Heme oxygenase structure and mechanism. Advances in Inorganic Chemistry Volume 51. Elsevier; 2000. pp. 359-407. [DOI: 10.1016/s0898-8838(00)51007-1]

Function of ALA Content in Porphyrin Metabolism Regulation of Ananas comosus var. bracteatus

Chlorophyll and heme are essential molecules for photosynthesis and respiration, which are competing branches of the porphyrin metabolism pathway. Chlorophyll and heme balance regulation is very important for the growth and development of plants. The chimeric leaves of Ananas comosus var. bracteatus were composed of central photosynthetic tissue (PT) and marginal albino tissue (AT), which were ideal materials for the study of porphyrin metabolism mechanisms. In this study, the regulatory function of ALA content on porphyrin metabolism (chlorophyll and heme balance) was revealed by comparing PT and AT, 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) exogenous supply, and interference of hemA expression. The AT remained similar in porphyrin metabolism flow level to the PT by keeping an equal ALA content in both tissues, which was very important for the normal growth of the chimeric leaves. As the chlorophyll biosynthesis in AT was significantly inhibited, the porphyrin metabolism flow was directed more toward the heme branch. Both tissues had similar Mg2+ contents; however, Fe2+ content was significantly increased in the AT. The chlorophyll biosynthesis inhibition in the white tissue was not due to a lack of Mg2+ and ALA. A 1.5-fold increase in ALA content inhibited chlorophyll biosynthesis while promoting heme biosynthesis and hemA expression. The doubling of ALA content boosted chlorophyll biosynthesis while decreasing hemA expression and heme content. HemA expression interference resulted in a higher ALA content and a lower chlorophyll content, while the heme content remained at a relatively low and stable level. Conclusively, a certain amount of ALA was important for the stability of porphyrin metabolism and the normal growth of plants. The ALA content appears to be able to regulate chlorophyll and heme content by bidirectionally regulating porphyrin metabolism branch direction.

Heme oxygenase-nitric oxide crosstalk-mediated iron homeostasis in plants under oxidative stress

Plant growth under abiotic stress conditions significantly enhances intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative status of plant cells is directly affected by the modulation of iron homeostasis. Among mammals and plants, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a well-known antioxidant enzyme. It catalyzes oxygenation of heme, thereby producing Fe²⁺, CO and biliverdin as byproducts. The antioxidant potential of HO-1 is primarily due to its catalytic reaction byproducts. Biliverdin and bilirubin possess conjugated π-electrons which escalate the ability of these biomolecules to scavenge free radicals. CO also enhances the ROS scavenging ability of plants cells by upregulating catalase and peroxidase activity. Enhanced expression of HO-1 in plants under oxidative stress accompanies sequestration of iron in specialized iron storage proteins localized in plastids and mitochondria, namely ferritin for Fe³⁺ storage and frataxin for storage of Fe-S clusters, respectively. Nitric oxide (NO) crosstalks with HO-1 at multiple levels, more so in plants under oxidative stress, in order to maintain intracellular iron status. Formation of dinitrosyl-iron complexes (DNICs) significantly prevents Fenton reaction during oxidative stress. DNICs also release NO upon dissociation in target cells over long distance in plants. They also function as antioxidants against superoxide anions and lipidic free radicals. A number of NO-modulated transcription factors also facilitate iron homeostasis in plant cells. Plants facing oxidative stress exhibit modulation of lateral root formation by HO-1 through NO and auxin-dependent pathways. The present review provides an in-depth analysis of the structure-function relationship of HO-1 in plants and mammals, correlating them with their adaptive mechanisms of survival under stress.

Conformational Equilibrium of NADPH-Cytochrome P450 Oxidoreductase Is Essential for Heme Oxygenase Reaction

Heme oxygenase (HO) catalyzes heme degradation using electrons supplied by NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CPR). Electrons from NADPH flow first to FAD, then to FMN, and finally to the heme in the redox partner. Previous biophysical analyses suggest the presence of a dynamic equilibrium between the open and the closed forms of CPR. We previously demonstrated that the open-form stabilized CPR (ΔTGEE) is tightly bound to heme-HO-1, whereas the reduction in heme-HO-1 coupled with ΔTGEE is considerably slow because the distance between FAD and FMN in ΔTGEE is inappropriate for electron transfer from FAD to FMN. Here, we characterized the enzymatic activity and the reduction kinetics of HO-1 using the closed-form stabilized CPR (147CC514). Additionally, we analyzed the interaction between 147CC514 and heme-HO-1 by analytical ultracentrifugation. The results indicate that the interaction between 147CC514 and heme-HO-1 is considerably weak, and the enzymatic activity of 147CC514 is markedly weaker than that of CPR. Further, using cryo-electron microscopy, we confirmed that the crystal structure of ΔTGEE in complex with heme-HO-1 is similar to the relatively low-resolution structure of CPR complexed with heme-HO-1 in solution. We conclude that the "open-close" transition of CPR is indispensable for electron transfer from CPR to heme-HO-1.

Identification of two recessive etiolation genes (py1, py2) in pakchoi (Brassica rapa L. ssp. chinensis)

BACKGROUND

Leaf color is a major agronomic trait, which has a strong influence on crop yields. Isolating leaf color mutants can represent valuable materials for research in chlorophyll (Chl) biosynthesis and metabolism regulation.

