Enzymatic ω-Oxidation

Structure and Function of Alkane Monooxygenase (AlkB)

Every year, perhaps as much as 800 million tons of hydrocarbons enters the environment; alkanes make up a large percentage of it. Most are transformed by organisms that utilize these molecules as sources of energy and carbon. Both aerobic and anaerobic alkane transformation chemistries exist, capitalizing on the presence of alkanes in both oxic and anoxic environments. Over the past 40 years, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the structure and mechanism of enzymes that catalyze the transformation of methane. By contrast, progress involving enzymes that transform liquid alkanes has been slower with the first structures of AlkB, the predominant aerobic alkane hydroxylase in the environment, appearing in 2023. Because of the fundamental importance of C-H bond activation chemistries, interest in understanding how biology activates and transforms alkanes is high.In this Account, we focus on steps we have taken to understand the mechanism and structure of alkane monooxygenase (AlkB), the metalloenzyme that dominates the transformation of liquid alkanes in the environment (not to be confused with another AlkB that is an α-ketogluturate-dependent enzyme involved in DNA repair). First, we briefly describe what is known about the prevalence of AlkB in the environment and its role in the carbon cycle. Then we review the key findings from our recent high-resolution cryoEM structure of AlkB and highlight important similarities and differences in the structures of members of class III diiron enzymes. Functional studies, which we summarize, from a number of single residue variants enable us to say a great deal about how the structure of AlkB facilitates its function. Next, we overview work from our laboratories using mechanistically diagnostic radical clock substrates to characterize the mechanism of AlkB and contextualize the results we have obtained on AlkB with results we have obtained on other alkane-oxidizing enzymes and explain these results in light of the enzyme's structure. Finally, we integrate recent work in our laboratories with information from prior studies of AlkB, and relevant model systems, to create a holistic picture of the enzyme. We end by pointing to critical questions that still need to be answered, questions about the electronic structure of the active site of the enzyme throughout the reaction cycle and about whether and to what extent the enzyme plays functional roles in biology beyond simply initiating the degradation of alkanes.

Structural features and stability of apo- and holo-forms of a simple iron-sulfur protein

Iron-sulfur centers are widespread in living organisms, mostly performing electron transfer functions, either in electron transfer chains or as part of multi-enzymatic complexes, while being also present in enzyme active sites, handling substrate catalysis. Rubredoxin is the simplest iron-sulfur containing protein constituted by a single polypeptide chain of 50 to 60 amino acids, of which four cysteine residues are responsible for metal binding in a tetrahedral coordination sphere. In this manuscript we explore the structure and stability of both apo- and holo-forms of a Rubredoxin from Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus using Synchrotron Radiation Circular Dichroism (SRCD) in combination with other biochemical and spectroscopic techniques. The results are consistent with a holo-protein form containing a monomeric iron center with UV-visible maxima at 760, 578, 494, 386, 356 and 279 nm, an intense EPR resonance with a g value around 4.3 and Mössbauer spectroscopy parameters of δ equal to 0.69 mm/s and ΔE_Q equal to 3.25 mm/s, for the ferrous reconstituted state. SRCD data, obtained for the first time for the apo-form, show a quite defined structure with ∆ε maximum at 191 nm and minima at 203 and 231 nm. Most significantly, the presence of isosbestic points at 189 and 228 nm made the interconversion between the two stable apo- and holo-form solution structures clear. SRCD temperature dependence data shows that for both forms the denaturation process proceeds through an intermediate species.

Enhanced degradation of different crude oils by defined engineered consortia of Acinetobacter venetianus RAG-1 mutants based on their alkane metabolism

Microbial consortia offer an attractive biodegradation strategy for removing hydrocarbons from oil-contaminated sites. In this study, we explored the degradation properties of Acinetobacter venetianus strain RAG-1 (RAG-1). RAG-1 effectively degrades three crude oils with excellent emulsification activity and cell surface hydrophobicity, while exhibiting broad environmental tolerance. RAG-1 accepts a range of alkane substrates (C₁₀-C₃₈) using three alkane hydroxylases (AlkMa, AlkMb, and AlmA). Bacterial mutant with alkMa or alkMb deletion enhanced degradation of C₁₀-C₂₀ or C₂₂-C₃₂ n-alkanes, respectively. Based on the substrate metabolism of the mutants, adjustable and targeted consortia consisting of ΔalkMa/almA and ΔalkMb were constructed, achieving enhanced degradation (10 days) of light crude oil (73.42% to 88.65%), viscous crude oil (68.40% to 90.05%), and high waxy crude oil (47.46% to 60.52%) compared with the single wild-type strain. The degradation properties of RAG-1 and the engineered consortia strategy may have potential use in microbial biodegradation applications.

