1
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Golub M, Pieper J. Recent Progress in Solution Structure Studies of Photosynthetic Proteins Using Small-Angle Scattering Methods. Molecules 2023; 28:7414. [PMID: 37959833 PMCID: PMC10650700 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Utilized for gaining structural insights, small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering techniques (SANS and SAXS, respectively) enable an examination of biomolecules, including photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes, in solution at physiological temperatures. These methods can be seen as instrumental bridges between the high-resolution structural information achieved by crystallography or cryo-electron microscopy and functional explorations conducted in a solution state. The review starts with a comprehensive overview about the fundamental principles and applications of SANS and SAXS, with a particular focus on the recent advancements permitting to enhance the efficiency of these techniques in photosynthesis research. Among the recent developments discussed are: (i) the advent of novel modeling tools whereby a direct connection between SANS and SAXS data and high-resolution structures is created; (ii) the employment of selective deuteration, which is utilized to enhance spatial selectivity and contrast matching; (iii) the potential symbioses with molecular dynamics simulations; and (iv) the amalgamations with functional studies that are conducted to unearth structure-function relationships. Finally, reference is made to time-resolved SANS/SAXS experiments, which enable the monitoring of large-scale structural transformations of proteins in a real-time framework.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jörg Pieper
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Wilhelm Ostwald Str. 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia;
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2
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Golub M, Moldenhauer M, Matsarskaia O, Martel A, Grudinin S, Soloviov D, Kuklin A, Maksimov EG, Friedrich T, Pieper J. Stages of OCP-FRP Interactions in the Regulation of Photoprotection in Cyanobacteria, Part 2: Small-Angle Neutron Scattering with Partial Deuteration. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:1901-1913. [PMID: 36815674 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c07182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
We used small-angle neutron scattering partially coupled with size-exclusion chromatography to unravel the solution structures of two variants of the Orange Carotenoid Protein (OCP) lacking the N-terminal extension (OCP-ΔNTE) and its complex formation with the Fluorescence Recovery Protein (FRP). The dark-adapted, orange form OCP-ΔNTEO is fully photoswitchable and preferentially binds the pigment echinenone. Its complex with FRP consists of a monomeric OCP component, which closely resembles the compact structure expected for the OCP ground state, OCPO. In contrast, the pink form OCP-ΔNTEP, preferentially binding the pigment canthaxanthin, is mostly nonswitchable. The pink OCP form appears to occur as a dimer and is characterized by a separation of the N- and C-terminal domains, with the canthaxanthin embedded only into the N-terminal domain. Therefore, OCP-ΔNTEP can be viewed as a prototypical model system for the active, spectrally red-shifted state of OCP, OCPR. The dimeric structure of OCP-ΔNTEP is retained in its complex with FRP. Small-angle neutron scattering using partially deuterated OCP-FRP complexes reveals that FRP undergoes significant structural changes upon complex formation with OCP. The observed structures are assigned to individual intermediates of the OCP photocycle in the presence of FRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Golub
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marcus Moldenhauer
- Institute of Chemistry PC 14, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Olga Matsarskaia
- Institut Laue-Langevin, Avenue des Martyrs 71, 38042 Cedex 9 Grenoble, France
| | - Anne Martel
- Institut Laue-Langevin, Avenue des Martyrs 71, 38042 Cedex 9 Grenoble, France
| | - Sergei Grudinin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, LJK, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Dmytro Soloviov
- Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Wieniawskiego 1, 61-712 Poznan, Poland.,Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants, NAS of Ukraine, Kirova 36a, 07270 Chornobyl, Ukraine
| | - Alexander Kuklin
- Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Joliot-Curie str. 6, 141980 Dubna, Russia.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy per. 9, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Eugene G Maksimov
- Department of Biophysics, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Vorob'jovy Gory 1-12, 119899 Moscow, Russia
| | - Thomas Friedrich
- Institute of Chemistry PC 14, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Pieper
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
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3
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Golub M, Moldenhauer M, Schmitt FJ, Lohstroh W, Friedrich T, Pieper J. Light-Induced Conformational Flexibility of the Orange Carotenoid Protein Studied by Quasielastic Neutron Scattering with In Situ Illumination. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:295-301. [PMID: 36599148 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c03198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The orange carotenoid protein plays a vital role in the photoprotection of cyanobacteria and exhibits a significant structural change upon photoactivation. A rarely considered aspect is the importance of internal protein dynamics in facilitating the structural transition to the active state. In this study, we use quasielastic neutron scattering under (in situ) blue light illumination for the first time to directly probe the protein dynamics of the orange carotenoid protein in the dark-adapted and active states. This shows that the localized internal dynamics of amino acid residues is significantly enhanced upon photoactivation. This is attributed to the photoinduced structural changes exposing larger areas of the protein surface to the solvent, thus resulting in a higher degree of motional freedom. However, the flexibility of the W288A mutant assumed to mimic the active state structure is found to be different, thus highlighting the importance of in situ experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Golub
