 5+ state. In this intermediate state, the cluster exists in two magnetic forms: 10% is low-spin S = 1/2; the remainder has an unusually high spin S = 9/2. The S = 1/2 EPR spectrum is significantly broadened by ligand (2.3 mT) and 57Fe (3.0 mT) hyperfine interaction, consistent with a delocalization of the unpaired electron over 6Fe and indicative of at least some nitrogen ligation. At 35 GHz, the g tensor is determined as 1.971, 1.951 and 1.898. EPR signals from the S = 9/2 multiplet have their maximal amplitude at a temperature of 12 K due to the axial zero-field splitting being negative, D approximately -0.86 cm-1. Effective g = 15.3, 5.75, 5.65 and 5.23 are observed, consistent with a rhombicity of [E/D] = 0.061. A second component has g = 9.7, 8.1 and 6.65 and [E/D] = 0.108. When the protein is reduced to the 4+ intermediate state, the cluster is silent in normal-mode EPR. An asymmetric feature with effective g approximately 16 is observed in parallel-mode EPR from an integer spin system with, presumably, S = 4. The fully reduced 3+ state consists of a mixture of two S = 1/2 ground state. The g tensor of the major component is 2.010, 1.825 and 1.32; the minor component has g = 1.941 and 1.79, with the third value undetermined. The sharp line at g = 2.010 exhibits significant convoluted hyperfine broadening from ligands (2.1 mT) and from 57Fe (4.6 mT). Zero-field high-temperature Mössbauer spectra of the protein, isolated in the 5+ state, quantitatively account for the 0.8 fractional enrichment in 57Fe, as determined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

On the redox equilibrium between H2 and hydrogenase

Redox titrations of the nickel ion in active hydrogenase from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum and Chromatium vinosum were performed in the absence of artificial redox mediators, by variation of the H2-partial pressure. These experiments revealed a redox behaviour of the nickel ion which differed remarkably from previous redox titrations in the presence of redox mediators. Notably the EPR signal of the species earlier characterized as monovalent nickel with bound hydrogen, behaved as an n = 2 redox component upon reduction under varying H2-partial pressures. The EPR signal was not a transient one and persisted upon removal of hydrogen. Possible redox processes to explain these observations are discussed. A similar behaviour of nickel was also observed in enzyme as present in intact cells of M. thermoautotrophicum. These results suggest that nickel hydrogenases possess a second site for reaction with H2.

Primary structure of hydrogenase I from Clostridium pasteurianum

Peptides obtained by cleavage of Clostridium pasteurianum hydrogenase I have been sequenced. The data allowed design of oligonucleotide probes which were used to clone a 2310-bp Sau3A fragment containing the hydrogenase encoding gene. The latter has been sequenced and was found to translate into a protein composed of 574 amino acids (Mr = 63,836), including 22 cysteines. C. pasteurianum hydrogenase is homologous to, but longer than, the large subunit of Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough) [Fe] hydrogenase. It includes an additional N-terminal domain of ca. 110 amino acids which contains eight cysteine residues and which therefore could accommodate two of its postulated four [4Fe-4S] clusters. C. pasteurianum hydrogenase is most similar in length, cysteine positions, and sequence altogether to the translation product of a putative hydrogenase encoding gene from D. vulgaris (Hildenborough). Comparisons of the available [Fe] hydrogenase sequences show that these enzymes constitute a structurally rather homogeneous family. While they differ in the length of their N-termini and in the number of their [4Fe-4S] clusters, they are highly similar in their C-terminal halves, which are postulated to harbor the hydrogen-activating H cluster. Five conserved cysteine residues occurring in this domain are likely ligands of the H cluster. Possible ligation by other residues, and in particular by methionine, is discussed. The comparisons carried out here show that the H clusters most probably possess a common structural framework in all [Fe] hydrogenases. On the basis of the available data on these proteins and on the current developments in iron-sulfur chemistry, the H clusters possibly contain six to eight iron atoms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

S = 9/2 EPR signals are evidence against coupling between the siroheme and the Fe/S cluster prosthetic groups in Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough) dissimilatory sulfite reductase

Sulfite reductases contain siroheme and iron-sulfur cluster prosthetic groups. The two groups are believed to be structurally linked via a single, common ligand. This chemical model is based on a magnetic model for the oxidized enzyme in which all participating iron ions are exchange coupled. This description leads to two serious discrepancies. Although the iron-sulfur cluster is assumed to be a diamagnetic cubane, [4Fe-4S]2+, all iron appears to be paramagnetic in Mössbauer spectroscopy. On the other hand, EPR spectroscopy has failed to detect anything but a single high-spin heme. We have re-addressed this problem by searching for new EPR spectroscopic clues in concentrated samples of dissimilatory sulfite reductase from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough). We have found several novel signals with effective g values of 17, 15.1, 11.7, 9.4, 9.0, 4. The signals are interpreted in terms of an S = 9/2 system with spin-Hamiltonian parameters g = 2.00, D = -0.56 cm-1, magnitude of E/D = 0.13 for the major component. In a reductive titration with sodium borohydride the spectrum disappears with Em = -205 mV at pH 7.5. Contrarily, the major high-spin siroheme component has S = 5/2, g = 1.99, D = +9 cm-1, magnitude of E/D = 0.042, and Em = -295 mV. The sum of all siroheme signals integrates to 0.2 spin/half molecule, indicating considerable demetallation of this prosthetic group. Rigorous quantification procedures for S = 9/2 are not available, however, estimation by an approximate method indicates 0.6 S = 9/2 spin/half molecule. The S = 9/2 system is ascribed to an iron-sulfur cluster. It follows that this cluster is probably not a cubane, is not necessarily exchange-coupled to the siroheme, and, therefore, is not necessarily structurally close to the siroheme. It is suggested that this iron-sulfur prosthetic group has a novel structure suitable for functioning in multiple electron transfer.