Investigation of the prevalence and catalytic activity of rubredoxin-fused alkane monooxygenases (AlkBs)

Interest in understanding the environmental distribution of the alkane monooxygenase (AlkB) enzyme led to the identification of over 100 distinct alkane monooxygenase (AlkB) enzymes containing a covalently bound, or fused, rubredoxin. The rubredoxin-fused AlkB from Dietzia cinnamea was cloned as a full-length protein and as a truncated protein with the rubredoxin domain deleted. A point mutation (V91W) was introduced into the full-length protein, with the goal of assessing how steric bulk in the putative substrate channel might affect selectivity. Based on activity studies with alkane and alkene substrates, the rubredoxin-fused AlkB oxidizes a similar range of alkane substrates relative to its rubredoxin domain-deletion counterpart. Oxidation of terminal alkenes generated both an epoxide and a terminal aldehyde. The products of V91W-mutant-catalyzed oxidation of alkenes had a higher aldehyde-to-epoxide ratio than the products formed in the presence of the wild type protein. These results are consistent with this mutation causing a structural change impacting substrate positioning.

Unusual Reduction Mechanism of Copper in Cysteine-Rich Environment

Copper-cysteine interactions play an important role in Biology and herein we used the copper-substituted rubredoxin (Cu-Rd) from Desulfovibrio gigas to gain further insights into the copper-cysteine redox chemistry. EPR spectroscopy results are consistent with Cu-Rd harboring a Cu^II center in a sulfur-rich coordination, in a distorted tetrahedral structure ( g_∥,⊥ = 2.183 and 2.032 and A_∥,⊥ = 76.4 × 10^-4 and 12 × 10^-4 cm^-1). In Cu-Rd, two oxidation states at Cu-center (Cu^II and Cu^I) are associated with Cys oxidation-reduction, alternating in the redox cycle, as pointed by electrochemical studies that suggest internal geometry rearrangements associated with the electron transfer processes. The midpoint potential of [Cu^I(S-Cys)₂(Cys-S-S-Cys)]/[Cu^II(S-Cys)₄] redox couple was found to be -0.15 V vs NHE showing a large separation of cathodic and anodic peaks potential (Δ E_p = 0.575 V). Interestingly, sulfur-rich Cu^II-Rd is highly stable under argon in dark conditions, which is thermodynamically unfavorable to Cu-thiol autoreduction. The reduction of copper and concomitant oxidation of Cys can both undergo two possible pathways: oxidative as well as photochemical. Under O₂, Cu^II plays the role of the electron carrier from one Cys to O₂ followed by internal geometry rearrangement at the Cu site, which facilitates reduction at Cu-center to yield Cu^I(S-Cys)₂(Cys-S-S-Cys). Photoinduced (irradiated at λ_ex = 280 nm) reduction of the Cu^II center is observed by UV-visible photolysis (above 300 nm all bands disappeared) and tryptophan fluorescence (∼335 nm peak enhanced) experiments. In both pathways, geometry reorganization plays an important role in copper reduction yielding an energetically compatible donor-acceptor system. This model system provides unusual stability and redox chemistry rather than the universal Cu-thiol auto redox chemistry in cysteine-rich copper complexes.

Spectroscopic characterization of the Co-substituted C-terminal domain of rubredoxin-2

Pseudomonas putida rubredoxin-2 (Rxn2) is an essential member of the alkane hydroxylation pathway and transfers electrons from a reductase to the membrane-bound hydroxylase. The regioselective hydroxylation of linear alkanes is a challenging chemical transformation of great interest for the chemical industry. Herein, we report the preparation and spectroscopic characterization of cobalt-substituted P. putida Rxn2 and a truncated version of the protein consisting of the C-terminal domain of the protein. Our spectroscopic data on the Co-substituted C-terminal domain supports a high-spin Co(II) with a distorted tetrahedral coordination environment. Investigation of the two-domain protein Rxn2 provides insights into the metal-binding properties of the N-terminal domain, the role of which is not well understood so far. Circular dichroism, electron paramagnetic resonance and X-ray absorption spectroscopies support an alternative Co-binding site within the N-terminal domain, which appears to not be relevant in nature. We have shown that chemical reconstitution in the presence of Co leads to incorporation of Co(II) into the active site of the C-terminal domain, but not the N-terminal domain of Rxn2 indicating distinct roles for the two rubredoxin domains.