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, W. Ostwald strasse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marcus Moldenhauer
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry PC 14, Straße des 17, Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Franz-Josef Schmitt
- Martin-Luther-Universität Halle Wittenberg, Institute of Physics, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 3, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Wiebke Lohstroh
- Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstraße 1, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Thomas Friedrich
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry PC 14, Straße des 17, Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Pieper
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, W. Ostwald strasse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
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4
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Magyar M, Sipka G, Han W, Li X, Han G, Shen JR, Lambrev PH, Garab G. Characterization of the Rate-Limiting Steps in the Dark-To-Light Transitions of Closed Photosystem II: Temperature Dependence and Invariance of Waiting Times during Multiple Light Reactions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010094. [PMID: 36613535 PMCID: PMC9820552 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rate-limiting steps in the dark-to-light transition of Photosystem II (PSII) were discovered by measuring the variable chlorophyll-a fluorescence transients elicited by single-turnover saturating flashes (STSFs). It was shown that in diuron-treated samples: (i) the first STSF, despite fully reducing the QA quinone acceptor molecule, generated only an F1(<Fm) fluorescence level; (ii) to produce the maximum (Fm) level, additional excitations were required, which, however, (iii) were effective only with sufficiently long Δτ waiting times between consecutive STSFs. Detailed studies revealed the gradual formation of the light-adapted charge-separated state, PSIIL. The data presented here substantiate this assignment: (i) the Δτ1/2 half-increment rise (or half-waiting) times of the diuron-treated isolated PSII core complexes (CCs) of Thermostichus vulcanus and spinach thylakoid membranes displayed similar temperature dependences between 5 and −80 °C, with substantially increased values at low temperatures; (ii) the Δτ1/2 values in PSII CC were essentially invariant on the Fk−to-Fk+1 (k = 1−4) increments both at 5 and at −80 °C, indicating the involvement of the same physical mechanism during the light-adaptation process of PSIIL. These data are in harmony with the earlier proposed role of dielectric relaxation processes in the formation of the light-adapted charge-separated state and in the variable chlorophyll-a fluorescence of PSII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Magyar
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Sipka
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Wenhui Han
- Photosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Xingyue Li
- Photosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Guangye Han
- Photosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Jian-Ren Shen
- Photosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Petar H. Lambrev
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Győző Garab
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Correspondence:
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Golub M, Gätcke J, Subramanian S, Kölsch A, Darwish T, Howard JK, Feoktystov A, Matsarskaia O, Martel A, Porcar L, Zouni A, Pieper J. "Invisible" Detergents Enable a Reliable Determination of Solution Structures of Native Photosystems by Small-Angle Neutron Scattering. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:2824-2833. [PMID: 35384657 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c01591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Photosystems I (PSI) and II (PSII) are pigment-protein complexes capable of performing the light-induced charge separation necessary to convert solar energy into a biochemically storable form, an essential step in photosynthesis. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is unique in providing structural information on PSI and PSII in solution under nearly physiological conditions without the need for crystallization or temperature decrease. We show that the reliability of the solution structure critically depends on proper contrast matching of the detergent belt surrounding the protein. Especially, specifically deuterated ("invisible") detergents are shown to be properly matched out in SANS experiments by a direct, quantitative comparison with conventional matching strategies. In contrast, protonated detergents necessarily exhibit incomplete matching so that related SANS results systematically overestimate the size of the membrane protein under study. While the solution structures obtained are close to corresponding high-resolution structures, we show that temperature and solution state lead to individual structural differences compared with high-resolution structures. We attribute these differences to the presence of a manifold of conformational substates accessible by protein dynamics under physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Golub
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Wilhelm Ostwald str. 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - J Gätcke
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - S Subramanian
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - A Kölsch
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - T Darwish
- National Deuteration Facility, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - J K Howard
- National Deuteration Facility, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - A Feoktystov
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS) at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), Lichtenbergstr. 1, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - O Matsarskaia
- Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs CS 20156, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - A Martel
- Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs CS 20156, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - L Porcar
- Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs CS 20156, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - A Zouni
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - J Pieper
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Wilhelm Ostwald str. 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
