Sweating the assets of flavin cofactors: new insight of chemical versatility from knowledge of structure and mechanism

Mechanistic insights into the conversion of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) to 8-formyl FAD in formate oxidase: a combined experimental and in-silico study

Formate oxidase (FOx), which contains 8-formyl flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), exhibits a distinct advantage in utilizing ambient oxygen molecules for the oxidation of formic acid compared to other glucose-methanol-choline (GMC) oxidoreductase enzymes that contain only the standard FAD cofactor. The FOx-mediated conversion of FAD to 8-formyl FAD results in an approximate 10-fold increase in formate oxidase activity. However, the mechanistic details underlying the autocatalytic formation of 8-formyl FAD are still not well understood, which impedes further utilization of FOx. In this study, we employ molecular dynamics simulation, QM/MM umbrella sampling simulation, enzyme activity assay, site-directed mutagenesis, and spectroscopic analysis to elucidate the oxidation mechanism of FAD to 8-formyl FAD. Our results reveal that a catalytic water molecule, rather than any catalytic amino acids, serves as a general base to deprotonate the C8 methyl group on FAD, thus facilitating the formation of a quinone-methide tautomer intermediate. An oxygen molecule subsequently oxidizes this intermediate, resulting in a C8 methyl hydroperoxide anion that is protonated and dissociated to form OHC-RP and OH-. During the oxidation of FAD to 8-formyl FAD, the energy barrier for the rate-limiting step is calculated to be 22.8 kcal/mol, which corresponds to the required 14-hour transformation time observed experimentally. Further, the elucidated oxidation mechanism reveals that the autocatalytic formation of 8-formyl FAD depends on the proximal arginine and serine residues, R87 and S94, respectively. Enzymatic activity assay validates that the mutation of R87 to lysine reduces the kcat value to 75% of the wild-type, while the mutation to histidine results in a complete loss of activity. Similarly, the mutant S94I also leads to the deactivation of enzyme. This dependency arises because the nucleophilic OH- group and the quinone-methide tautomer intermediate are stabilized through the noncovalent interaction provided by R87 and S94. These findings not only explain the mechanistic details of each reaction step but also clarify the functional role of R87 and S94 during the oxidative maturation of 8-formyl FAD, thereby providing crucial theoretical support for the development of novel flavoenzymes with enhanced redox properties.

Surveying the scope of aromatic decarboxylations catalyzed by prenylated-flavin dependent enzymes

The prenylated-flavin mononucleotide-dependent decarboxylases (also known as UbiD-like enzymes) are the most recently discovered family of decarboxylases. The modified flavin facilitates the decarboxylation of unsaturated carboxylic acids through a novel mechanism involving 1,3-dipolar cyclo-addition chemistry. UbiD-like enzymes have attracted considerable interest for biocatalysis applications due to their ability to catalyse (de)carboxylation reactions on a broad range of aromatic substrates at otherwise unreactive carbon centres. There are now ∼35 000 protein sequences annotated as hypothetical UbiD-like enzymes. Sequence similarity network analyses of the UbiD protein family suggests that there are likely dozens of distinct decarboxylase enzymes represented within this family. Furthermore, many of the enzymes so far characterized can decarboxylate a broad range of substrates. Here we describe a strategy to identify potential substrates of UbiD-like enzymes based on detecting enzyme-catalysed solvent deuterium exchange into potential substrates. Using ferulic acid decarboxylase (FDC) as a model system, we tested a diverse range of aromatic and heterocyclic molecules for their ability to undergo enzyme-catalysed H/D exchange in deuterated buffer. We found that FDC catalyses H/D exchange, albeit at generally very low levels, into a wide range of small, aromatic molecules that have little resemblance to its physiological substrate. In contrast, the sub-set of aromatic carboxylic acids that are substrates for FDC-catalysed decarboxylation is much smaller. We discuss the implications of these findings for screening uncharacterized UbiD-like enzymes for novel (de)carboxylase activity.

Probing the role of protein conformational changes in the mechanism of prenylated-FMN-dependent phenazine-1-carboxylic acid decarboxylase

Phenazine-1-carboxylic acid decarboxylase (PhdA) is a prenylated-FMN-dependent (prFMN) enzyme belonging to the UbiD family of decarboxylases. Many UbiD-like enzymes catalyze (de)carboxylation reactions on aromatic rings and conjugated double bonds and are potentially valuable industrial catalysts. We have investigated the mechanism of PhdA using a slow turnover substrate, 2,3-dimethylquinoxaline-5-carboxylic acid (DQCA). Detailed analysis of the pH dependence and solvent deuterium isotope effects associated with the reaction uncovered unusual kinetic behavior. At low substrate concentrations, a substantial inverse solvent isotope effect (SIE) is observed on Vmax/KM of ∼ 0.5 when reaction rates of DQCA in H2O and D2O are compared. Under the same conditions, a normal SIE of 4.15 is measured by internal competition for proton transfer to the product. These apparently contradictory results indicate that the SIE values report on different steps in the mechanism. A proton inventory analysis of the reaction under Vmax/KM and Vmax conditions points to a "medium effect" as the source of the inverse SIE. Molecular dynamics simulations of the effect of D2O on PhdA structure support that D2O reduces the conformational lability of the enzyme and results in a more compact structure, akin to the active, "closed" conformer observed in crystal structures of some UbiD-like enzymes. Consistent with the simulations, PhdA was found to be more stable in D2O and to bind DQCA more tightly, leading to the observed rate enhancement under Vmax/KM conditions.

Assessing the Performance of Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamic Integration in Flavodoxin Redox Potential Estimation

Flavodoxins are enzymes that contain the redox-active flavin mononucleotide (FMN) cofactor and play a crucial role in numerous biological processes, including energy conversion and electron transfer. Since the redox characteristics of flavodoxins are significantly impacted by the molecular environment of the FMN cofactor, the evaluation of the interplay between the redox properties of the flavin cofactor and its molecular surroundings in flavoproteins is a critical area of investigation for both fundamental research and technological advancements, as the electrochemical tuning of flavoproteins is necessary for optimal interaction with redox acceptor or donor molecules. In order to facilitate the rational design of biomolecular devices, it is imperative to have access to computational tools that can accurately predict the redox potential of both natural and artificial flavoproteins. In this study, we have investigated the feasibility of using non-equilibrium thermodynamic integration protocols to reliably predict the redox potential of flavodoxins. Using as a test set the wild-type flavodoxin from Clostridium Beijerinckii and eight experimentally characterized single-point mutants, we have computed their redox potential. Our results show that 75% (6 out of 8) of the calculated reaction free energies are within 1 kcal/mol of the experimental values, and none exceed an error of 2 kcal/mol, confirming that non-equilibrium thermodynamic integration is a trustworthy tool for the quantitative estimation of the redox potential of this biologically and technologically significant class of enzymes.