RESULTS

In this study, we identified a stably inherited yellow leaf mutant derived from 'Huaguan' pakchoi variety via isolated microspore culture and designated as pylm. This mutant displayed yellow leaves after germination. Its etiolated phenotype was nonlethal and stable during the whole growth period. Its growth was weak and its hypocotyls were markedly elongated. Genetic analysis revealed that two recessive nuclear genes, named py1 and py2, are responsible for the etiolation phenotype. Bulked segregant RNA sequencing (BSR-Seq) showed that py1 and py2 were mapped on chromosomes A09 and A07, respectively. The genes were single Mendelian factors in F_3:4 populations based on a 3:1 phenotypic segregation ratio. The py1 was localized to a 258.3-kb interval on a 34-gene genome. The differentially expressed gene BraA09004189 was detected in the py1 mapping region and regulated heme catabolism. One single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of BraA09004189 occurred in pylm. A candidate gene-specific SNP marker in 1520 F_3:4 yellow-colored individuals co-segregated with py1. For py2, 1860 recessive homozygous F_3:4 individuals were investigated and localized py2 to a 4.4-kb interval. Of the five genes in this region, BraA07001774 was predicted as a candidate for py2. It encoded an embryo defective 1187 and a phosphotransferase related to chlorophyll deficiency and hypocotyl elongation. One SNP of BraA07001774 occurred in pylm. It caused a single amino acid mutation from Asp to Asn. According to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), BraA07001774 was downregulated in pylm.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified a Chl deficiency mutant pylm in pakchoi. Two recessive nuclear genes named py1 and py2 had a significant effect on etiolation. Candidate genes regulating etiolation were identified as BraA09004189 and BraA07001774, respectively. These findings will elucidate chlorophyll metabolism and the molecular mechanisms of the gene interactions controlling pakchoi etiolation.

Synthesis of Hydroxyisooxophlorins by Oxidative Degradation of meso-Hydroxyporphyrins

Hydroxyisooxophlorin is an oxidatively degraded porphyrin that contains one carbonyl carbon, one hydroxymethylene group, and two sp²-methine groups at its meso positions. Here we report that oxidation of a free-base meso-hydroxyporphyrin with [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene in the presence of H₂O afforded two regioisomers of hydroxyisooxophlorins, 10-hydroxy-10-iso-5-oxophlorin and 15-hydroxy-15-iso-5-oxophlorin, as major and minor products, respectively. We also examined the reaction mechanism, acid-mediated isomerization, metal complexation behavior, and physical properties of these molecules.

Crystal structure of a NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CYPOR) and heme oxygenase 1 fusion protein implies a conformational change in CYPOR upon NADPH/NADP+ binding

Heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) catalyzes heme degradation utilizing reducing equivalents supplied from NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CYPOR). Recently, we determined the complex structure of NADP⁺ -bound open-conformation stabilized CYPOR and heme-HMOX1, but the resolution was limited to 4.3 Å. Here, we determined the crystal structure of the fusion protein of open-conformation stabilized CYPOR and heme-HMOX1 at 3.25 Å resolution. Unexpectedly, no NADP⁺ was bound to this fusion protein in the crystal. Structural comparison of the NADP⁺ -bound complex and the NADP⁺ -free fusion protein suggests that NADP⁺ binding regulates the conformational change in the FAD-binding domain of CYPOR. As a result of this change, the FMN-binding domain of CYPOR approaches heme-bound HMOX1 upon NADP⁺ binding to enhance the electron-transfer efficiency from FMN to heme.

Density functional theory studies on the conversion of hydroxyheme to iron-verdoheme in the presence of dioxygen

Detailed insight into the second step of heme degradation by heme oxygenase, oxophlorin to verdoheme and biliverdin, is presented. Density functional theory methods are reported for the conversion of oxophlorin to verdoheme. Since it is currently unclear whether dioxygen binding to iron oxophlorin is followed by a reduction or not, in this work we have focused on the difference in reactivity between [(Im)(O₂˙)Fe^III(PO˙)] (PO˙ is the oxophlorin dianion radical) and [(Im)(O₂˙)Fe^III(PO)]^- (PO is the oxophlorin trianion). Thus, we have shown that in [(Im)(O₂˙)Fe^III(PO˙)] and [(Im)(O₂˙)Fe^III(PO)]^-, the mechanisms are stepwise with an initial C-O bond activation to form a ring-structure where the oxophlorin is distorted from planarity. This is followed by homolytic dioxygen bond breaking that directly leads to iron-oxo verdoheme products. The [(Im)(O₂˙)Fe^III(PO˙)] mechanism proceeds via two-state-reactivity patterns on the adjacent doublet and quartet spin state surfaces, whereas the [(Im)(O₂˙)Fe^III(PO)]^- route shows single-state-reactivity on a triplet spin state surface. In both, the rate determining step is the C-O bond activation, with substantially lower barriers on the [(Im)(O₂˙)Fe^III(PO˙)] surface of 12.15 kcal mol^-1 in the gas phase compared to 22.55 kcal mol^-1 for the intermediate-spin of [(Im)(O₂˙)Fe^III(PO)]^-. The complete active space self-consistent-field wave functions with second-order multi-reference perturbation theory were also studied. Finally, the effects of the solvent and the medium on the reaction barriers were tested and shown to be considerable.

A novel mechanism of heme degradation to biliverdin studied by QM/MM and QM calculations

Heme degradation by heme oxygenase enzymes is important for maintaining iron homeostasis and prevention of oxidative stress.