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Cisse A, Schachner-Nedherer AL, Appel M, Beck C, Ollivier J, Leitinger G, Prassl R, Kornmueller K, Peters J. Dynamics of Apolipoprotein B-100 in Interaction with Detergent Probed by Incoherent Neutron Scattering. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:12402-12410. [PMID: 34939807 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c03141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Apolipoprotein B-100 (apo B-100) is the protein moiety of both low- and very-low-density lipoproteins, whose role is crucial to cholesterol and triglyceride transport. Aiming at the molecular dynamics' details of apo B-100, scarcely studied, we performed elastic and quasi-elastic incoherent neutron scattering (EINS, QENS) experiments combining different instruments and time scales. Similar to classical membrane proteins, the solubilization results in remaining detergent, here Nonidet P-40 (NP40). Therefore, we propose a framework for QENS studies of protein-detergent complexes, with the introduction of a combined model, including the experimental apo B-100/NP40 ratio. Relying on the simultaneous analysis of all QENS amplitudes, this approach is sensitive enough to separate both contributions. Its application identified two points: (i) apo B-100 slow dynamics and (ii) the acceleration of NP40 dynamics in the presence of apo B-100. Direct translation of the exposed methodology now makes the investigation of more membrane proteins by neutron spectroscopy achievable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Cisse
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LiPhy, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Institut Laue Langevin, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | | | | | - Christian Beck
- Institut Laue Langevin, 38042 Grenoble, France
- Institut of Applied Physics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Judith Peters
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LiPhy, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Institut Laue Langevin, 38042 Grenoble, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, 75231 Paris, France
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Nagy G, Garab G. Neutron scattering in photosynthesis research: recent advances and perspectives for testing crop plants. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2021; 150:41-49. [PMID: 32488447 PMCID: PMC8556207 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-020-00763-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The photosynthetic performance of crop plants under a variety of environmental factors and stress conditions, at the fundamental level, depends largely on the organization and structural flexibility of thylakoid membranes. These highly organized membranes accommodate virtually all protein complexes and additional compounds carrying out the light reactions of photosynthesis. Most regulatory mechanisms fine-tuning the photosynthetic functions affect the organization of thylakoid membranes at different levels of the structural complexity. In order to monitor these reorganizations, non-invasive techniques are of special value. On the mesoscopic scale, small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) has been shown to deliver statistically and spatially averaged information on the periodic organization of the thylakoid membranes in vivo and/or, in isolated thylakoids, under physiologically relevant conditions, without fixation or staining. More importantly, SANS investigations have revealed rapid reversible reorganizations on the timescale of several seconds and minutes. In this paper, we give a short introduction into the basics of SANS technique, advantages and limitations, and briefly overview recent advances and potential applications of this technique in the physiology and biotechnology of crop plants. We also discuss future perspectives of neutron crystallography and different neutron scattering techniques, which are anticipated to become more accessible and of more use in photosynthesis research at new facilities with higher fluxes and innovative instrumentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Nagy
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830, USA.
- Institute for Solid State Physics and Optics, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, POB 49, 1525, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Győző Garab
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre, POB 521, 6701, Szeged, Hungary.
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Ostrava University, Chittussiho 10, Ostrava - Slezská, 710 0, Ostrava, Czech Republic.
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Insights into Solution Structures of Photosynthetic Protein Complexes from Small-Angle Scattering Methods. CRYSTALS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/cryst11020203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
High-resolution structures of photosynthetic pigment–protein complexes are often determined using crystallography or cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), which are restricted to the use of protein crystals or to low temperatures, respectively. However, functional studies and biotechnological applications of photosystems necessitate the use of proteins isolated in aqueous solution, so that the relevance of high-resolution structures has to be independently verified. In this regard, small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering (SANS and SAXS, respectively) can serve as the missing link because of their capability to provide structural information for proteins in aqueous solution at physiological temperatures. In the present review, we discuss the principles and prototypical applications of SANS and SAXS using the photosynthetic pigment–protein complexes phycocyanin (PC) and Photosystem I (PSI) as model systems for a water-soluble and for a membrane protein, respectively. For example, the solution structure of PSI was studied using SAXS and SANS with contrast matching. A Guinier analysis reveals that PSI in solution is virtually free of aggregation and characterized by a radius of gyration of about 75 Å. The latter value is about 10% larger than expected from the crystal structure. This is corroborated by an ab initio structure reconstitution, which also shows a slight expansion of Photosystem I in buffer solution at room temperature. In part, this may be due to conformational states accessible by thermally activated protein dynamics in solution at physiological temperatures. The size of the detergent belt is derived by comparison with SANS measurements without detergent match, revealing a monolayer of detergent molecules under proper solubilization conditions.