Alkylcysteine Sulfoxide C-S Monooxygenase Uses a Flavin-Dependent Pummerer Rearrangement

Flavoenzymes are highly versatile and participate in the catalysis of a wide range of reactions, including key reactions in the metabolism of sulfur-containing compounds. S-Alkyl cysteine is formed primarily by the degradation of S-alkyl glutathione generated during electrophile detoxification. A recently discovered S-alkyl cysteine salvage pathway uses two flavoenzymes (CmoO and CmoJ) to dealkylate this metabolite in soil bacteria. CmoO catalyzes a stereospecific sulfoxidation, and CmoJ catalyzes the cleavage of one of the sulfoxide C-S bonds in a new reaction of unknown mechanism. In this paper, we investigate the mechanism of CmoJ. We provide experimental evidence that eliminates carbanion and radical intermediates and conclude that the reaction proceeds via an unprecedented enzyme-mediated modified Pummerer rearrangement. The elucidation of the mechanism of CmoJ adds a new motif to the flavoenzymology of sulfur-containing natural products and demonstrates a new strategy for the enzyme-catalyzed cleavage of C-S bonds.

Naphthalene Carboxylation in the Sulfate-Reducing Enrichment Culture N47 Is Proposed to Proceed via 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition to the Cofactor Prenylated Flavin Mononucleotide

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are persistent pollutants of anthropogenic or natural origin in the environment and accumulate in anoxic habitats. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of the enzyme naphthalene carboxylase as a model reaction for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon activation by carboxylation. An enzyme assay was established with cell extracts of the highly enriched culture N47. In assays without addition of ATP, naphthalene carboxylase catalyzed a stable isotope exchange of the carboxyl group of naphthoate with 13C-labeled bicarbonate buffer, which can only occur via a partial backwards reaction of the naphthalene carboxylase reaction to an intermediate that does not include the carboxyl group. Hence, a new carboxyl group from the labeled bicarbonate is added upon forward reaction to the naphthoate. This indicates that the reaction mechanism consists of two or more steps and that at least the latter steps are reversible and ATP independent. Naphthalene carboxylation assays were carried out in deuterated buffer and revealed the incorporation of 0, 1, 2, or 3 deuterium atoms in the final product naphthoyl-coenzyme A, indicating that the reaction is fully reversible. Putative reaction mechanisms were tested by quantum mechanical calculations. The proposed mechanism of the reaction consists of three steps: the activation of the naphthalene by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of the cofactor prFMN to naphthalene, release of a proton and rearomatization producing a stable intermediate, and a carboxylation with a reverse 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and cleavage of the bond to the cofactor producing 2-naphthoate. IMPORTANCE Pollution with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons poses a great hazard to humans and animals, with considerable long-term effects. The anaerobic degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in anoxic zones and anaerobic growth of such organisms is very slow, leading to only poor investigation of the degradation pathways, so far. In this work, we elucidated the mechanism of naphthalene carboxylase, a key enzyme in anaerobic naphthalene degradation. This is the first mechanism proposed for a carboxylase targeting nonsubstituted (polycyclic) aromatic compounds and can serve as a model for the initial activation reaction in the anaerobic degradation of benzene or nonsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as similar enzymatic reactions from the expanding class of UbiD-like (de)carboxylases.

Enzymatic Conversion of CO2: From Natural to Artificial Utilization

Enzymatic carbon dioxide fixation is one of the most important metabolic reactions as it allows the capture of inorganic carbon from the atmosphere and its conversion into organic biomass. However, due to the often unfavorable thermodynamics and the difficulties associated with the utilization of CO₂, a gaseous substrate that is found in comparatively low concentrations in the atmosphere, such reactions remain challenging for biotechnological applications. Nature has tackled these problems by evolution of dedicated CO₂-fixing enzymes, i.e., carboxylases, and embedding them in complex metabolic pathways. Biotechnology employs such carboxylating and decarboxylating enzymes for the carboxylation of aromatic and aliphatic substrates either by embedding them into more complex reaction cascades or by shifting the reaction equilibrium via reaction engineering. This review aims to provide an overview of natural CO₂-fixing enzymes and their mechanistic similarities. We also discuss biocatalytic applications of carboxylases and decarboxylases for the synthesis of valuable products and provide a separate summary of strategies to improve the efficiency of such processes. We briefly summarize natural CO₂ fixation pathways, provide a roadmap for the design and implementation of artificial carbon fixation pathways, and highlight examples of biocatalytic cascades involving carboxylases. Additionally, we suggest that biochemical utilization of reduced CO₂ derivates, such as formate or methanol, represents a suitable alternative to direct use of CO₂ and provide several examples. Our discussion closes with a techno-economic perspective on enzymatic CO₂ fixation and its potential to reduce CO₂ emissions.

Negative Cooperativity in the Mechanism of Prenylated-Flavin-Dependent Ferulic Acid Decarboxylase: A Proposal for a "Two-Stroke" Decarboxylation Cycle

Ferulic acid decarboxylase (FDC) catalyzes the reversible carboxylation of various substituted phenylacrylic acids to produce the correspondingly substituted styrenes and CO₂. FDC is a member of the UbiD family of enzymes that use prenylated-FMN (prFMN) to catalyze decarboxylation reactions on aromatic rings and C-C double bonds. Although a growing number of prFMN-dependent enzymes have been identified, the mechanism of the reaction remains poorly understood. Here, we present a detailed pre-steady-state kinetic analysis of the FDC-catalyzed reaction of prFMN with both styrene and phenylacrylic acid. Based on the pattern of reactivity observed, we propose a "two-stroke" kinetic model in which negative cooperativity between the two subunits of the FDC homodimer plays an important and previously unrecognized role in catalysis. In this model, catalysis is initiated at the high-affinity active site, which reacts with phenylacrylate to yield, after decarboxylation, the covalently bound styrene-prFMN cycloadduct. In the second stage of the catalytic cycle, binding of the second substrate molecule to the low-affinity active site drives a conformational switch that interconverts the high-affinity and low-affinity active sites. This switching of affinity couples the energetically unfavorable cycloelimination of styrene from the first site with the energetically favorable cycloaddition and decarboxylation of phenylacrylate at the second site. We note as a caveat that, at this point, the complexity of the FDC kinetics leaves open other mechanistic interpretations and that further experiments will be needed to more firmly establish or refute our proposal.