Function Coupling Mechanism of PhuS and HemO in Heme Degradation

Most bacteria possess only one heme-degrading enzyme for obtaining iron, however few bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa express two, namely PhuS and HemO. While HemO is a well-known heme oxygenase, previously we discovered that PhuS also possesses heme degradation activity and generates verdoheme, an intermediate of heme breakdown. To understand the coexistence of these two enzymes, using the DFT calculation we reveal that PhuS effectively enhances heme degradation through its participation in heme hydroxylation, the rate limiting reaction. Heme is converted to verdoheme in this reaction and the energy barrier for PhuS is substantially lower than for HemO. Thus, HemO is mainly involved in the ring opening reaction which converts verdoheme to biliverdin and free iron. Our kinetics experiments show that, in the presence of both PhuS and HemO, complete degradation of heme to biliverdin is enhanced. We further show that PhuS is more active than HemO using heme as a substrate and generates more CO. Combined experimental and theoretical results directly identify function coupling of this two-enzyme system, resulting in more efficient heme breakdown and utilization.

Time-resolved Studies of IsdG Protein Identify Molecular Signposts along the Non-canonical Heme Oxygenase Pathway

IsdGs are heme monooxygenases that break open the tetrapyrrole, releasing the iron, and thereby allowing bacteria expressing this protein to use heme as a nutritional iron source. Little is currently known about the mechanism by which IsdGs degrade heme, although the products differ from those generated by canonical heme oxygenases. A synthesis of time-resolved techniques, including in proteo mass spectrometry and conventional and stopped-flow UV/visible spectroscopy, was used in conjunction with analytical methods to define the reaction steps mediated by IsdG from Staphylococcus aureus and their time scales. An apparent meso-hydroxyheme (forming with k = 0.6 min(-1), pH 7.4, 10 mm ascorbate, 10 μm IsdG-heme, 22 °C) was identified as a likely common intermediate with the canonical heme oxygenases. Unlike heme oxygenases, this intermediate does not form with added H2O2 nor does it convert to verdoheme and CO. Rather, the next observable intermediates (k = 0.16 min(-1)) were a set of formyloxobilin isomers, similar to the mycobilin products of the IsdG homolog from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MhuD). These converted in separate fast and slow phases to β-/δ-staphylobilin isomers and formaldehyde (CH2O). Controlled release of this unusual C1 product may support IsdG's dual role as both an oxygenase and a sensor of heme availability in S. aureus.

Young Leaf Chlorosis 2 encodes the stroma-localized heme oxygenase 2 which is required for normal tetrapyrrole biosynthesis in rice

Rice heme oxygenase 2 (OsHO2) mutants are chlorophyll deficient with distinct tetrapyrrole metabolite and transcript profiles, suggesting a potential regulatory role of the stromal-localized OsHO2 in tetrapyrrole biosynthesis. In plants, heme oxygenases (HOs) are classified into the subfamilies HO1 and HO2. HO1 are highly conserved plastid enzymes required for synthesizing the chromophore in phytochromes which mediate a number of light-regulated responses. However, the physiological and biochemical functions of HO2, which are distantly related to HO1, are not well understood, especially in crop plants. From a population of (60)Coγ-irradiated rice mutants, we identified the ylc2 (young leaf chlorosis 2) mutant which displays a chlorosis phenotype in seedlings with substantially reduced chlorophyll content. Normal leaf pigmentation is gradually restored in older plants while newly emerged leaves remain yellow. Transmission electron microscopy further revealed defective chloroplast structures in the ylc2 seedlings. Map-based cloning located the OsYLC2 gene on chromosome 3 and it encodes the OsHO2 protein. The gene identification was confirmed by complementation and T-DNA mutant analyses. Subcellular localization and chloroplast fractionation experiments indicated that OsHO2 resides in the stroma. However, recombinant enzyme assay demonstrated that OsHO2 is not a functional HO enzyme. Analysis of tetrapyrrole metabolites revealed the reduced levels of most chlorophyll and phytochromobilin precursors in the ylc2 mutant. On the other hand, elevated accumulation of 5-aminolevulinic acid and Mg-protoporphyrin IX was observed. These unique metabolite changes are accompanied by consistent changes in the expression levels of the corresponding tetrapyrrole biosynthesis genes. Taken together, our work suggests that OsHO2 has a potential regulatory role for tetrapyrrole biosynthesis in rice.

Heme utilization by pathogenic bacteria: not all pathways lead to biliverdin

The eukaryotic heme oxygenases (HOs) (E.C. 1.14.99.3) convert heme to biliverdin, iron, and carbon monoxide (CO) in three successive oxygenation steps. Pathogenic bacteria require iron for survival and infection. Extracellular heme uptake from the host plays a critical role in iron acquisition and virulence. In the past decade, several HOs required for the release of iron from extracellular heme have been identified in pathogenic bacteria, including Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Neisseriae meningitides, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bacterial enzymes were shown to be structurally and mechanistically similar to those of the canonical eukaryotic HO enzymes. However, the recent discovery of the structurally and mechanistically distinct noncanonical heme oxygenases of Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis has expanded the reaction manifold of heme degradation. The distinct ferredoxin-like structural fold and extreme heme ruffling are proposed to give rise to the alternate heme degradation products in the S. aureus and M. tuberculosis enzymes. In addition, several “heme-degrading factors” with no structural homology to either class of HOs have recently been reported. The identification of these “heme-degrading proteins” has largely been determined on the basis of in vitro heme degradation assays. Many of these proteins were reported to produce biliverdin, although no extensive characterization of the products was performed. Prior to the characterization of the canonical HO enzymes, the nonenzymatic degradation of heme and heme proteins in the presence of a reductant such as ascorbate or hydrazine, a reaction termed “coupled oxidation”, served as a model for biological heme degradation. However, it was recognized that there were important mechanistic differences between the so-called coupled oxidation of heme proteins and enzymatic heme oxygenation. In the coupled oxidation reaction, the final product, verdoheme, can readily be converted to biliverdin under hydrolytic conditions. The differences between heme oxygenation by the canonical and noncanonical HOs and coupled oxidation will be discussed in the context of the stabilization of the reactive Fe^III–OOH intermediate and regioselective heme hydroxylation. Thus, in the determination of heme oxygenase activity in vitro, it is important to ensure that the reaction proceeds through successive oxygenation steps. We further suggest that when bacterial heme degradation is being characterized, a systems biology approach combining genetics, mechanistic enzymology, and metabolite profiling should be undertaken.