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Golub M, Hussein R, Ibrahim M, Hecht M, Wieland DCF, Martel A, Machado B, Zouni A, Pieper J. Solution Structure of the Detergent-Photosystem II Core Complex Investigated by Small-Angle Scattering Techniques. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:8583-8592. [PMID: 32816484 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c07169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Albeit achieving the X-ray diffraction structure of dimeric photosystem II core complexes (dPSIIcc) at the atomic resolution, the nature of the detergent belt surrounding dPSIIcc remains ambiguous. Therefore, the solution structure of the whole detergent-protein complex of dPSIIcc of Thermosynechococcus elongatus (T. elongatus) solubilized in n-dodecyl-ß-d-maltoside (ßDM) was investigated by a combination of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) with contrast variation. First, the structure of dPSIIcc was studied separately in SANS experiments using a contrast of 5% D2O. Guinier analysis reveals that the dPSIIcc solution is virtually free of aggregation in the studied concentration range of 2-10 mg/mL dPSIIcc, and characterized by a radius of gyration of 62 Å. A structure reconstitution shows that dPSIIcc in buffer solution widely retains the crystal structure reported by X-ray free electron laser studies at room temperature with a slight expansion of the entire protein. Additional SANS experiments on dPSIIcc samples in a buffer solution containing 75% D2O provide information about the size and shape of the whole detergent-dPSIIcc. The maximum position of P(r) function increases to 68 Å, i.e., it is about 6 Å larger than that of dPSIIcc only, thus indicating the presence of an additional structure. Thus, it can be concluded that dPSIIcc is surrounded by a monomolecular belt of detergent molecules under appropriate solubilization conditions. The homogeneity of the ßDM-dPSIIcc solutions was also verified using dynamic light scattering. Complementary SAXS experiments indicate the presence of unbound detergent micelles by a separate peak consistent with a spherical shape possessing a radius of about 40 Å. The latter structure also contributes to the SANS data but rather broadens the SANS curve artificially. Without the simultaneous inspection of SANS and SAXS data, this effect may lead to an apparent underestimation of the size of the PS II-detergent complex. The formation of larger unbound detergent aggregates in solution prior to crystallization may have a significant effect on the crystal formation or quality of the ßDM-dPSIIcc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Golub
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Wilhelm Ostwald str. 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Rana Hussein
- Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Philipp Str. 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mohamed Ibrahim
- Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Philipp Str. 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Max Hecht
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Wilhelm Ostwald str. 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Anne Martel
- Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 avenue des Martyrs, 38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Barbara Machado
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 71 avenue des Martyrs, 38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Athina Zouni
- Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Philipp Str. 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Pieper
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Wilhelm Ostwald str. 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
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10
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Golub M, Moldenhauer M, Schmitt FJ, Lohstroh W, Maksimov EG, Friedrich T, Pieper J. Solution Structure and Conformational Flexibility in the Active State of the Orange Carotenoid Protein. Part II: Quasielastic Neutron Scattering. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:9536-9545. [PMID: 31550157 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b05073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Orange carotenoid proteins (OCPs), which are protecting cyanobacterial light-harvesting antennae from photodamage, undergo a pronounced structural change upon light absorption. In addition, the active state is anticipated to boost a significantly higher molecular flexibility similar to a "molten globule" state. Here, we used quasielastic neutron scattering to directly characterize the vibrational and conformational molecular dynamics of OCP in its ground and active states, respectively, on the picosecond time scale. At a temperature of 100 K, we observe mainly (vibronic) inelastic features with peak energies at 5 and 6 meV (40 and 48 cm-1, respectively). At physiological temperatures, however, two (Lorentzian) quasielastic components represent localized protein motions, that is, stochastic structural fluctuations of protein side chains between various conformational substates of the protein. Global diffusion of OCP is not observed on the given time scale. The slower Lorentzian component is affected by illumination and can be well-characterized by a jump-diffusion model. While the jump diffusion constant D is (2.82 ± 0.01) × 10-5 cm2/s at 300 K in the ground state, it is increased by ∼20% to (3.48 ± 0.01) × 10-5 cm2/s in the active state, revealing a strong enhancement of molecular mobility. The increased mobility is also reflected in the average atomic mean square displacement ⟨u2⟩; we determine a ⟨u2⟩ of 1.47 ± 0.05 Å in the ground state, but 1.86 ± 0.05 Å in the active state (at 300 K). This effect is assigned to two factors: (i) the elongated structure of the active state with two widely separated protein domains is characterized by a larger number of surface residues with a concomitantly higher degree of motional freedom and (ii) a larger number of hydration water molecules bound at the surface of the protein. We thus conclude that the active state of the orange carotenoid protein displays an enhanced conformational dynamics. The higher degree of flexibility may provide additional channels for nonradiative decay so that harmful excess energy can be more efficiently converted to heat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Golub
- Institute of Physics , University of Tartu , 50411 Tartu , Estonia
| | - Marcus Moldenhauer
- Technische Universität Berlin , Institute of Chemistry, Physical Chemistry , 10623 Berlin , Germany
| | - Franz-Josef Schmitt
- Technische Universität Berlin , Institute of Chemistry, Physical Chemistry , 10623 Berlin , Germany