Machine Learning for Efficient Prediction of Protein Redox Potential: The Flavoproteins Case

Determining the redox potentials of protein cofactors and how they are influenced by their molecular neighborhoods is essential for basic research and many biotechnological applications, from biosensors and biocatalysis to bioremediation and bioelectronics. The laborious determination of redox potential with current experimental technologies pushes forward the need for computational approaches that can reliably predict it. Although current computational approaches based on quantum and molecular mechanics are accurate, their large computational costs hinder their usage. In this work, we explored the possibility of using more efficient QSPR models based on machine learning (ML) for the prediction of protein redox potential, as an alternative to classical approaches. As a proof of concept, we focused on flavoproteins, one of the most important families of enzymes directly involved in redox processes. To train and test different ML models, we retrieved a dataset of flavoproteins with a known midpoint redox potential (E_m) and 3D structure. The features of interest, accounting for both short- and long-range effects of the protein matrix on the flavin cofactor, have been automatically extracted from each protein PDB file. Our best ML model (XGB) has a performance error below 1 kcal/mol (∼36 mV), comparing favorably to more sophisticated computational approaches. We also provided indications on the features that mostly affect the E_m value, and when possible, we rationalized them on the basis of previous studies.

Mining the Flavoproteome of Brucella ovis, the Brucellosis Causing Agent in Ovis aries

Flavoproteins are a diverse class of proteins that are mostly enzymes and contain as cofactors flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and/or flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which enable them to participate in a wide range of physiological reactions. We have compiled 78 potential proteins building the flavoproteome of Brucella ovis (B. ovis), the causative agent of ovine brucellosis. The curated list of flavoproteins here reported is based on (i) the analysis of sequence, structure and function of homologous proteins, and their classification according to their structural domains, clans, and expected enzymatic functions; (ii) the constructed phylogenetic trees of enzyme functional classes using 19 Brucella strains and 26 pathogenic and/or biotechnological relevant alphaproteobacteria together with B. ovis; and (iii) the evaluation of the genetic context for each entry. Candidates account for ∼2.7% of the B. ovis proteome, and 75% of them use FAD as cofactor. Only 55% of these flavoproteins belong to the core proteome of Brucella and contribute to B. ovis processes involved in maintenance activities, survival and response to stress, virulence, and/or infectivity. Several of the predicted flavoproteins are highly divergent in Brucella genus from revised proteins and for them it is difficult to envisage a clear function. This might indicate modified catalytic activities or even divergent processes and mechanisms still not identified. We have also detected the lack of some functional flavoenzymes in B. ovis, which might contribute to it being nonzoonotic. Finally, potentiality of B. ovis flavoproteome as the source of antimicrobial targets or biocatalyst is discussed. IMPORTANCE Some microorganisms depend heavily on flavin-dependent activities, but others maintain them at a minimum. Knowledge about flavoprotein content and functions in different microorganisms will help to identify their metabolic requirements, as well as to benefit either industry or health. Currently, most flavoproteins from the sheep pathogen Brucella ovis are only automatically annotated in databases, and only two have been experimentally studied. Indeed, certain homologues with unknown function are not characterized, and they might relate to still not identified mechanisms or processes. Our research has identified 78 members that comprise its flavoproteome, 76 of them flavoenzymes, which mainly relate to bacteria survival, virulence, and/or infectivity. The list of flavoproteins here presented allows us to better understand the peculiarities of Brucella ovis and can be applied as a tool to search for candidates as new biocatalyst or antimicrobial targets.

Discovery of a new flavin N5-adduct in a tyrosine to phenylalanine variant of d-Arginine dehydrogenase

d-Arginine dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PaDADH) catalyzes the flavin-dependent oxidation of d-arginine and other d-amino acids. Here, we report the crystal structure at 1.29 Å resolution for PaDADH-Y249F expressed and co-crystallized with d-arginine. The overall structure of PaDADH-Y249F resembled PaDADH-WT, but the electron density for the flavin cofactor was ambiguous, suggesting the presence of modified flavins. Electron density maps and mass spectrometric analysis confirmed the presence of both N5-(4-guanidino-oxobutyl)-FAD and 6-OH-FAD in a single crystal of PaDADH-Y249F and helped with the further refinement of the X-ray crystal structure. The versatility of the reduced flavin is apparent in the PaDADH-Y249F structure and is evidenced by the multiple functions it can perform in the same active site.

Cofactors and pathogens: Flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) biosynthesis by the FAD synthase from Brucella ovis

The biosynthesis of the flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), cofactors used by 2% of proteins, occurs through the sequential action of two ubiquitous activities: a riboflavinkinase (RFK) that phosphorylates the riboflavin (RF) precursor to FMN, and a FMN:adenylyltransferase (FMNAT) that transforms FMN into FAD. In most mammals two different monofunctional enzymes have each of these activities, but in prokaryotes a single bifunctional enzyme, FAD synthase (FADS), holds them. Differential structural and functional traits for RFK and FMNAT catalysis between bacteria and mammals, as well as within the few bacterial FADSs so far characterized, has envisaged the potentiality of FADSs from pathogens as targets for the development of species‐specific inhibitors. Here, we particularly characterize the FADS from the ovine pathogen Brucella ovis (BoFADS), causative agent of brucellosis. We show that BoFADS has RFK activity independently of the media redox status, but its FMNAT activity (in both forward and reverse senses) only occurs under strong reducing conditions. Moreover, kinetics for flavin and adenine nucleotides binding to the RFK site show that BoFADS binds preferentially the substrates of the RFK reaction over the products and that the adenine nucleotide must bind prior to flavin entrapment. These results, together with multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis, point to variability in the less conserved regions as contributing to the species‐specific features in prokaryotic FADSs, including those from pathogens, that allow them to adopt alternative strategies in FMN and FAD biosynthesis and overall flavin homeostasis.

Heme auxotrophy in abundant aquatic microbial lineages

Heme, a porphyrin ring complexed with iron, is a metalloprosthetic group of numerous proteins involved in diverse metabolic and respiratory processes across all domains of life, and is thus considered essential for respiring organisms. Several microbial groups are known to lack the de novo heme biosynthetic pathway and therefore require exogenous heme from the environment. These heme auxotroph groups are largely limited to pathogens, symbionts, or microorganisms living in nutrient-replete conditions, whereas the complete absence of heme biosynthesis is extremely rare in free-living organisms. Here, we show that the acI lineage, a predominant and ubiquitous free-living bacterial group in freshwater habitats, is auxotrophic for heme, based on the experimental or genomic evidence. We found that two recently cultivated acI isolates require exogenous heme for their growth. One of the cultured acI isolates also exhibited auxotrophy for riboflavin. According to whole-genome analyses, all (n = 20) isolated acI strains lacked essential enzymes necessary for heme biosynthesis, indicating that heme auxotrophy is a conserved trait in this lineage. Analyses of >24,000 representative genomes for species clusters of the Genome Taxonomy Database revealed that heme auxotrophy is widespread across abundant but not-yet-cultivated microbial groups, including Patescibacteria, Marinisomatota (SAR406), Actinomarinales (OM1), and Marine groups IIb and III of Euryarchaeota Our findings indicate that heme auxotrophy is a more common phenomenon than previously thought, and may lead to use of heme as a growth factor to increase the cultured microbial diversity.