Electron paramagnetic resonance and electron-nuclear double resonance studies of the reactions of cryogenerated hydroperoxoferric-hemoprotein intermediates

The fleeting ferric peroxo and hydroperoxo intermediates of dioxygen activation by hemoproteins can be readily trapped and characterized during cryoradiolytic reduction of ferrous hemoprotein–O₂ complexes at 77 K. Previous cryoannealing studies suggested that the relaxation of cryogenerated hydroperoxoferric intermediates of myoglobin (Mb), hemoglobin, and horseradish peroxidase (HRP), either trapped directly at 77 K or generated by cryoannealing of a trapped peroxo-ferric state, proceeds through dissociation of bound H₂O₂ and formation of the ferric heme without formation of the ferryl porphyrin π-cation radical intermediate, compound I (Cpd I). Herein we have reinvestigated the mechanism of decays of the cryogenerated hydroperoxyferric intermediates of α- and β-chains of human hemoglobin, HRP, and chloroperoxidase (CPO). The latter two proteins are well-known to form spectroscopically detectable quasistable Cpds I. Peroxoferric intermediates are trapped during 77 K cryoreduction of oxy Mb, α-chains, and β-chains of human hemoglobin and CPO. They convert into hydroperoxoferric intermediates during annealing at temperatures above 160 K. The hydroperoxoferric intermediate of HRP is trapped directly at 77 K. All studied hydroperoxoferric intermediates decay with measurable rates at temperatures above 170 K with appreciable solvent kinetic isotope effects. The hydroperoxoferric intermediate of β-chains converts to the S = 3/2 Cpd I, which in turn decays to an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-silent product at temperature above 220 K. For all the other hemoproteins studied, cryoannealing of the hydroperoxo intermediate directly yields an EPR-silent majority product. In each case, a second follow-up 77 K γ-irradiation of the annealed samples yields low-spin EPR signals characteristic of cryoreduced ferrylheme (compound II, Cpd II). This indicates that in general the hydroperoxoferric intermediates relax to Cpd I during cryoanealing at low temperatures, but when this state is not captured by reaction with a bound substrate, it is reduced to Cpd II by redox-active products of radiolysis.

A knockdown mutation of YELLOW-GREEN LEAF2 blocks chlorophyll biosynthesis in rice

An insert mutation of YELLOW-GREEN LEAF2 , encoding Heme Oxygenase 1 , results in significant reduction of its transcript levels, and therefore impairs chlorophyll biosynthesis in rice. Heme oxygenase (HO) in higher plants catalyzes the degradation of heme to synthesize phytochrome precursor and its roles conferring the photoperiodic control of flowering in rice have been revealed. However, its involvement in regulating rice chlorophyll (Chl) synthesis is not fully explored. In this study, we isolated a rice mutant named yellow-green leaf 2 (ygl2) from a (60)Co-irradiated population. Normal grown ygl2 seedlings showed yellow-green leaves with reduced contents of Chl and tetrapyrrole intermediates whereas an increase of Chl a/b ratio. Ultrastructural analyses demonstrated grana were poorly stacked in ygl2 mutant, resulting in underdevelopment of chloroplasts. The ygl2 locus was mapped to chromosome 6 and isolated via map-based cloning. Sequence analysis indicated that it encodes the rice HO1 and its identity was verified by transgenic complementation test and RNA interference. A 7-Kb insertion was found in the first exon of YGL2/HO1, resulting in significant reduction of YGL2 expressions in the ygl2 mutant. YGL2 was constitutively expressed in a variety of rice tissues with the highest levels in leaves and regulated by temperature. In addition, we found expression levels of some genes associated with Chl biosynthesis and photosynthesis were concurrently altered in ygl2 mutant. These results provide direct evidence that YGL2 has a vital function in rice Chl biosynthesis.

Heme oxygenation and the widening paradigm of heme degradation

Heme degradation through the action of heme oxygenase (HO) is unusual in that it utilizes heme as both a substrate and cofactor for its own degradation. HO catalyzes the oxygen-dependent degradation of heme to biliverdin with the release of CO and "free" iron. The characterization of HO enzymes from humans to bacteria reveals a similar overall structural fold that contributes to the unique reaction manifold. The heme oxygenases share a similar heme-dependent activation of O2 to the ferric hydroperoxide as that of the cytochrome P450s and peroxidases. However, whereas the P450s promote cleavage of the ferric hydroperoxide OO bond to the oxoferryl species the HOs stabilize the ferric hydroperoxide promoting hydroxylation at the heme edge. The alternate reaction pathway in HO is achieved through the conformational flexibility and extensive hydrogen bond network within the heme binding site priming the heme for hydroxylation. Until recently it was believed that all heme degrading enzymes converted heme to biliverdin and iron, with the release of carbon monoxide (CO). However, the recent discovery of the bacterial IsdG-like heme degrading proteins of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis has expanded the reaction manifold of heme oxidation. Characterization of the heme degradation products in the IsdG-like reaction suggests a mechanism distinct from the classical HOs. In the following review we will discuss the structure-function of the canonical HOs as it relates to the emerging alternate reaction manifold of the IsdG-like proteins.