| | - Wiebke Lohstroh
- Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum , Technische Universität München , Garching , Germany
| | - Eugene G Maksimov
- Department of Biophysics , M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University , Moscow , Russia
| | - Thomas Friedrich
- Technische Universität Berlin , Institute of Chemistry, Physical Chemistry , 10623 Berlin , Germany
| | - Jörg Pieper
- Institute of Physics , University of Tartu , 50411 Tartu , Estonia
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11
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Golub M, Moldenhauer M, Schmitt FJ, Feoktystov A, Mändar H, Maksimov E, Friedrich T, Pieper J. Solution Structure and Conformational Flexibility in the Active State of the Orange Carotenoid Protein: Part I. Small-Angle Scattering. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:9525-9535. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b05071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Golub
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marcus Moldenhauer
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Franz-Josef Schmitt
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Artem Feoktystov
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS) at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), Lichtenbergstraße 1, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Hugo Mändar
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Eugene Maksimov
- M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Thomas Friedrich
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Pieper
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
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12
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Sazhina E, Okotrub K, Amstislavsky S, Surovtsev N. Effect of low temperatures on cytochrome photoresponse in mouse embryos. Arch Biochem Biophys 2019; 669:32-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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13
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Dynamics Properties of Photosynthetic Microorganisms Probed by Incoherent Neutron Scattering. Biophys J 2019; 116:1759-1768. [PMID: 31003761 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies on the dynamical properties of photosynthetic membranes of land plants and purple bacteria have been previously performed by neutron spectroscopy, revealing a tight coupling between specific photochemical reactions and macromolecular dynamics. Here, we probed the intrinsic dynamics of biotechnologically useful mutants of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by incoherent neutron scattering coupled with prompt chlorophyll fluorescence experiments. We brought to light that single amino acid replacements in the plastoquinone (PQ)-binding niche of the photosystem II D1 protein impair electron transport (ET) efficiency between quinones and confer increased flexibility to the host membranes, expanding to the entire cells. Hence, a more flexible environment in the PQ-binding niche has been associated to a less efficient ET. A similar function/dynamics relationship was also demonstrated in Rhodobacter sphaeroides reaction centers having inhibited ET, indicating that flexibility at the quinones region plays a crucial role in evolutionarily distant organisms. Instead, a different functional/dynamical correlation was observed in algal mutants hosting a single amino acid replacement residing in a D1 domain far from the PQ-binding niche. Noteworthy, this mutant displayed the highest degree of flexibility, and besides having a nativelike ET efficiency in physiological conditions, it acquired novel, to our knowledge, phenotypic traits enabling it to preserve a high maximal quantum yield of photosystem II photochemistry in extreme habitats. Overall, in the nanosecond timescale, the degree of the observed flexibility is related to the mutation site; in the picosecond timescale, we highlighted the presence of a more pronounced dynamic heterogeneity in all mutants compared to the native cells, which could be related to a marked chemically heterogeneous environment.
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Golub M, Guillon V, Gotthard G, Zeller D, Martinez N, Seydel T, Koza MM, Lafaye C, Clavel D, von Stetten D, Royant A, Peters J. Dynamics of a family of cyan fluorescent proteins probed by incoherent neutron scattering. J R Soc Interface 2019; 16:20180848. [PMID: 30836899 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2018.0848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyan fluorescent proteins (CFPs) are variants of green fluorescent proteins in which the central tyrosine of the chromophore has been replaced by a tryptophan. The increased bulk of the chromophore within a compact protein and the change in the positioning of atoms capable of hydrogen bonding have made it difficult to optimize their fluorescence properties, which took approximately 15 years between the availability of the first useable CFP, enhanced cyan fluorescent protein (ECFP), and that of a variant with almost perfect fluorescence efficiency, mTurquoise2. To understand the molecular bases of the progressive improvement in between these two CFPs, we have studied by incoherent neutron scattering the dynamics of five different variants exhibiting progressively increased fluorescence efficiency along the evolution pathway. Our results correlate well with the analysis of the previously determined X-ray crystallographic structures, which show an increase in flexibility between ECFP and the second variant, Cerulean, which is then hindered in the three later variants, SCFP3A (Super Cyan Fluorescent Protein 3A), mTurquoise and mTurquoise2. This confirms that increasing the rigidity of the direct environment of the fluorescent chromophore is not the sole parameter leading to brighter fluorescent proteins and that increased flexibility in some cases may be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Golub
- 1 Institut Laue Langevin , 71 avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9 , France.,2 Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IBS (Institut de Biologie Structurale) , 38000 Grenoble , France
| | - Virginia Guillon
- 2 Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IBS (Institut de Biologie Structurale) , 38000 Grenoble , France
| | | | - Dominik Zeller
- 1 Institut Laue Langevin , 71 avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9 , France.,4 Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS , 38000 Grenoble , France
| | - Nicolas Martinez