The structure and mechanism of iron-hydrogenases

Hydrogenases devoid of nickel and containing only Fe-S clusters have been found so far only in some strictly anaerobic bacteria. Four Fe-hydrogenases have been characterized: from Megasphaera elsdenii, Desulfovibrio vulgaris (strain Hildenborough), and two from Clostridium pasteurianum. All contain two or more [4Fe-4S]1+,2+ or F clusters and a unique type of Fe-S center termed the H cluster. The H cluster appears to be remarkably similar in all the hydrogenases, and is proposed as the site of H2 oxidation and H2 production. The F clusters serve to transfer electrons between the H cluster and the external electron carrier. In all of the hydrogenases the H cluster is comprised of at least three Fe atoms, and possibly six. In the oxidized state it contains two types of magnetically distinct Fe atoms, has an S = 1/2 spin state, and exhibits a novel rhombic EPR signal. The reduced cluster is diamagnetic (S = 0). The oxidized H cluster appears to undergo a conformation change upon reduction with H2 with an increase in Fe-Fe distances of about 0.5 A. Studies using resonance Raman, magnetic circular dichroism and electron spin echo spectroscopies suggest that the H cluster has significant non-sulfur coordination. The H cluster has two binding sites for CO, at least one of which can also bind O2. Binding to one site changes the EPR properties of the cluster and gives a photosensitive adduct, but does not affect catalytic activity. Binding to the other site, which only becomes exposed during the catalytic cycle, leads to loss of catalytic activity. Mechanisms of H2 activation and electron transfer are proposed to explain the effects of CO binding and the ability of one of the hydrogenases to preferentially catalyze H2 oxidation.

Hydrodynamic, structural and magnetic properties of Megasphaera elsdenii Fe hydrogenase reinvestigated

Megasphaera elsdenii hydrogenase has been purified to homogeneity using an FPLC procedure as the final step. The protein gives a single band in SDS/PAGE with an apparent molecular mass of 57-59 kDa. There is no second hydrogenase activity in the soluble fraction of M. elsdenii. The hydrodynamics of the enzyme have been compared to those of the two-subunit Fe hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough) in the analytical ultracentrifuge using the absorption of the intrinsic iron-sulfur clusters as the monitor. Sedimentation-velocity experiments indicate the M. elsdenii enzyme (s20,w = 4.95 S) to be essentially globular, while the D. vulgaris enzyme (s20,w = 4.1 S) has a less symmetric shape. From the sedimentation equilibrium measurements under a variety of conditions an average molecular mass is calculated of 58 kDa (M. elsdenii) and 54 kDa (D. vulgaris), respectively. Pure, maximally active M. elsdenii hydrogenase has A405/A280 = 0.36 and has a specific H2-production activity of 400 mumol H2.min-1.(mg protein)-1 at 30 degrees C and pH 8.0. The enzyme contains some 13-18 iron and acid-labile sulfur ions/58-kDa monomer. Eight of these Fe-S are present as two electron-transferring ferredoxin-like cubanes with Em approximately greater than -0.3 V, as indicated by pH-dependent EPR spectroscopy on the H2-reduced enzyme. In the (re)oxidized state the remainder iron gives rise to a single S = 1/2 rhombic EPR signal. Hydrogen-production activity, content of remainder iron and rhombic EPR signal intensity are mutually correlated. Purified hydrogenase appears to exist as a mixture of fully active holoenzyme and inactive protein still carrying the two cubanes but deficient in active-site iron.

Organization of the genes encoding [Fe] hydrogenase in Desulfovibrio vulgaris subsp. oxamicus Monticello

The genes encoding the periplasmic [Fe] hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio vulgaris subsp. oxamicus Monticello were cloned by exploiting their homology with the hydAB genes from D. vulgaris subsp. vulgaris Hildenborough, in which this enzyme is present as a heterologous dimer of alpha and beta subunits. Nucleotide sequencing showed that the enzyme is encoded by an operon in which the gene for the 46-kilodalton (kDa) alpha subunit precedes that of the 13.5-kDa beta subunit, exactly as in the Hildenborough strain. The pairs of hydA and hydB genes are highly homologous; both alpha subunits (420 amino acid residues) share 79% sequence identity, while the unprocessed beta subunits (124 and 123 amino acid residues, respectively) share 71% sequence identity. In contrast, there appears to be no sequence homology outside these coding regions, with the exception of a possible promoter element, which was found approximately 90 base pairs upstream from the translational start of the hydA gene. The recently discovered hydC gene, which may code for a 65.8-kDa fusion protein (gamma) of the alpha and beta subunits and is present immediately downstream from the hydAB genes in the Hildenborough strain, was found to be absent from the Monticello strain. The implication of this result for the possible function of the hydC gene product in Desulfovibrio species is discussed.