Automated selection of compounds with physicochemical properties to maximize bioavailability and druglikeness

Adequate bioavailability is one of the essential properties for an orally administered drug. Lipinski and others have formulated simplified rules in which compounds that satisfy selected physiochemical properties, for example, molecular weight (MW) ≤ 500 or the logarithm of the octanol-water partition coefficient, log P(o/w) < 5, are anticipated to likely have pharmacokinetic properties appropriate for oral administration. However, these schemes do not simultaneously consider the combination of the physiochemical properties, complicating their application in a more automated fashion. To overcome this, we present a novel method to select compounds with a combination of physicochemical properties that maximize bioavailability and druglikeness based on compounds in the World Drug Index database. In the study four properties, MW, log P(o/w), number of hydrogen bond donors, and number of hydrogen acceptors, were combined into a 4-dimensional (4D) histogram, from which a scoring function was defined on the basis of a 4D dependent multivariate Gaussian model. The resulting equation allows for assigning compounds a bioavailability score, termed 4D-BA, such that chemicals with higher 4D-BA scores are more likely to have oral druglike characteristics. The descriptor is validated by applying the function to drugs previously categorized in the Biopharmaceutics Classification System, and examples of application of the descriptor are given in the context of previously published studies targeting heme oxygenase and SHP2 phosphatase. The approach is anticipated to be useful in early lead identification studies in combination with clustering methods to maximize chemical and structural diversity when selecting compounds for biological assays from large database screens. It may also be applied to prioritize synthetically feasible chemical modifications during lead compound optimization.

The role of 5-aminolevulinic acid in the response to cold stress in soybean plants

In this study, the possibility of enhancing cold stress tolerance of soybean plants (Glycine max L.) by exogenous application of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) was investigated. ALA was added to the Hoagland solution at various concentrations ranging from 0 to 40 μM for 12 h. After ALA treatment, the plants were subjected to cold stress at 4°C for 48 h. ALA at low concentrations (5-10 μM) provided significant protection against cold stress compared to non-ALA-treated plants, enhancing chlorophyll content (Chl) as well as relative water content (RWC). Increase of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) levels was also prevented, whereas exposure to higher ALA concentrations (15-40 μM) brought about a dose dependent increase of these species, reaching a maximum of 117% in plants pre-treated with 40 μM ALA compared to controls. ALA pre-treatment also enhanced catalase (CAT) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) activities. These findings indicate that HO-1 acts not only as the rate limiting enzyme in heme catabolism, but also as an antioxidant enzyme. The highest cold tolerance was obtained with 5 μM ALA pre-treatment. Results show that ALA, which is considered as an endogenous plant growth regulator, could be used effectively to protect soybean plants from the damaging effects of cold stress by enhancing the activity of heme proteins, e.g., catalase (CAT) and by promoting heme catabolism leading to the production of the highly antioxidant biliverdin and carbon monoxide, without any adverse effect on the plant growth.

Heme and blood-feeding parasites: friends or foes?

Hemoparasites, like malaria and schistosomes, are constantly faced with the challenges of storing and detoxifying large quantities of heme, released from their catabolism of host erythrocytes. Heme is an essential prosthetic group that forms the reactive core of numerous hemoproteins with diverse biological functions. However, due to its reactive nature, it is also a potentially toxic molecule. Thus, the acquisition and detoxification of heme is likely to be paramount for the survival and establishment of parasitism. Understanding the underlying mechanism involved in this interaction could possibly provide potential novel targets for drug and vaccine development, and disease treatment. However, there remains a wide gap in our understanding of these mechanisms. This review summarizes the biological importance of heme for hemoparasite, and the adaptations utilized in its sequestration and detoxification.

Evidence for heme oxygenase activity in a heme peroxidase

The heme peroxidase and heme oxygenase enzymes share a common heme prosthetic group but catalyze fundamentally different reactions, the first being H(2)O(2)-dependent oxidation of substrate using an oxidized Compound I intermediate, and the second O(2)-dependent degradation of heme. It has been proposed that these enzymes utilize a common reaction intermediate, a ferric hydroperoxide species, that sits at a crossroads in the mechanism and beyond which there are two mutually exclusive mechanistic pathways. Here, we present evidence to support this proposal in a heme peroxidase. Hence, we describe kinetic data for a variant of ascorbate peroxidase (W41A) which reacts slowly with tert-butyl hydroperoxide and does not form the usual peroxidase Compound I intermediate; instead, structural data show that a product is formed in which the heme has been cleaved at the alpha-meso position, analogous to the heme oxygenase mechanism. We interpret this to mean that the Compound I (peroxidase) pathway is shut down, so that instead the reaction intermediate diverts through the alternative (heme oxygenase) route. A mechanism for formation of the product is proposed and discussed in the light of what is known about the heme oxygenase reaction mechanism.

Carbon monoxide-induced stomatal closure involves generation of hydrogen peroxide in Vicia faba guard cells

Here the regulatory role of CO during stomatal movement in Vicia faba L. was surveyed. Results indicated that, like hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), CO donor Hematin induced stomatal closure in dose- and time-dependent manners. These responses were also proven by the addition of gaseous CO aqueous solution with different concentrations, showing the first time that CO and H(2)O(2) exhibit the similar regulation role in the stomatal movement. Moreover, our data showed that ascorbic acid (ASA, an important reducing substrate for H(2)O(2) removal) and diphenylene iodonium (DPI, an inhibitor of the H(2)O(2)-generating enzyme NADPH oxidase) not only reversed stomatal closure by CO, but also suppressed the H(2)O(2) fluorescence induced by CO, implying that CO induced-stomatal closure probably involves H(2)O(2) signal. Additionally, the CO/NO scavenger hemoglobin (Hb) and CO specific synthetic inhibitor ZnPPIX, ASA and DPI reversed the darkness-induced stomatal closure and H(2)O(2) fluorescence. These results show that, perhaps like H(2)O(2), the levels of CO in guard cells of V. faba are higher in the dark than in light, HO-1 and NADPH oxidase are the enzyme systems responsible for generating endogenous CO and H(2)O(2) in darkness respectively, and that CO is involved in darkness-induced H(2)O(2) synthesis in V. faba guard cells.