- 1 Institut Laue Langevin , 71 avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9 , France.,2 Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IBS (Institut de Biologie Structurale) , 38000 Grenoble , France
| | - Tilo Seydel
- 1 Institut Laue Langevin , 71 avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9 , France
| | - Michael M Koza
- 1 Institut Laue Langevin , 71 avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9 , France
| | - Céline Lafaye
- 2 Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IBS (Institut de Biologie Structurale) , 38000 Grenoble , France
| | - Damien Clavel
- 2 Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IBS (Institut de Biologie Structurale) , 38000 Grenoble , France
| | | | - Antoine Royant
- 2 Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IBS (Institut de Biologie Structurale) , 38000 Grenoble , France.,3 European Synchrotron Radiation Facility , 38043 Grenoble , France
| | - Judith Peters
- 1 Institut Laue Langevin , 71 avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9 , France.,4 Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS , 38000 Grenoble , France
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15
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Golub M, Pieper J, Peters J, Kangur L, Martin EC, Hunter CN, Freiberg A. Picosecond Dynamical Response to a Pressure-Induced Break of the Tertiary Structure Hydrogen Bonds in a Membrane Chromoprotein. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:2087-2093. [PMID: 30739452 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b11196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We used elastic incoherent neutron scattering (EINS) to find out if structural changes accompanying local hydrogen bond rupture are also reflected in global dynamical response of the protein complex. Chromatophore membranes from LH2-only strains of the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides, with spheroidenone or neurosporene as the major carotenoids, were subjected to high hydrostatic pressure at ambient temperature. Optical spectroscopy conducted at high pressure confirmed rupture of tertiary structure hydrogen bonds. In parallel, we used EINS to follow average motions of the hydrogen atoms in LH2, which reflect the flexibility of this complex. A decrease of the average atomic mean square displacements of hydrogen atoms was observed up to a pressure of 5 kbar in both carotenoid samples due to general stiffening of protein structures, while at higher pressures a slight increase of the displacements was detected in the neurosporene mutant LH2 sample only. These data show a correlation between the local pressure-induced breakage of H-bonds, observed in optical spectra, with the altered protein dynamics monitored by EINS. The slightly higher compressibility of the neurosporene mutant sample shows that even subtle alterations of carotenoids are manifested on a larger scale and emphasize a close connection between the local structure and global dynamics of this membrane protein complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Golub
- Institute of Physics , University of Tartu , W. Ostwald Str. 1 , 50411 Tartu , Estonia
| | - Jörg Pieper
- Institute of Physics , University of Tartu , W. Ostwald Str. 1 , 50411 Tartu , Estonia
| | - Judith Peters
- Institut Laue Langevin , F-38042 Grenoble Cedex 9 , France.,University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LIPhy , 38000 Grenoble , France
| | - Liina Kangur
- Institute of Physics , University of Tartu , W. Ostwald Str. 1 , 50411 Tartu , Estonia
| | - Elizabeth C Martin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology , University of Sheffield , S10 2TN Sheffield , U.K
| | - C Neil Hunter
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology , University of Sheffield , S10 2TN Sheffield , U.K
| | - Arvi Freiberg
- Institute of Physics , University of Tartu , W. Ostwald Str. 1 , 50411 Tartu , Estonia.,Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology , University of Tartu , Riia 23 , 51010 Tartu , Estonia
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Pieper J, Artene P, Rätsep M, Pajusalu M, Freiberg A. Evaluation of Electron–Phonon Coupling and Spectral Densities of Pigment–Protein Complexes by Line-Narrowed Optical Spectroscopy. J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:9289-9301. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b05220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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17
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Golub M, Rusevich L, Irrgang KD, Pieper J. Rigid versus Flexible Protein Matrix: Light-Harvesting Complex II Exhibits a Temperature-Dependent Phonon Spectral Density. J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:7111-7121. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b02948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Golub
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, W. Ostwaldi 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Leonid Rusevich
- Institute of Physical Energetics, Krivu 11, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, Kengaraga 8, LV-1063 Riga, Latvia
| | - Klaus-Dieter Irrgang
- Department of Life Science & Technology, Laboratory of Biochemistry, University for Applied Sciences, 10318 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Pieper
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, W. Ostwaldi 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
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18
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Effect of glycerol on photobleaching of cytochrome Raman lines in frozen yeast cells. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2018; 47:655-662. [PMID: 29704025 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-018-1302-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
We applied a Raman spectroscopy approach to investigate the effect of a cryoprotectant on the redox state of cytochromes on freezing yeast cells. The redox activity of cytochromes was studied using time-resolved photobleaching of the resonance Raman lines. It is found that ice formation causes a drastic change in the redox state of cytochromes in cells frozen without cryoprotectant, whereas in the presence of glycerol the effects of ice formation are more gradual. The photobleaching rate of cells frozen in glycerol solution shows a gradual slowing with temperature decrease and an abrupt slowdown below - 48 °C. This abrupt decrease was interpreted as originating from changes in protein conformational dynamics. Our findings provide important new insights into the transition from active to inactive cytochrome states as cells undergo freezing in the presence and absence of cryoprotectant.