Evolution of the Cytokinin Dehydrogenase (CKX) Domain

Plant hormone cytokinins are important regulators of plant development, response to environmental stresses and interplay with other plant hormones. Cytokinin dehydrogenases (CKXs) are proteins responsible for the irreversible break-down of cytokinins to the adenine and aldehyde. Even though plant CKXs have been extensively studied, homologous proteins from other taxa remain mainly uncharacterised. Here we present our study on the molecular evolution and divergence of the CKX from bacteria, fungi, amoeba and viridiplantae. Although CKXs are present in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, they are missing in algae and metazoan taxa. The prevalent domain architecture consists of the FAD-binding and cytokinin binding domains, whereas some bacteria appear to have only cytokinin binding domain proteins. The CKXs play important role in the various aspects of plant life including control of plant development, response to biotic and abiotic stress, influence nutrition. Results of our study suggested that CKX originates from the FAD-linked C-terminal oxidase and has a defence-oriented function. The obtained results significantly extend the current understanding of the cytokinin dehydrogenases structure-function from the relationship to homologues from other taxa and provide a starting point baseline for their future functional characterization.

Non-statistical fragmentation in photo-activated flavin mononucleotide anions

The spectroscopy and photo-induced dissociation of flavin mononucleotide anions in vacuo are investigated over the 300-500 nm wavelength range. Comparison of the dependence of fragment ion yields as a function of deposited photon energy with calculated dissociation energies and collision-induced dissociation measurements performed under single-collision conditions suggests that a substantial fraction of photo-activated ions decompose through non-statistical fragmentation pathways. Among these pathways is the dominant photo-induced fragmentation channel, the loss of a fragment identified as formylmethylflavin. The fragment ion specific action spectra reveal electronic transition energies close to those for flavins in solution and previously published gas-phase measurements, although the photo-fragment yield upon excitation of the S₂ ← S₀ transition appears to be suppressed.

Iron-sulfur flavoenzymes: the added value of making the most ancient redox cofactors and the versatile flavins work together

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) flavoproteins form a broad and growing class of complex, multi-domain and often multi-subunit proteins coupling the most ancient cofactors (the Fe-S clusters) and the most versatile coenzymes (the flavin coenzymes, FMN and FAD). These enzymes catalyse oxidoreduction reactions usually acting as switches between donors of electron pairs and acceptors of single electrons, and vice versa. Through selected examples, the enzymes' structure−function relationships with respect to rate and directionality of the electron transfer steps, the role of the apoprotein and its dynamics in modulating the electron transfer process will be discussed.

The family of sarcosine oxidases: Same reaction, different products

The subfamily of sarcosine oxidase is a set of enzymes within the larger family of amine oxidases. It is ubiquitously distributed among different kingdoms of life. The member enzymes catalyze the oxidization of an N-methyl amine bond of amino acids to yield unstable imine species that undergo subsequent spontaneous non-enzymatic reactions, forming an array of different products. These products range from demethylated simple species to complex alkaloids. The enzymes belonging to the sarcosine oxidase family, namely, monomeric and heterotetrameric sarcosine oxidase, l-pipecolate oxidase, N-methyltryptophan oxidase, NikD, l-proline dehydrogenase, FsqB, fructosamine oxidase and saccharopine oxidase have unique features differentiating them from other amine oxidases. This review highlights the key attributes of the sarcosine oxidase family enzymes, in terms of their substrate binding motif, type of oxidation reaction mediated and FAD regeneration, to define the boundaries of this group and demarcate these enzymes from other amine oxidase families.

Overview of structurally homologous flavoprotein oxidoreductases containing the low Mr thioredoxin reductase-like fold - A functionally diverse group

Structural studies show that enzymes have a limited number of unique folds, although structurally related enzymes have evolved to perform a large variety of functions. In this review, we have focused on enzymes containing the low molecular weight thioredoxin reductase (low M_r TrxR) fold. This fold consists of two domains, both containing a three-layer ββα sandwich Rossmann-like fold, serving as flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and, in most cases, pyridine nucleotide (NAD(P)H) binding-domains. Based on a search of the Protein Data Bank for all published structures containing the low M_r TrxR-like fold, we here present a comprehensive overview of enzymes with this structural architecture. These range from TrxR-like ferredoxin/flavodoxin NAD(P)⁺ oxidoreductases, through glutathione reductase, to NADH peroxidase. Some enzymes are solely composed of the low M_r TrxR-like fold, while others contain one or two additional domains. In this review, we give a detailed description of selected enzymes containing only the low M_r TrxR-like fold, however, catalyzing a diversity of chemical reactions. Our overview of this structurally similar, yet functionally distinct group of flavoprotein oxidoreductases highlights the fascinating and increasing number of studies describing the diversity among these enzymes, especially during the last decade(s).

Flavins in the electron bifurcation process

The discovery of a new energy-coupling mechanism termed flavin-based electron bifurcation (FBEB) in 2008 revealed a novel field of application for flavins in biology. The key component is the bifurcating flavin endowed with strongly inverted one-electron reduction potentials (FAD/FAD•^- ≪ FAD•^-/FADH^-) that cooperatively transfers in its reduced state one low and one high-energy electron into different directions and thereby drives an endergonic with an exergonic reduction reaction. As energy splitting at the bifurcating flavin apparently implicates one-electron chemistry, the FBEB machinery has to incorporate prior to and behind the central bifurcating flavin 2e-to-1e and 1e-to-2e switches, frequently also flavins, for oxidizing variable medium-potential two-electron donating substrates and for reducing high-potential two-electron accepting substrates. The one-electron carriers ferredoxin or flavodoxin serve as low-potential (high-energy) electron acceptors, which power endergonic processes almost exclusively in obligate anaerobic microorganisms to increase the efficiency of their energy metabolism. In this review, we outline the global organization of FBEB enzymes, the functions of the flavins therein and the surrounding of the isoalloxazine rings by which their reduction potentials are specifically adjusted in a finely tuned energy landscape.

New frontiers in flavin-dependent monooxygenases

Flavin-dependent monooxygenases catalyze a wide variety of redox reactions in important biological processes and are responsible for the synthesis of highly complex natural products. Although much has been learned about FMO chemistry in the last ~80 years of research, several aspects of the reactions catalyzed by these enzymes remain unknown. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in the flavin-dependent monooxygenase field including aspects of flavin dynamics, formation and stabilization of reactive species, and the hydroxylation mechanism. Novel catalysis of flavin-dependent N-oxidases involving consecutive oxidations of amines to generate oximes or nitrones is presented and the biological relevance of the products is discussed. In addition, the activity of some FMOs have been shown to be essential for the virulence of several human pathogens. We also discuss the biomedical relevance of FMOs in antibiotic resistance and the efforts to identify inhibitors against some members of this important and growing family enzymes.