Electrochemical Hydroxylation of C3-C12 n-Alkanes by Recombinant Alkane Hydroxylase (AlkB) and Rubredoxin-2 (AlkG) from Pseudomonas putida GPo1

An unprecedented method for the efficient conversion of C₃–C₁₂ linear alkanes to their corresponding primary alcohols mediated by the membrane-bound alkane hydroxylase (AlkB) from Pseudomonas putida GPo1 is demonstrated. The X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) studies support that electrons can be transferred from the reduced AlkG (rubredoxin-2, the redox partner of AlkB) to AlkB in a two-phase manner. Based on this observation, an approach for the electrocatalytic conversion from alkanes to alcohols mediated by AlkB using an AlkG immobilized screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) is developed. The framework distortion of AlkB–AlkG adduct on SPCE surface might create promiscuity toward gaseous substrates. Hence, small alkanes including propane and n-butane can be accommodated in the hydrophobic pocket of AlkB for C–H bond activation. The proof of concept herein advances the development of artificial C–H bond activation catalysts.

Incorporation of molybdenum in rubredoxin: models for mononuclear molybdenum enzymes

Molybdenum is found in the active site of enzymes usually coordinated by one or two pyranopterin molecules. Here, we mimic an enzyme with a mononuclear molybdenum-bis pyranopterin center by incorporating molybdenum in rubredoxin. In the molybdenum-substituted rubredoxin, the metal ion is coordinated by four sulfurs from conserved cysteine residues of the apo-rubredoxin and two other exogenous ligands, oxygen and thiol, forming a Mo((VI))-(S-Cys)4(O)(X) complex, where X represents -OH or -SR. The rubredoxin molybdenum center is stabilized in a Mo(VI) oxidation state, but can be reduced to Mo(IV) via Mo(V) by dithionite, being a suitable model for the spectroscopic properties of resting and reduced forms of molybdenum-bis pyranopterin-containing enzymes. Preliminary experiments indicate that the molybdenum site built in rubredoxin can promote oxo transfer reactions, as exemplified with the oxidation of arsenite to arsenate.

Identification of an iron-sulfur cluster that modulates the enzymatic activity in NarE, a Neisseria meningitidis ADP-ribosyltransferase

In prokaryotes, mono-ADP-ribose transfer enzymes represent a family of exotoxins that display activity in a variety of bacterial pathogens responsible for causing disease in plants and animals, including those affecting mankind, such as diphtheria, cholera, and whooping cough. We report here that NarE, a putative ADP-ribosylating toxin previously identified from Neisseria meningitidis, which shares structural homologies with Escherichia coli heat labile enterotoxin and toxin from Vibrio cholerae, possesses an iron-sulfur center. The recombinant protein was expressed in E. coli, and when purified at high concentration, NarE is a distinctive golden brown in color. Evidence from UV-visible spectrophotometry and EPR spectroscopy revealed characteristics consistent of an iron-binding protein. The presence of iron was determined by colorimetric method and by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. To identify the amino acids involved in binding iron, a combination of site-directed mutagenesis and UV-visible and enzymatic assays were performed. All four cysteine residues were individually replaced by serine. Substitution of Cys(67) and Cys(128) into serine caused a drastic reduction in the E(420)/E(280) ratio, suggesting that these two residues are essential for the formation of a stable coordination. This modification led to a consistent loss in ADP-ribosyltransferase activity, while decrease in NAD-glycohydrolase activity was less dramatic in these mutants, indicating that the correct assembly of the iron-binding site is essential for transferase but not hydrolase activity. This is the first observation suggesting that a member of the ADP-ribosyltransferase family contains an Fe-S cluster implicated in catalysis. This observation may unravel novel functions exerted by this class of enzymes.