Heme oxygenase and catalase gene expression in nodules and roots of soybean plants subjected to cadmium stress

Heme oxygenase (HO, EC 1.14.99.3) catalyses the oxidative conversion of heme to biliverdin IX alpha (BV) with the concomitant released of carbon monoxide and iron. Recently, plant HOs have been involved in the defence mechanism against oxidative stress. The goal of this study was to evaluate the time-course of HO-1 and catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6) gene expressions in nodules and roots of soybean plants subjected to Cd treatment. No significant changes were observed up to 24 h. After 48 h of 200 microM Cd exposure, an up-regulation of HO-1 mRNA (110%) occurred in nodules. On the other hand, a down-regulation was found in roots (39%). While there was an augmentation in CAT transcript levels (30%) in nodules, an important diminution (52%) was evidenced in roots. Changes observed in gene expression were also found in protein levels and activities. These data suggest that an induction of CAT and HO-1 occurred in nodules as a response of cell protection against oxidative damage. However, after 72 h treatment, a down-regulation of HO-1 mRNA was found either in nodules or in roots (78% and 94%, respectively), while a similar response was evidenced for CAT (40% and 83%, respectively). These results are consistent with our previous findings suggesting that oxidative stress produced by Cd were more pronounced in roots than in nodules of soybean plants. Moreover, this behaviour could explain the major viability observed in nodules respect to roots, and provide a new insight into the processes involved in the antioxidant defence system in plant tissues.

Carbon monoxide-induced stomatal closure in Vicia faba is dependent on nitric oxide synthesis

Recently, in animals, carbon monoxide (CO), like nitric oxide (NO), was implicated as another important physiological messenger or bioactive molecule. Previous researches indicate that heme oxygenase (HO)-1 (EC 1.14.99.3) catalyzes the oxidative conversion of heme to CO and biliverdin IXa (BV) with the concomitant release of iron. However, little is known about the physiological roles of CO in plant, especially in stomatal movement of guard cells. In the present paper, the regulatory role of CO during stomatal movement in Vicia faba was surveyed. Results indicated that, like sodium nitroprusside (SNP), CO donor hematin induced stomatal closure in dose- and time-dependent manners. These responses were also proved by the addition of gaseous CO aqueous solution with different concentrations, showing for the first time that CO and NO exhibit similar regulation role in the stomatal movement. Moreover, our data showed that 2,4-carboxyphenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO)/N(G)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME) not only reversed stomatal closure by CO, but also suppressed the NO fluorescence induced by CO, implying that CO-induced stomatal closure probably involves NO/nitric oxide synthase (NOS) signal system. Additionally, the CO/NO scavenger hemoglobin (Hb) and CO-specific synthetic inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPPIX), NO scavenger cPTIO and NOS inhibitor L-NAME reversed the darkness-induced stomatal closure and NO fluorescence. These results show that, maybe like NO, the levels of CO in guard cells of V. faba is higher in dark than that in light, HO-1 and NOS are the enzyme systems responsible for generating endogenous CO and NO in darkness, respectively, and that CO being from HO-1 mediates darkness-induced NO synthesis in guard cells' stomatal closure of V. faba.

Catalytic turnover dependent modification of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa heme oxygenase (pa-HO) by 5,6-O-isopropyledine-2-O-allyl-ascorbic acid

Heme oxygenase (HO) catalyzes the NADPH dependent conversion of heme to biliverdin with the release of iron and CO via three successive oxygenation steps. The oxidation of heme in the presence of alternate reductants, such as ascorbic acid, has been used extensively to characterize the mechanism of oxygen activation in HO without altering the chemistry of the reaction. NADPH-dependent cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) and ascorbic acid mediated reactions are mechanistically very similar, in that both use molecular oxygen to initiate the reaction. In the present manuscript, we report on an ascorbic acid derivative, 5,6-O-isopropyledine-2-O-allyl-ascorbic acid, that during catalysis partitions the reaction between the conversion of heme to biliverdin, and an alternate pathway that traps the verdoheme intermediate as a result of protein modification. We propose that following activation of 5,6-O-isopropyledine-2-O-allyl-ascorbic acid to the cation radical, protein modification results via alkylation of an active site nucleophile (Asp or Glu), trapping the Fe(III)-verdoheme intermediate. The potential site of the modification and the relevance to the mechanism of Fe(III)-verdoheme conversion to biliverdin is discussed.

Structural and thermodynamic consequences of b heme binding for monomeric apoglobins and other apoproteins

The binding of a cofactor to a protein matrix often involves a reorganization of the polypeptide structure. b Hemoproteins provide multiple examples of this behavior. In this minireview, selected monomeric and single b heme proteins endowed with distinct topological properties are inspected for the extent of induced refolding upon heme binding. To complement the data reported in the literature, original results are presented on a two-on-two globin of cyanobacterial origin (Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 GlbN) and on the heme-containing module of FixL, an oxygen-sensing protein with the mixed alpha/beta topology of PAS domains. GlbN had a stable apoprotein that was further stabilized and locally refolded by heme binding; in contrast, apoFixLH presented features of a molten globule. Sequence analyses (helicity, disorder, and polarity) and solvent accessibility calculations were performed to identify trends in the architecture of b hemoproteins. In several cases, the primary structure appeared biased toward a partially disordered binding pocket in the absence of the cofactor.