Kinetic Analysis of Transient Intermediates in the Mechanism of Prenyl-Flavin-Dependent Ferulic Acid Decarboxylase

Ferulic acid decarboxylase catalyzes the decarboxylation of various substituted phenylacrylic acids to their corresponding styrene derivatives and CO₂ using the recently discovered cofactor prenylated FMN (prFMN). The mechanism involves an unusual 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between prFMN and the substrate to generate a cycloadduct capable of undergoing decarboxylation. Using native mass spectrometry, we show the enzyme forms a stable prFMN-styrene cycloadduct that accumulates on the enzyme during turnover. Pre-steady state kinetic analysis of the reaction using ultraviolet-visible stopped-flow spectroscopy reveals a complex pattern of kinetic behavior, best described by a half-of-sites model involving negative cooperativity between the two subunits of the dimeric enzyme. For the reactive site, the cycloadduct of prFMN with phenylacylic acid is formed with a k_app of 131 s^-1. This intermediate converts to the prFMN-styrene cycloadduct with a k_app of 75 s^-1. Cycloelimination of the prFMN-styrene cycloadduct to generate styrene and free enzyme appears to determine k_cat for the overall reaction, which is 11.3 s^-1.

Role of reduced flavin in dehalogenation reactions

Halogenated organic compounds are extensively used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Several naturally occurring halogen-containing natural products are also produced, mainly by marine organisms. These compounds accumulate in the environment due to their chemical stability and lack of biological pathways for their degradation. However, a few enzymes have been identified that perform dehalogenation reactions in specific biological pathways and others have been identified to have secondary activities toward halogenated compounds. Various mechanisms for dehalogenation of I, Cl, Br, and F containing compounds have been elucidated. These have been grouped into reductive, oxidative, and hydrolytic mechanisms. Flavin-dependent enzymes have been shown to catalyze oxidative dehalogenation reactions utilizing the C4a-hydroperoxyflavin intermediate. In addition, flavoenzymes perform reductive dehalogenation, forming transient flavin semiquinones. Recently, flavin-dependent enzymes have also been shown to perform dehalogenation reactions where the reduced form of the flavin produces a covalent intermediate. Here, recent studies on the reactions of flavoenzymes in dehalogenation reactions, with a focus on covalent catalytic dehalogenation mechanisms, are described.

Regenerable copper anode for the Cu(I)-mediated reduction of FAD in the electroenzymatic styrene epoxidation reaction

Styrene monooxygenase (SMO) is a two-component flavoenzyme composed of NADH-dependent flavin reductase (SMOB) and FAD-specific styrene epoxidase (NSMOA) components. The enantioselective styrene epoxidation reaction catalyzed by this enzyme can be streamlined for chemosynthetic applications by substituting NADH and the reductase with an electrode to supply the epoxidase with reducing equivalents required for catalysis. Slow kinetics of adsorption and desorption of FAD from the electrode surface and unproductive side reactions of the reduced flavin with oxygen limit the efficiency of direct electroenzymatic catalysis. In the present work we develop a miniature spectroelectrochemical cell equipped with a copper electrode for the anodic synthesis of Cu(I) chelates of EDTA, glutamate, and citrate as FAD-reducing agents, and a platinum electrode for the electrolytic generation of oxygen. Copper oxidized in the flavin reduction reaction can be reclaimed subsequently as copper metal at the electrode surface. About 80% transformation of styrene is achieved in a single cell cycle of reduction and oxygenation at pH 7 and 25 °C in good agreement with that predicted by numerical simulation. When the cell is operated in two successive cycles, styrene oxide can be synthesized with an electroenzymatic epoxidation activity of 663U/g in 94% yield. This approach to electroenzymatic catalysis shows promise for the quantitative transformation of styrene to styrene oxide and may be applied more generally to other flavoprotein monooxygenases.

Flavins Act as a Critical Liaison Between Metabolic Homeostasis and Oxidative Stress in the Retina

Derivatives of the vitamin riboflavin, FAD and FMN, are essential cofactors in a multitude of bio-energetic reactions, indispensable for lipid metabolism and also are requisites in mitigating oxidative stress. Given that a balance between all these processes contributes to the maintenance of retinal homeostasis, effective regulation of riboflavin levels in the retina is paramount. However, various genetic and dietary factors have brought to fore pathological conditions that co-occur with a suboptimal level of flavins in the retina. Our focus in this review is to, comprehensively summarize all the possible metabolic and oxidative reactions which have been implicated in various retinal pathologies and to highlight the contribution flavins may have played in these. Recent research has found a sensitive method of measuring flavins in both diseased and healthy retina, presence of a novel flavin binding protein exclusively expressed in the retina, and the presence of flavin specific transporters in both the inner and outer blood-retina barriers. In light of these exciting findings, it is even more imperative to shift our focus on how the retina regulates its flavin homeostasis and what happens when this is disrupted.

Round, round we go - strategies for enzymatic cofactor regeneration

Covering: up to the beginning of 2020Enzymes depending on cofactors are essential in many biosynthetic pathways of natural products. They are often involved in key steps: catalytic conversions that are difficult to achieve purely with synthetic organic chemistry. Hence, cofactor-dependent enzymes have great potential for biocatalysis, on the condition that a corresponding cofactor regeneration system is available. For some cofactors, these regeneration systems require multiple steps; such complex enzyme cascades/multi-enzyme systems are (still) challenging for in vitro biocatalysis. Further, artificial cofactor analogues have been synthesised that are more stable, show an altered reaction range, or act as inhibitors. The development of bio-orthogonal systems that can be used for the production of modified natural products in vivo is an ongoing challenge. In light of the recent progress in this field, this review aims to provide an overview of general strategies involving enzyme cofactors, cofactor analogues, and regeneration systems; highlighting the current possibilities for application of enzymes using some of the most common cofactors.