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Golub M, Hejazi M, Kölsch A, Lokstein H, Wieland DCF, Zouni A, Pieper J. Solution structure of monomeric and trimeric photosystem I of Thermosynechococcus elongatus investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2017; 133:163-173. [PMID: 28258466 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-017-0342-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The structure of monomeric and trimeric photosystem I (PS I) of Thermosynechococcus elongatus BP1 (T. elongatus) was investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The scattering data reveal that the protein-detergent complexes possess radii of gyration of 58 and 78 Å in the cases of monomeric and trimeric PS I, respectively. The results also show that the samples are monodisperse, virtually free of aggregation, and contain empty detergent micelles. The shape of the protein-detergent complexes can be well approximated by elliptical cylinders with a height of 78 Å. Monomeric PS I in buffer solution exhibits minor and major radii of the elliptical cylinder of about 50 and 85 Å, respectively. In the case of trimeric PS I, both radii are equal to about 110 Å. The latter model can be shown to accommodate three elliptical cylinders equal to those describing monomeric PS I. A structure reconstitution also reveals that the protein-detergent complexes are larger than their respective crystal structures. The reconstituted structures are larger by about 20 Å mainly in the region of the hydrophobic surfaces of the monomeric and trimeric PS I complexes. This seeming contradiction can be resolved by the addition of a detergent belt constituted by a monolayer of dodecyl-β-D-maltoside molecules. Assuming a closest possible packing, a number of roughly 1024 and 1472 detergent molecules can be determined for monomeric and trimeric PS I, respectively. Taking the monolayer of detergent molecules into account, the solution structure can be almost perfectly modeled by the crystal structures of monomeric and trimeric PS I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Golub
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Wilhelm Ostwaldi 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mahdi Hejazi
- Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Philipp Str. 13, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Adrian Kölsch
- Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Philipp Str. 13, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heiko Lokstein
- Department of Chemical Physics and Optics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 3, 121 16, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - D C Florian Wieland
- Department for Metalic Biomaterials, Institute for Materials Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Geesthacht, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Athina Zouni
- Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Philipp Str. 13, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Pieper
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Wilhelm Ostwaldi 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
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Filip-Granit N, Goldberg E, Samish I, Ashur I, van der Boom ME, Cohen H, Scherz A. Submolecular Gates Self-Assemble for Hot-Electron Transfer in Proteins. J Phys Chem B 2017; 121:6981-6988. [PMID: 28498662 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.7b00432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Redox reactions play key roles in fundamental biological processes. The related spatial organization of donors and acceptors is assumed to undergo evolutionary optimization facilitating charge mobilization within the relevant biological context. Experimental information from submolecular functional sites is needed to understand the organization strategies and driving forces involved in the self-development of structure-function relationships. Here we exploit chemically resolved electrical measurements (CREM) to probe the atom-specific electrostatic potentials (ESPs) in artificial arrays of bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) derivatives that provide model systems for photoexcited (hot) electron donation and withdrawal. On the basis of computations we show that native BChl's in the photosynthetic reaction center (RC) self-assemble at their ground-state as aligned gates for functional charge transfer. The combined computational and experimental results further reveal how site-specific polarizability perpendicular to the molecular plane enhances the hot-electron transport. Maximal transport efficiency is predicted for a specific, ∼5 Å, distance above the center of the metalized BChl, which is in remarkably close agreement with the distance and mutual orientation of corresponding native cofactors. These findings provide new metrics and guidelines for analysis of biological redox centers and for designing charge mobilizing machines such as artificial photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neta Filip-Granit
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, ‡Department of Organic Chemistry, and §Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Eran Goldberg
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, ‡Department of Organic Chemistry, and §Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Ilan Samish
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, ‡Department of Organic Chemistry, and §Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Idan Ashur
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, ‡Department of Organic Chemistry, and §Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Milko E van der Boom
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, ‡Department of Organic Chemistry, and §Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Hagai Cohen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, ‡Department of Organic Chemistry, and §Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Avigdor Scherz
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, ‡Department of Organic Chemistry, and §Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