Identification of an iron–hepcidin complex

Following its identification as a liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide, the hepcidin peptide was later shown to be a key player in iron homoeostasis. It is now proposed to be the ‘iron hormone’ which, by interacting with the iron transporter ferroportin, prevents further iron import into the circulatory system. This conclusion was reached using the corresponding synthetic peptide, emphasizing the functional importance of the mature 25-mer peptide, but omitting the possible functionality of its maturation. From urine-purified native hepcidin, we recently demonstrated that a proportion of the purified hepcidin had formed iron–hepcidin complexes. This interaction was investigated further by computer modelling and, based on the sequence similarity of hepcidin with metallothionein, a three-dimensional model of hepcidin, containing one atom of iron, was constructed. To characterize these complexes further, the interaction with iron was analysed using different spectroscopic methods. Monoferric hepcidin was identified by MS, as were possibly other complexes containing two and three atoms of iron respectively, although these were present only in minor amounts. UV/visible absorbance and CD studies identified the iron-binding events which were facilitated at a physiological pH. EPR spectroscopy identified the ferric state of the bound metal, and indicated that the iron–hepcidin complex shares some similarities with the rubredoxin iron–sulfur complex, suggesting the presence of Fe3+ in a tetrahedral sulfur co-ordination. The potential roles of iron binding for hepcidin are discussed, and we propose either a regulatory function in the maturation of pro-hepcidin into active hepcidin or as the necessary link in the interaction between hepcidin and ferroportin.

Biochemical and structural characterization of a novel family of cystathionine beta-synthase domain proteins fused to a Zn ribbon-like domain

We have identified a novel family of proteins, in which the N-terminal cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) domain is fused to the C-terminal Zn ribbon domain. Four proteins were overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified: TA0289 from Thermoplasma acidophilum, TV1335 from Thermoplasma volcanium, PF1953 from Pyrococcus furiosus, and PH0267 from Pyrococcus horikoshii. The purified proteins had a red/purple color in solution and an absorption spectrum typical of rubredoxins (Rds). Metal analysis of purified proteins revealed the presence of several metals, with iron and zinc being the most abundant metals (2-67% of iron and 12-74% of zinc). Crystal structures of both mercury- and iron-bound TA0289 (1.5-2.0 A resolution) revealed a dimeric protein whose intersubunit contacts are formed exclusively by the alpha-helices of two cystathionine beta-synthase subdomains, whereas the C-terminal domain has a classical Zn ribbon planar architecture. All proteins were reversibly reduced by chemical reductants (ascorbate or dithionite) or by the general Rd reductase NorW from E. coli in the presence of NADH. Reduced TA0289 was found to be capable of transferring electrons to cytochrome C from horse heart. Likewise, the purified Zn ribbon protein KTI11 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae had a purple color in solution and an Rd-like absorption spectrum, contained both iron and zinc, and was reduced by the Rd reductase NorW from E. coli. Thus, recombinant Zn ribbon domains from archaea and yeast demonstrate an Rd-like electron carrier activity in vitro. We suggest that, in vivo, some Zn ribbon domains might also bind iron and therefore possess an electron carrier activity, adding another physiological role to this large family of important proteins.

Omega Oxygenases: Nonheme-iron enzymes and P450 cytochromes

Enzymes that effect with ease one of the most difficult chemical reactions, hydroxylation of an unfunctionalized alkyl group, are of particular interest because highly reactive intermediates must be produced. A typical example, the hydroxylation of fatty acids in the omega position, is now known to occur widely in nature. The catalysts, which can be called "omega-oxygenases," also insert molecular oxygen into a variety of other substrates at positions removed from activating functional groups, as in steroids, eicosanoids, and numerous drugs and other xenobiotics. Progress in the characterization of bacterial nonheme-iron enzymes, and plant, bacterial, and mammalian P450 cytochromes that catalyze fatty acid omega-oxidation, and evidence for multiple functional oxidants are summarized.