Motexafin gadolinium-induced cell death correlates with heme oxygenase-1 expression and inhibition of P450 reductase-dependent activities

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO1), which oxidizes heme to biliverdin, CO, and free iron, conveys protection against oxidative stress and is antiapoptotic. Under stress conditions, some porphyrin derivatives can inhibit HO1 and trigger cell death. Motexafin gadolinium (MGd) is an expanded porphyrin that selectively targets cancer cells through a process of futile redox cycling that decreases intracellular reducing metabolites and protein thiols. Here, we report that hematopoietic-derived cell lines that constitutively express HO1 are more susceptible to MGd-induced apoptosis than those that do not. MGd used in combination with tin protoporphyrin IX, an inhibitor of HO1, resulted in synergistic cell killing. Consistent with these cell culture observations, we found that MGd is an inhibitor of heme oxygenase-1 activity in vitro. We demonstrate that inhibition of HO1 reflects an interaction of MGd with NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, the electron donor for HO1, that results in diversion of reducing equivalents from heme oxidation to oxygen reduction. In accord with this mechanism, MGd is also an in vitro inhibitor of CYP2C9, CYP3A4, and CYP4A1. Inhibition of HO1 by MGd may contribute to its anticancer activity, whereas its in vitro inhibition of a broad spectrum of P450 enzymes indicates that a potential exists for drug-drug interactions.

A heme-degradation pathway in a blood-sucking insect

Hematophagous insects are vectors of diseases that affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. A common physiological event in the life of these insects is the hydrolysis of host hemoglobin in the digestive tract, leading to a massive release of heme, a known prooxidant molecule. Diverse organisms, from bacteria to plants, express the enzyme heme oxygenase, which catalyzes the oxidative degradation of heme to biliverdin (BV) IX, CO, and iron. Here, we show that the kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of Chagas' disease, has a unique heme-degradation pathway wherein heme is first modified by addition of two cysteinylglycine residues before cleavage of the porphyrin ring, followed by trimming of the dipeptides. Furthermore, in contrast to most known heme oxygenases, which generate BV IXalpha, in this insect, the end product of heme detoxification is a dicysteinyl-BV IXgamma. Based on these results, we propose a heme metabolizing pathway that includes the identified intermediates produced during modification and cleavage of the heme porphyrin ring.

The Cytoplasmic Heme-binding Protein (PhuS) from the Heme Uptake System of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Is an Intracellular Heme-trafficking Protein to the δ-Regioselective Heme Oxygenase

The uptake and utilization of heme as an iron source is a receptor-mediated process in bacterial pathogens and involves a number of proteins required for internalization and degradation of heme. In the following report we provide the first in-depth spectroscopic and functional characterization of a cytoplasmic heme-binding protein PhuS from the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Spectroscopic characterization of the heme-PhuS complex at neutral pH indicates that the heme is predominantly six-coordinate low spin. However, the resonance Raman spectra and global fit analysis of the UV-visible spectra show that at all pH values between 6 and 10 three distinct species are present to varying degrees. The distribution of the heme across multiple spin states and coordination number highlights the flexibility of the heme environment. We provide further evidence that the cytoplasmic heme-binding proteins, contrary to previous reports, are not heme oxygenases. The degradation of the heme-PhuS complex in the presence of a reducing agent is a result of H2O2 formed by direct reduction of molecular oxygen and does not yield biliverdin. In contrast, the heme-PhuS complex is an intracellular heme trafficking protein that specifically transfers heme to the previously characterized iron-regulated heme oxygenase pa-HO. Surface plasmon resonance experiments confirm that the transfer of heme is driven by a specific protein-protein interaction. This data taken together with the spectroscopic characterization is consistent with a protein that functions to shuttle heme within the cell.

Multiple heme oxygenase family members contribute to the biosynthesis of the phytochrome chromophore in Arabidopsis

The oxidative cleavage of heme by heme oxygenases (HOs) to form biliverdin IXalpha (BV) is the committed step in the biosynthesis of the phytochrome (phy) chromophore and thus essential for proper photomorphogenesis in plants. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) contains four possible HO genes (HY1, HO2-4). Genetic analysis of the HY1 locus showed previously that it is the major source of BV with hy1 mutant plants displaying long hypocotyls and decreased chlorophyll accumulation consistent with a substantial deficiency in photochemically active phys. More recent analysis of HO2 suggested that it also plays a role in phy assembly and photomorphogenesis but the ho2 mutant phenotype is more subtle than that of hy1 mutants. Here, we define the functions of HO3 and HO4 in Arabidopsis. Like HY1, the HO3 and HO4 proteins have the capacity to synthesize BV from heme. Through a phenotypic analysis of T-DNA insertion mutants affecting HO3 and HO4 in combination with mutants affecting HY1 or HO2, we demonstrate that both of the encoded proteins also have roles in photomorphogenesis, especially in the absence of HY1. Disruption of HO3 and HO4 in the hy1 background further desensitizes seedlings to red and far-red light and accelerates flowering time, with the triple mutant strongly resembling seedlings deficient in the synthesis of multiple phy apoproteins. The hy1/ho3/ho4 mutant can be rescued phenotypically and for the accumulation of holo-phy by feeding seedlings BV. Taken together, we conclude that multiple members of the Arabidopsis HO family are important for synthesizing the bilin chromophore used to assemble photochemically active phys.