Non-Oxidative Enzymatic (De)Carboxylation of (Hetero)Aromatics and Acrylic Acid Derivatives

The utilization of carbon dioxide as a C1-building block for the production of valuable chemicals has recently attracted much interest. Whereas chemical CO2 fixation is dominated by C-O and C-N bond forming reactions, the development of novel concepts for the carboxylation of C-nucleophiles, which leads to the formation of carboxylic acids, is highly desired. Beside transition metal catalysis, biocatalysis has emerged as an attractive method for the highly regioselective (de)carboxylation of electron-rich (hetero)aromatics, which has been recently further expanded to include conjugated α,β-unsaturated (acrylic) acid derivatives. Depending on the type of substrate, different classes of enzymes have been explored for (i) the ortho-carboxylation of phenols catalyzed by metal-dependent ortho-benzoic acid decarboxylases and (ii) the side-chain carboxylation of para-hydroxystyrenes mediated by metal-independent phenolic acid decarboxylases. Just recently, the portfolio of bio-carboxylation reactions was complemented by (iii) the para-carboxylation of phenols and the decarboxylation of electron-rich heterocyclic and acrylic acid derivatives mediated by prenylated FMN-dependent decarboxylases, which is the main focus of this review. Bio(de)carboxylation processes proceed under physiological reaction conditions employing bicarbonate or (pressurized) CO2 when running in the energetically uphill carboxylation direction. Aiming to facilitate the application of these enzymes in preparative-scale biotransformations, their catalytic mechanism and substrate scope are analyzed in this review.

On the use of noncompetitive kinetic isotope effects to investigate flavoenzyme mechanism

This account describes the application of kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) to investigate the mechanistic properties of flavin dependent enzymes. Assays can be conducted during steady-state catalytic turnover of the flavoenzyme with its substrate or by using rapid-kinetic techniques to measure either the reductive or oxidative half-reactions of the enzyme. Great care should be taken to ensure that the observed effects are due to isotopic substitution and not other factors such as pH effects or changes in the solvent viscosity of the reaction mixture. Different types of KIEs are described along with a physical description of their origins and the unique information each can provide about the mechanism of an enzyme. Detailed experimental techniques are outlined with special emphasis on the proper controls and data analysis that must be carried out to avoid erroneous conclusions. Examples are provided for each type of KIE measurement from references in the literature. It is our hope that this article will clarify any confusion concerning the utility of KIEs in the study of flavoprotein mechanism and encourage their use by the community.

Prenylated FMN: Biosynthesis, purification, and Fdc1 activation

Prenylated flavin mononucleotide (prFMN) is a recently discovered flavin cofactor produced by the UbiX family of FMN prenyltransferases, and is required for the activity of UbiD-like reversible decarboxylases. The latter enzymes are known to be involved in ubiquinone biosynthesis and biotransformation of lignin, aromatic compounds, and unsaturated aliphatic acids. However, exploration of uncharacterized UbiD proteins for biotechnological applications is hindered by our limited knowledge about the biochemistry of prFMN and prFMN-dependent enzymes. Here, we describe experimental protocols and considerations for the biosynthesis of prFMN in vivo and in vitro, in addition to cofactor extraction and application for activation of UbiD proteins.

Anaerobic degradation of xenobiotic isophthalate by the fermenting bacterium Syntrophorhabdus aromaticivorans

Syntrophorhabdus aromaticivorans is a syntrophically fermenting bacterium that can degrade isophthalate (3-carboxybenzoate). It is a xenobiotic compound which has accumulated in the environment for more than 50 years due to its global industrial usage and can cause negative effects on the environment. Isophthalate degradation by the strictly anaerobic S. aromaticivorans was investigated to advance our understanding of the degradation of xenobiotics introduced into nature, and to identify enzymes that might have ecological significance for bioremediation. Differential proteome analysis of isophthalate- vs benzoate-grown cells revealed over 400 differentially expressed proteins of which only four were unique to isophthalate-grown cells. The isophthalate-induced proteins include a phenylacetate:CoA ligase, a UbiD-like decarboxylase, a UbiX-like flavin prenyltransferase, and a hypothetical protein. These proteins are encoded by genes forming a single gene cluster that putatively codes for anaerobic conversion of isophthalate to benzoyl-CoA. Subsequently, benzoyl-CoA is metabolized by the enzymes of the anaerobic benzoate degradation pathway that were identified in the proteomic analysis. In vitro enzyme assays with cell-free extracts of isophthalate-grown cells indicated that isophthalate is activated to isophthalyl-CoA by an ATP-dependent isophthalate:CoA ligase (IPCL), and subsequently decarboxylated to benzoyl-CoA by a UbiD family isophthalyl-CoA decarboxylase (IPCD) that requires a prenylated flavin mononucleotide (prFMN) cofactor supplied by UbiX to effect decarboxylation. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that IPCD is a novel member of the functionally diverse UbiD family (de)carboxylases. Homologs of the IPCD encoding genes are found in several other bacteria, such as aromatic compound-degrading denitrifiers, marine sulfate-reducers, and methanogenic communities in a terephthalate-degrading reactor. These results suggest that metabolic strategies adapted for degradation of isophthalate and other phthalate are conserved between microorganisms that are involved in the anaerobic degradation of environmentally relevant aromatic compounds.

Respiratory Membrane Protein Complexes Convert Chemical Energy

The invention of a biological membrane which is used as energy storage system to drive the metabolism of a primordial, unicellular organism represents a key event in the evolution of life. The innovative, underlying principle of this key event is respiration. In respiration, a lipid bilayer with insulating properties is chosen as the site for catalysis of an exergonic redox reaction converting substrates offered from the environment, using the liberated Gibbs free energy (ΔG) for the build-up of an electrochemical H⁺ (proton motive force, PMF) or Na⁺ gradient (sodium motive force, SMF) across the lipid bilayer. Very frequently , several redox reactions are performed in a consecutive manner, with the first reaction delivering a product which is used as substrate for the second redox reaction, resulting in a respiratory chain. From today's perspective, the (mostly) unicellular bacteria and archaea seem to be much simpler and less evolved when compared to multicellular eukaryotes. However, they are overwhelmingly complex with regard to the various respiratory chains which permit survival in very different habitats of our planet, utilizing a plethora of substances to drive metabolism. This includes nitrogen, sulfur and carbon compounds which are oxidized or reduced by specialized, respiratory enzymes of bacteria and archaea which lie at the heart of the geochemical N, S and C-cycles. This chapter gives an overview of general principles of microbial respiration considering thermodynamic aspects, chemical reactions and kinetic restraints. The respiratory chains of Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae are discussed as models for PMF- versus SMF-generating processes, respectively. We introduce main redox cofactors of microbial respiratory enzymes, and the concept of intra-and interelectron transfer. Since oxygen is an electron acceptor used by many respiratory chains, the formation and removal of toxic oxygen radicals is described. Promising directions of future research are respiratory enzymes as novel bacterial targets, and biotechnological applications relying on respiratory complexes.