Rubredoxins involved in alkane oxidation

Rubredoxins (Rds) are essential electron transfer components of bacterial membrane-bound alkane hydroxylase systems. Several Rd genes associated with alkane hydroxylase or Rd reductase genes were cloned from gram-positive and gram-negative organisms able to grow on n-alkanes (Alk-Rds). Complementation tests in an Escherichia coli recombinant containing all Pseudomonas putida GPo1 genes necessary for growth on alkanes except Rd 2 (AlkG) and sequence comparisons showed that the Alk-Rds can be divided in AlkG1- and AlkG2-type Rds. All alkane-degrading strains contain AlkG2-type Rds, which are able to replace the GPo1 Rd 2 in n-octane hydroxylation. Most strains also contain AlkG1-type Rds, which do not complement the deletion mutant but are highly conserved among gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Common to most Rds are the two iron-binding CXXCG motifs. All Alk-Rds possess four negatively charged residues that are not conserved in other Rds. The AlkG1-type Rds can be distinguished from the AlkG2-type Rds by the insertion of an arginine downstream of the second CXXCG motif. In addition, the glycines in the two CXXCG motifs are usually replaced by other amino acids. Mutagenesis of residues conserved in either the AlkG1- or the AlkG2-type Rds, but not between both types, shows that AlkG1 is unable to transfer electrons to the alkane hydroxylase mainly due to the insertion of the arginine, whereas the exchange of the glycines in the two CXXCG motifs only has a limited effect.

Expression, stability and performance of the three-component alkane mono-oxygenase of Pseudomonas oleovorans in Escherichia coli

We tested the synthesis and in vivo function of the inducible alkane hydroxylase of Pseudomonas oleovorans GPo1 in several Escherichia coli recombinants. The enzyme components (AlkB, AlkG and AlkT) were synthesized at various rates in different E. coli hosts, which after induction produced between twofold and tenfold more of the Alk components than did P. oleovorans. The enzyme components were less stable in recombinant E. coli hosts than in P. oleovorans. In addition, the specific activity of the alkane mono-oxygenase component AlkB was five or six times lower in E. coli than in P. oleovorans. Evidently, optimal functioning of the hydroxylase system requires factors or a molecular environment that are available in Pseudomonas but not in E. coli. These factors are likely to include correct interactions of AlkB with the membrane and incorporation of iron into the AlkG and AlkB apoproteins.

Nuclear-magnetic-resonance determination of the electron self-exchange rate constant of Clostridium pasteurianum rubredoxin

The iron ion of rubredoxins efficiently exchanges one electron between the Fe(II) and Fe(III) oxidation states in mixtures of oxidized and reduced protein. The conditions under which the relaxation properties of the NMR signals can provide information about this exchange process have been worked out. The rate constant for the rubredoxin electron self-exchange ranges between 1.5 x 10(5) M-1 s-1 at 12 degrees C and 3 x 10(5) M-1 s-1 at 30 degrees C with an activation energy of the order of 24-30 kJ mol-1 in 50 mM potassium phosphate, pH 7. The increase of the electron self-exchange rate constant with ionic strength suggests that neutralizing electrostatic repulsion between the active sites of two molecules further accelerates the already fast electron exchange.

Genetics of alkane oxidation by Pseudomonas oleovorans

Many Pseudomonads are able to use linear alkanes as sole carbon and energy source. The genetics and enzymology of alkane metabolism have been investigated in depth for Pseudomonas oleovorans, which is able to oxidize C5-C12 n-alkanes by virtue of two gene regions, localized on the OCT-plasmid. The so-called alk-genes have been cloned in pLAFR1, and were subsequent analyzed using minicell expression experiments, DNA sequencing and deletion analysis. This has led to the identification and characterization of of the alkBFGHJKL and alkST genes which encode all proteins necessary to convert alkanes to the corresponding acyl-CoA derivatives. These then enter the beta-oxidation-cycle, and can be utilized as carbon- and energy sources. Medium (C6-C12)- or long-chain (C13-C20) n-alkanes can be utilized by many strains, some of which have been partially characterized. The alkane-oxidizing enzymes used by some of these strains (e.g. two P. aeruginosa strains, a P. denitrificans strain and a marine Pseudomonas sp.) appear to be closely related to those encoded by the OCT-plasmid.

The alkane oxidation system of Pseudomonas oleovorans: induction of the alk genes in Escherichia coli W3110 (pGEc47) affects membrane biogenesis and results in overexpression of alkane hydroxylase in a distinct cytoplasmic membrane subfraction

