Chapter 3 Studies of Complex I by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Mitochondrial Function, Part A: Mitochondrial Electron Transport Complexes and Reactive Oxygen Species. Elsevier; 2009. pp. 53-74. [DOI: 10.1016/s0076-6879(08)04403-0]

Lessons from combined experimental and theoretical examination of the FTIR and 2D-IR spectroelectrochemistry of the amide I region of cytochrome c

Amide I difference spectroscopy is widely used to investigate protein function and structure changes. In this article, we show that the common approach of assigning features in amide I difference signals to distinct secondary structure elements in many cases may not be justified. Evidence comes from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and 2D-IR spectroelectrochemistry of the protein cytochrome c in the amide I range, in combination with computational spectroscopy based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. This combination reveals that each secondary structure unit, such as an alpha-helix or a beta-sheet, exhibits broad overlapping contributions, usually spanning a large part of the amide I region, which in the case of difference absorption experiments (such as in FTIR spectroelectrochemistry) may lead to intensity-compensating and even sign-changing contributions. We use cytochrome c as the test case, as this small electron-transferring redox-active protein contains different kinds of secondary structure units. Upon switching its redox-state, the protein exhibits a different charge distribution while largely retaining its structural scaffold. Our theoretical analysis suggests that the change in charge distribution contributes to the spectral changes and that structural changes are small. However, in order to confidently interpret FTIR amide I difference signals in cytochrome c and proteins in general, MD simulations in combination with additional experimental approaches such as isotope labeling, the insertion of infrared labels to selectively probe local structural elements will be required. In case these data are not available, a critical assessment of previous interpretations of protein amide I 1D- and 2D-IR difference spectroscopy data is warranted.

Infrared Difference Spectroscopy of Proteins: From Bands to Bonds

Infrared difference spectroscopy probes vibrational changes of proteins upon their perturbation. Compared with other spectroscopic methods, it stands out by its sensitivity to the protonation state, H-bonding, and the conformation of different groups in proteins, including the peptide backbone, amino acid side chains, internal water molecules, or cofactors. In particular, the detection of protonation and H-bonding changes in a time-resolved manner, not easily obtained by other techniques, is one of the most successful applications of IR difference spectroscopy. The present review deals with the use of perturbations designed to specifically change the protein between two (or more) functionally relevant states, a strategy often referred to as reaction-induced IR difference spectroscopy. In the first half of this contribution, I review the technique of reaction-induced IR difference spectroscopy of proteins, with special emphasis given to the preparation of suitable samples and their characterization, strategies for the perturbation of proteins, and methodologies for time-resolved measurements (from nanoseconds to minutes). The second half of this contribution focuses on the spectral interpretation. It starts by reviewing how changes in H-bonding, medium polarity, and vibrational coupling affect vibrational frequencies, intensities, and bandwidths. It is followed by band assignments, a crucial aspect mostly performed with the help of isotopic labeling and site-directed mutagenesis, and complemented by integration and interpretation of the results in the context of the studied protein, an aspect increasingly supported by spectral calculations. Selected examples from the literature, predominately but not exclusively from retinal proteins, are used to illustrate the topics covered in this review.

Infrared spectroscopic studies on reaction induced conformational changes in the NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I)

Redox-dependent conformational changes are currently discussed to be a crucial part of the reaction mechanism of the respiratory complex I. Specialized difference Fourier transform infrared techniques allow the detection of side-chain movements and minute secondary structure changes. For complex I, (1)H/(2)H exchange kinetics of the amide modes revealed a better accessibility of the backbone in the presence of NADH and quinone. Interestingly, the presence of phospholipids, that is crucial for the catalytic activity of the isolated enzyme complex, changes the overall conformation. When comparing complex I samples from different species, very similar electrochemically induced FTIR difference spectra and very similar rearrangements are reported. Finally, the information obtained with variants and from Zn(2+) inhibited samples for the conformational reorganization of complex I upon electron transfer are discussed in this review. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Respiratory complex I, edited by Volker Zickermann and Ulrich Brandt.

Reconstitution of respiratory complex I on a biomimetic membrane supported on gold electrodes

For the first time, respiratory complex I has been reconstituted on an electrode preserving its structure and activity. Respiratory complex I is a membrane-bound enzyme that has an essential function in cellular energy production. It couples NADH:quinone oxidoreduction to translocation of ions across the cellular (in prokaryotes) or mitochondrial membranes. Therefore, complex I contributes to the establishment and maintenance of the transmembrane difference of electrochemical potential required for adenosine triphosphate synthesis, transport, and motility. Our new strategy has been applied for reconstituting the bacterial complex I from Rhodothermus marinus onto a biomimetic membrane supported on gold electrodes modified with a thiol self-assembled monolayer (SAM). Atomic force microscopy and faradaic impedance measurements give evidence of the biomimetic construction, whereas electrochemical measurements show its functionality. Both electron transfer and proton translocation by respiratory complex I were monitored, simulating in vivo conditions.

Equilibrium and kinetic behavior of Fe(CN)6(3-/4-) and cytochrome c in direct electrochemistry using a film electrode thin-layer transmission cell

We report on the design and performance of a thin-layer electrochemical cell optimized for use with optically transparent film electrodes in combination with UV/vis and IR transmission spectroscopic measurements. The cell allows for measurements under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The direct, unmediated electron transfer, as assessed by the current transient, and the corresponding optical response observed for the Fe(CN)(6)(3-/4-) couple were in good agreement with theoretical predictions for voltammetry and optical absorption by an analyte confined in a thin layer. Chronoamperometric and spectroscopic measurements of Fe(CN)(6)(3-/4-) on gold mesh electrode revealed fast kinetics strongly influenced by the electrolyte concentration. Maximal apparent rates exceeding 2 s(-1) in 1 M KCl were observed optically. The direct kinetic and thermodynamic behavior of cytochrome c was compared with several electrode materials using the cell. The results showed heme ligand-dependent changes in the protein-electrode interactions. Mid-UV/visible spectral changes upon redox transitions in native cytochrome c and its cyanide derivative, as well as dissociation of the ferrous cytochrome c-CN complex, are reported.