Distribution of Extracellular Flavins in a Coastal Marine Basin and Their Relationship to Redox Gradients and Microbial Community Members

The flavins (including flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and riboflavin (RF)) are a class of organic compounds synthesized by organisms to assist in critical redox reactions. While known to be secreted extracellularly by some species in laboratory-based cultures, flavin concentrations are largely unreported in the natural environment. Here, we present pore water and water column profiles of extracellular flavins (FMN and RF) and two degradation products (lumiflavin and lumichrome) from a coastal marine basin in the Southern California Bight alongside ancillary geochemical and 16S rRNA microbial community data. Flavins were detectable at picomolar concentrations in the water column (93-300 pM FMN, 14-40 pM RF) and low nanomolar concentrations in pore waters (250-2070 pM FMN, 11-210 pM RF). Elevated pore water flavin concentrations displayed an increasing trend with sediment depth and were significantly correlated with the total dissolved Fe (negative) and Mn (positive) concentrations. Network analysis revealed a positive relationship between flavins and the relative abundance of Dehalococcoidia and the MSBL9 clade of Planctomycetes, indicating possible secretion by members of these lineages. These results suggest that flavins are a common component of the so-called shared extracellular metabolite pool, especially in anoxic marine sediments where they exist at physiologically relevant concentrations for metal oxide reduction.

Biochemical and Structural Characterization of TtnD, a Prenylated FMN-Dependent Decarboxylase from the Tautomycetin Biosynthetic Pathway

Tautomycetin (TTN) is a polyketide natural product featuring a terminal alkene. Functional characterization of the genes within the ttn gene cluster from Streptomyces griseochromogenes established the biosynthesis of the TTN polyketide backbone, its dialkylmaleic anhydride moiety, the coupling of the two moieties to form the nascent intermediate TTN F-1, and the tailoring steps converting TTN F-1 to TTN. Here, we report biochemical and structural characterization of TtnD, a prenylated FMN (prFMN)-dependent decarboxylase belonging to the UbiD family that catalyzes the penultimate step of TTN biosynthesis. TtnD catalyzes decarboxylation of TTN D-1 to TTN I-1, utilizing prFMN as a cofactor generated by the TtnC flavin prenyltransferase; both TtnD and TtnC are encoded within the ttn biosynthetic gene cluster. TtnD exhibits substrate promiscuity but accepts only TTN D-1 congeners that feature an α,β-unsaturated acid, supporting the [3+2] cycloaddition mechanism during catalysis that requires the double bond of an α,β-unsaturated acid substrate. TtnD shares a similar overall structure with other members of the UbiD family but forms a homotetramer in solution. Each protomer is composed of three domains with the active site located between the middle and C-terminal domains; R169-E272-E277, constituting the catalytic triad, and E228, involved in Mn(II)-mediated binding of prFMN, were confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. TtnD represents the first example of a prFMN-dependent decarboxylase involved in polyketide biosynthesis, expanding the substrate scope of the UbiD family of decarboxylases beyond simple aromatic and cinnamic acids. TtnD and its homologues are widespread in nature and could be exploited as biocatalysts for organic synthesis.

Terminal Alkenes from Acrylic Acid Derivatives via Non-Oxidative Enzymatic Decarboxylation by Ferulic Acid Decarboxylases

Fungal ferulic acid decarboxylases (FDCs) belong to the UbiD-family of enzymes and catalyse the reversible (de)carboxylation of cinnamic acid derivatives through the use of a prenylated flavin cofactor. The latter is synthesised by the flavin prenyltransferase UbiX. Herein, we demonstrate the applicability of FDC/UbiX expressing cells for both isolated enzyme and whole-cell biocatalysis. FDCs exhibit high activity with total turnover numbers (TTN) of up to 55000 and turnover frequency (TOF) of up to 370 min-1. Co-solvent compatibility studies revealed FDC's tolerance to some organic solvents up 20 % v/v. Using the in-vitro (de)carboxylase activity of holo-FDC as well as whole-cell biocatalysts, we performed a substrate profiling study of three FDCs, providing insights into structural determinants of activity. FDCs display broad substrate tolerance towards a wide range of acrylic acid derivatives bearing (hetero)cyclic or olefinic substituents at C3 affording conversions of up to >99 %. The synthetic utility of FDCs was demonstrated by a preparative-scale decarboxylation.

Biosynthesis and Activity of Prenylated FMN Cofactors

Prenylated flavin mononucleotide (prFMN) is a recently discovered cofactor required by the UbiD family of reversible decarboxylases involved in ubiquinone biosynthesis, biological decomposition of lignin, and biotransformation of aromatic compounds. This cofactor is synthesized by UbiX-like prenyltransferases catalyzing the transfer of the dimethylallyl moiety of dimethylallyl-monophosphate (DMAP) to FMN. The origin of DMAP for prFMN biosynthesis and the biochemical properties of free prFMN are unknown. We show that in Escherichia coli cells, DMAP can be produced by phosphorylating prenol using ThiM or dephosphorylating DMAPP using Nudix hydrolases. We produced 14 active prenyltransferases whose properties enabled the purification and characterization of protein-free forms of prFMN. In vitro assays revealed that the UbiD-like ferulate decarboxylase (Fdc1) can be activated by free prFMN_iminium or C2'-hydroxylated prFMN_iminium under both oxidized and reduced conditions. These insights into the biosynthesis and properties of prFMN will facilitate further elucidation of the biochemical diversity of reversible UbiD (de)carboxylases.

Mechanistic insights into the catalytic reaction of ferulic acid decarboxylase from Aspergillus niger: a QM/MM study

Ubiquinone plays a pivotal role in the aerobic cellular respiratory electron transport chain, whereas ferulic acid decarboxylase (FDC) is involved in the biosynthesis of ubiquinone precursor. Recently, the complete crystal structure of FDC (based on the co-expression of the A. niger fdc1 gene in E. coli with the associated ubix gene from E. coli) at high resolution was reported. Herein, the detailed catalytic non-oxidative decarboxylation mechanism of FDC has been investigated by a combined quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) approach. Calculation results indicate that, after the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of the substrate and cofactor, the carboxylic group can readily split off from the adduct, and the overall energy barrier of the whole catalytic reaction is 23.5 kcal mol^-1. According to the energy barrier analysis, the protonation step is rate-limiting. The conserved protonated Glu282 is suggested to be the proton donor through a "water bridge". Besides, two cases, that is, the generated CO₂ escapes from the active site or remains in the active site, were considered. It was found that the prolonged leaving of CO₂ can facilitate the protonation of the intermediate. In particular, our calculations shed light on the detailed function of both cofactors prFMN^iminium and prFMN^ketamine in the decarboxylation step. The cofactor prFMN^iminium is the catalytically relevant species compared with prFMN^ketamine.