The alkane hydroxylase system of Pseudomonas oleovorans, which catalyses the initial oxidation of aliphatic substrates, is encoded by three genes. One of the gene products, the alkane hydroxylase AlkB, is an integral cytoplasmic membrane protein. Induction leads to the synthesis of 1.5-2% AlkB relative to the total cell protein, both in P. oleovorans and in recombinant Escherichia coli DH1. We present a study on the induction and localization of the alkane hydroxylase in E. coli W3110, which appears to be an interesting host strain because it permits expression levels of AlkB of up to 10-15% of the total cell protein. This expression level had negative effects on cell growth. The phospholipid content of such cells was about threefold higher than that of wild-type W3110. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy showed that induction of the alk genes led to the appearance of membrane vesicles in the cytoplasm; these occurred much more frequently in cells expressing alkB than in the negative control, which contained all of the alk genes except for alkB. Isolation and separation of the membranes of cells expressing alkB by density gradient centrifugation showed the customary cytoplasmic and outer membranes, as well as a low-density membrane fraction. This additional fraction was highly enriched in AlkB, as shown both by SDS-PAGE and enzyme activity measurements. A typical cytoplasmic membrane protein, NADH oxidase, was absent from the low-density membrane fraction. alkB expression in W3110 changed the composition of the phospholipid headgroup in the membrane, as well as the fatty acid composition of the membrane. The major changes occurred in the unsaturated fatty acids: C16:1 and C18:1 increased at the expense of C17:0cyc and C19:0cyc.

The electronic and magnetic properties of rubredoxin: a low-temperature magnetic circular dichroism study

Oxidized rubredoxin from Clostridium pasteurianum has been investigated by magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy over the temperature range 1.5 to 150 K and at magnetic fields between 0 and 4.5 tesla. The results show that studies of the temperature and field dependence of MCD transitions afford insight into the polarization of electronic transitions for ground states with large g-value anisotropy, in addition to estimates of ground-state g values and zero-field splitting parameters. In agreement with the assignment made by Eaton and Lovenberg (Eaton, W.A. and Lovenberg, W. (1973) in Iron-Sulfur Proteins, Vol. II (Lovenberg, W., ed.), pp. 131-162, Academic Press, New York), the ultraviolet-visible spectrum of oxidized rubredoxin is assigned to two S----Fe(III) charge transfer transitions (both 6A1----6T2 under tetrahedral symmetry), each spanning a range of 650-430 nm and 430-330 nm, respectively. The observed splitting in each of these transitions is attributed to a predominant axial distortion in the excited state resulting in effective D2d symmetry.

Crystallographic study of rubredoxin from the bacterium Desulfovibrio desulfuricans strain 27774

Rubredoxin from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans (strain 27774) has been isolated and crystallized. Preliminary amino acid and crystallographic analyses indicate that this rubredoxin is the smallest rubredoxin isolated so far. The amino acid analysis indicates that the molecule is composed of 45 to 48 residues and contains histidine, which is unusual for rubredoxins from anaerobic bacteria. The X-ray diffraction pattern from these crystals reveals they belong to space group P1 with cell parameters: a = 24.92 A, b = 17.79 A, c = 19.72 A, alpha = 101.0 degrees, beta = 83.4 degrees, gamma = 104.5 degrees. The unit cell volume of 8283 A3 indicates a molecule with molecular weight no greater than 5500 and is consistent with the smaller number of amino acids found in this rubredoxin. The solvent content of this rubredoxin crystal appears to be the lowest observed in crystalline proteins.

Isolation and characterization of two rubredoxins from Clostridium thermoaceticum

Two rubredoxins with similar molecular weights (about 6000) have been purified from Clostridium thermoaceticum, a thermophile and strict anaerobe. They exhibit minor differences in several properties like elution pattern from DEAE-cellulose column, isoelectric point, amino acid composition, absorption and EPR spectra and redox potential. Their chemical and physical properties are similar to those of other rubredoxins from anaerobic microorganisms.

Non-heme iron proteins. The amino acid sequence of rubredoxin from Desulfovibrio vulgaris

A non-heme iron protein, rubredoxin has been isolated from the sulfate-reducing bacterium, Desulfovibrio vulgaris, strain Hildenborough. The complete amino acid sequence has been established. The 52 amino acid residues of the protein were aligned with the aid of tryptic and chymotryptic peptides and of a fragment produced by cleavage of the Asn-Gly bond (22-23) by hydroxylamine. The sequence of the first 30 residues of the molecule was determined using an automatic sequenator, after removal of the N-terminal methionine by CNBr. In comparing this sequence with those of Micrococcus aerogenes, Clostridium pasteurianum and Peptostreptococcus elsdenii rubredoxins, a high degree of mutation was observed between these homologous proteins. It has been shown that 20 amino acid residues occurred in identical positions. The locations of the four cysteine residues were found to be invariable. A crystallographic study of the Desulfovibrio vulgaris rubredoxin is in progress.