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Shlyk O, Samish I, Matěnová M, Dulebo A, Poláková H, Kaftan D, Scherz A. A single residue controls electron transfer gating in photosynthetic reaction centers. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44580. [PMID: 28300167 PMCID: PMC5353731 DOI: 10.1038/srep44580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Interquinone QA− → QB electron-transfer (ET) in isolated photosystem II reaction centers (PSII-RC) is protein-gated. The temperature-dependent gating frequency “k” is described by the Eyring equation till levelling off at T ≥ 240 °K. Although central to photosynthesis, the gating mechanism has not been resolved and due to experimental limitations, could not be explored in vivo. Here we mimic the temperature dependency of “k” by enlarging VD1-208, the volume of a single residue at the crossing point of the D1 and D2 PSII-RC subunits in Synechocystis 6803 whole cells. By controlling the interactions of the D1/D2 subunits, VD1-208 (or 1/T) determines the frequency of attaining an ET-active conformation. Decelerated ET, impaired photosynthesis, D1 repair rate and overall cell physiology upon increasing VD1-208 to above 130 Å3, rationalize the >99% conservation of small residues at D1-208 and its homologous motif in non-oxygenic bacteria. The experimental means and resolved mechanism are relevant for numerous transmembrane protein-gated reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Shlyk
- The Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ilan Samish
- The Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Martina Matěnová
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Science, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Alexander Dulebo
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Science, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Poláková
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Science, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - David Kaftan
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Science, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Institute of Microbiology CAS, Department of Phototrophic Microorganisms, 37981 Trebon, Czech Republic
| | - Avigdor Scherz
- The Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
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Siggel U, Schmitt FJ, Messinger J. Gernot Renger (1937-2013): his life, Max-Volmer Laboratory, and photosynthesis research. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2016; 129:109-127. [PMID: 27312337 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-016-0280-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Gernot Renger (October 23, 1937-January 12, 2013), one of the leading biophysicists in the field of photosynthesis research, studied and worked at the Max-Volmer-Institute (MVI) of the Technische Universität Berlin, Germany, for more than 50 years, and thus witnessed the rise and decline of photosynthesis research at this institute, which at its prime was one of the leading centers in this field. We present a tribute to Gernot Renger's work and life in the context of the history of photosynthesis research of that period, with special focus on the MVI. Gernot will be remembered for his thought-provoking questions and his boundless enthusiasm for science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Siggel
- Max-Volmer-Laboratorium, TU Berlin, Strasse des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Franz-Josef Schmitt
- Max-Volmer-Laboratorium, TU Berlin, Strasse des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes Messinger
- Departmant of Chemistry, Umeå University, Linnaeus väg 6 (KBC huset), 90187, Umeå, Sweden.
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Vrandecic K, Rätsep M, Wilk L, Rusevich L, Golub M, Reppert M, Irrgang KD, Kühlbrandt W, Pieper J. Protein dynamics tunes excited state positions in light-harvesting complex II. J Phys Chem B 2015; 119:3920-30. [PMID: 25664910 DOI: 10.1021/jp5112873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Light harvesting and excitation energy transfer in photosynthesis are relatively well understood at cryogenic temperatures up to ∼100 K, where crystal structures of several photosynthetic complexes including the major antenna complex of green plants (LHC II) are available at nearly atomic resolution. The situation is much more complex at higher or even physiological temperatures, because the spectroscopic properties of antenna complexes typically undergo drastic changes above ∼100 K. We have addressed this problem using a combination of quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) and optical spectroscopy on native LHC II and mutant samples lacking the Chl 2/Chl a 612 pigment molecule. Absorption difference spectra of the Chl 2/Chl a 612 mutant of LHC II reveal pronounced changes of spectral position and their widths above temperatures as low as ∼80 K. The complementary QENS data indicate an onset of conformational protein motions at about the same temperature. This finding suggests that excited state positions in LHC II are affected by protein dynamics on the picosecond time scale. In more detail, this means that at cryogenic temperatures the antenna complex is trapped in certain protein conformations. At higher temperature, however, a variety of conformational substates with different spectral position may be thermally accessible. At the same time, an analysis of the widths of the absorption difference spectra of Chl 2/Chl a 612 reveals three different reorganization energies or Huang-Rhys factors in different temperature ranges, respectively. These findings imply that (dynamic) pigment-protein interactions fine-tune electronic energy levels and electron-phonon coupling of LHC II for efficient excitation energy transfer at physiological temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamarniso Vrandecic
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu , Ravila 14C, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
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Golub M, Irrgang KD, Rusevich L, Pieper J. Vibrational dynamics of plant light-harvesting complex LHC II investigated by quasi- and inelastic neutron scattering. EPJ WEB OF CONFERENCES 2015. [DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/20158302004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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25
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Pieper J. The functional role of protein dynamics in photosynthetic reaction centers investigated by elastic and quasielastic neutron scattering. EPJ WEB OF CONFERENCES 2015. [DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/20158302013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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