Kinetic Characterization of Prenyl-Flavin Synthase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have characterized the kinetics and substrate requirements of prenyl-flavin synthase from yeast. This enzyme catalyzes the addition of an isopentenyl unit to reduced flavin mononucleotide (FMN) to form an additional six-membered ring that bridges N5 and C6 of the flavin nucleus, thereby converting the flavin from a redox cofactor to one that supports the decarboxylation of aryl carboxylic acids. In contrast to bacterial enzymes, the yeast enzyme was found to use dimethylallyl pyrophosphate, rather than dimethylallyl phosphate, as the prenyl donor in the reaction. We developed a coupled assay for prenyl-flavin synthase activity in which turnover was linked to the activation of the prenyl-flavin-dependent enzyme, ferulic acid decarboxylase. The kinetics of the reaction are extremely slow: k_cat = 12.2 ± 0.2 h^-1, and K_M for dimethylallyl pyrophosphate = 9.8 ± 0.7 μM. The K_M for reduced FMN was too low to be accurately measured. The kinetics of reduced FMN consumption were studied under pre-steady state conditions. The reaction of FMN was described well by first-order kinetics with a k_app of 17.4 ± 1.1 h^-1. These results indicate that a chemical step, most likely formation of the carbon-carbon bond between C6 of the flavin and the isopentenyl moiety, is substantially rate-determining in the reaction.

Flavin-N5 Covalent Intermediate in a Nonredox Dehalogenation Reaction Catalyzed by an Atypical Flavoenzyme

The flavin-dependent enzyme 2-haloacrylate hydratase (2-HAH) catalyzes the conversion of 2-chloroacrylate, a major component in the manufacture of acrylic polymers, to pyruvate. The enzyme was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and characterized. 2-HAH was shown to be monomeric in solution and contained a non-covalent, yet tightly bound, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). Although the catalyzed reaction was redox-neutral, 2-HAH was active only in the reduced state. A covalent flavin-substrate intermediate, consistent with the flavin-acrylate iminium ion, was trapped with cyanoborohydride and characterized by mass spectrometry. Small-angle X-ray scattering was consistent with 2-HAH belonging to the succinate dehydrogenase/fumarate reductase family of flavoproteins. These studies establish 2-HAH as a novel noncanonical flavoenzyme.

Cofactor Tail Length Modulates Catalysis of Bacterial F420-Dependent Oxidoreductases

F₄₂₀ is a microbial cofactor that mediates a wide range of physiologically important and industrially relevant redox reactions, including in methanogenesis and tetracycline biosynthesis. This deazaflavin comprises a redox-active isoalloxazine headgroup conjugated to a lactyloligoglutamyl tail. Here we studied the catalytic significance of the oligoglutamate chain, which differs in length between bacteria and archaea. We purified short-chain F₄₂₀ (two glutamates) from a methanogen isolate and long-chain F₄₂₀ (five to eight glutamates) from a recombinant mycobacterium, confirming their different chain lengths by HPLC and LC/MS analysis. F₄₂₀ purified from both sources was catalytically compatible with purified enzymes from the three major bacterial families of F₄₂₀-dependent oxidoreductases. However, long-chain F₄₂₀ bound to these enzymes with a six- to ten-fold higher affinity than short-chain F₄₂₀. The cofactor side chain also significantly modulated the kinetics of the enzymes, with long-chain F₄₂₀ increasing the substrate affinity (lower K_m) but reducing the turnover rate (lower k_cat) of the enzymes. Molecular dynamics simulations and comparative structural analysis suggest that the oligoglutamate chain of F₄₂₀ makes dynamic electrostatic interactions with conserved surface residues of the oxidoreductases while the headgroup binds the catalytic site. In conjunction with the kinetic data, this suggests that electrostatic interactions made by the oligoglutamate tail result in higher-affinity, lower-turnover catalysis. Physiologically, we propose that bacteria have selected for long-chain F₄₂₀ to better control cellular redox reactions despite tradeoffs in catalytic rate. Conversely, this suggests that industrial use of shorter-length F₄₂₀ will greatly increase the rates of bioremediation and biocatalysis processes relying on purified F₄₂₀-dependent oxidoreductases.

Enzyme Activation with a Synthetic Catalytic Co-enzyme Intermediate: Nucleotide Methylation by Flavoenzymes

To facilitate production of functional enzymes and to study their mechanisms, especially in the complex cases of coenzyme-dependent systems, activation of an inactive apoenzyme preparation with a catalytically competent coenzyme intermediate is an attractive strategy. This is illustrated with the simple chemical synthesis of a flavin-methylene iminium compound previously proposed as a key intermediate in the catalytic cycle of several important flavoenzymes involved in nucleic acid metabolism. Reconstitution of both flavin-dependent RNA methyltransferase and thymidylate synthase apoproteins with this synthetic compound led to active enzymes for the C5-uracil methylation within their respective transfer RNA and dUMP substrate. This strategy is expected to be of general application in enzymology.

Phthaloyl-coenzyme A decarboxylase from Thauera chlorobenzoica: the prenylated flavin-, K+ - and Fe2+ -dependent key enzyme of anaerobic phthalate degradation

The degradation of the industrially produced and environmentally relevant phthalate esters by microorganisms is initiated by the hydrolysis to alcohols and phthalate (1,2-dicarboxybenzene). In the absence of oxygen the further degradation of phthalate proceeds via activation to phthaloyl-CoA followed by decarboxylation to benzoyl-CoA. Here, we report on the first purification and characterization of a phthaloyl-CoA decarboxylase (PCD) from the denitrifying Thauera chlorobenzoica. Hexameric PCD belongs to the UbiD-family of (de)carboxylases and contains prenylated FMN (prFMN), K⁺ and, unlike other UbiD-like enzymes, Fe²⁺ as cofactors. The latter is suggested to be involved in oxygen-independent electron-transfer during oxidative prFMN maturation. Either oxidation to the Fe³⁺ -state in air or removal of K⁺ by desalting resulted in >92% loss of both, prFMN and decarboxylation activity suggesting the presence of an active site prFMN/Fe²⁺ /K⁺ -complex in PCD. The PCD-catalysed reaction was essentially irreversible: neither carboxylation of benzoyl-CoA in the presence of 2 M bicarbonate, nor an isotope exchange of phthaloyl-CoA with ¹³ C-bicarbonate was observed. PCD differs in many aspects from prFMN-containing UbiD-like decarboxylases and serves as a biochemically accessible model for the large number of UbiD-like (de)carboxylases that play key roles in the anaerobic degradation of environmentally relevant aromatic pollutants.

Flavin-N5-oxide: A new, catalytic motif in flavoenzymology

Flavin-N5-oxide is a recently discovered intermediate used by EncM (1,3-diketone oxidation), DszA (sulfone monooxygenase) and RutA (amide monooxygenase). This review describes the mechanism of these enzymes and proposes criteria for the identification of additional Flavin-N5-oxide dependent enzymes.