Regulation and expression of heme oxygenase enzymes in aged-rat brain: age related depression in HO-1 and HO-2 expression and altered stress-response

The heme oxygenase isozymes, HO-1 and HO-2, oxidatively cleave the heme molecule to produce biliverdin and the gaseous messenger, CO. The cleavage results in the release of iron, a regulator of transferrin, ferritin, and nitric oxide (NO) synthase gene expression. Biliverdin reductase (BVR) then catalyzes the reduction of biliverdin, generating the potent intracellular antioxidant, bilirubin. We report an age-related decrease in HO-1 and HO-2 expression present in select brain regions including the hippocampus and the substantia nigra, that are involved in the high order cognitive processes of learning and memory. The age-related loss of monoxide-producing potential in select regions of the brain was not specific to the HO system but was also observed in neuronal NO-generating system. Furthermore, compared to 2-month old rats, the ability of aged brain tissue to respond to hypoxic/hyperthermia was compromised at both the protein and the transcription levels as judged by attenuated induction of HO-1 immunoreactive protein and its 1.8 Kb transcript. Neotrofin (AIT), a cognitive-enhancing and neuroprotective drug, caused a robust increase in HO-1 immunoreactive protein in select neuronal regions and increased the expression of HO-2 transcripts. The potential interplay between regulation of HO-2 gene expression and the serum levels of the adrenal steroids is discussed. We suggest the search for therapeutic agents that reverse the decline and aberrant stress response of HO enzymes may lead to effective treatment regimens for age-associated neuronal deficits.

Solution 1H NMR study of the accommodation of the side chain of n-butyl-etiohemin-I incorporated into the active site of cyano-metmyoglobin

In order to identify the most readily deformable portion of the heme pocket in myoglobin, equine myoglobin was reconstituted with a meso-n-butyl substituent on centrosymmetric etiohemin-I. Solution 1H NMR data for the low-spin iron(III) cyanide complex of oxidized myoglobin that include 2D nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy contacts, paramagnetic relaxation, and dipolar shifts resulting from magnetic anisotropy show that the heme binds uniquely to the iron in a manner that arranges the methyl and ethyl substituents on a given pyrrole in a clockwise manner when viewed from the proximal side, and with the n-butyl group seated at the canonical alpha-meso position of native protohemin-IX. The butyl group is oriented sharply toward the proximal side and its protein contacts demonstrate that it is oriented largely into the "xenon hole" in myoglobin. The location of the n-butyl group on the proximal side near the vacancies places it within the region found to be most flexible in molecular dynamics simulation. A small, counterclockwise rotation of the pyrrole N-Fe-N vector of n-butyl-etiohemin-I relative to that for native protohemin, indicated by both the prosthetic group methyl contact shift pattern and the prosthetic group contacts to heme pocket residues, is proposed to allow the xenon hole to accommodate better the n-butyl group. In contrast to previous work, which showed that a bulky polar substituent on etiohemin-I preferentially seats at the canonical gamma-meso position, the nonpolar n-butyl group selects the alpha-meso position.

Crystal structures of the G139A, G139A?NO and G143H mutants of human heme oxygenase-1. A finely tuned hydrogen-bonding network controls oxygenase versus peroxidase activity

Conserved glycines, Gly139 and Gly143, in the distal helix of human heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) provide the flexibility required for the opening and closing of the heme active site for substrate binding and product dissociation during HO-1 catalysis. Earlier mutagenesis work on human HO-1 showed that replacement of either Gly139 or Gly143 suppresses heme oxygenase activity and, in the case of the Gly139 mutants, increases peroxidase activity (Liu et al. in J. Biol. Chem. 275:34501, 2000). To further investigate the role of the conserved distal helix glycines, we have determined the crystal structures of the human HO-1 G139A mutant, the G139A mutant in a complex with NO, and the G143H mutant at 1.88, 2.18 and 2.08 A, respectively. The results confirm that fine tuning of the previously noted active-site hydrogen-bonding network is critical in determining whether heme oxygenase or peroxidase activity is observed.

Involvement of heme oxygenase as antioxidant defense in soybean nodules

OBJECTIVE

We have previously demonstrated that the inducible form of heme oxygenase plays a critical role in protecting against oxidative stress in mammals. To gain further insight into the functions of this enzyme in plants, we have tested its activity and expression in soybean nodules subjected to cadmium (Cd) stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four-weeks-old soybean nodulated plants were treated with different cadmium chloride concentrations (0, 50 and during 48 h. Oxidative stress parameters such as TBARS content, GSH levels and antioxidant enzyme activities were measured as well as heme oxygenase activity and expression. Besides, the effect of biliverdin and Zn-protophorphyrin IX were analyzed.

RESULTS

Treatment with 200 microM Cd during 48 h caused a 67% increase in TBARS content, whereas GSH decreased 44%, and total superoxide dismutase, gluthatione reductase and guaiacol peroxidase were also inhibited 54, 20 and 60%, respectively. A total of Cd produced the overexpression of heme oxygenase-1, as well as a 10-fold enhancement of its activity. Co-administration of biliverdin (10 microM) completely prevented the effects caused by Cd. Treatment with Zn protoporphyrin IX, a strong inhibitor of heme oxygenase, expectedly decreased heme oxygenase-1 activity to half. When the inhibitor was given together with Cd, completely prevented the enzyme induction and oxidative stress parameters were significantly enhanced.

CONCLUSION

Taking together, these results are indicating that heme oxygenase plays a protective role against oxidative cell damage in soybean nodules.

Models and mechanisms of O-O bond activation by cytochrome P450. A critical assessment of the potential role of multiple active intermediates in oxidative catalysis

Cytochrome P450 enzymes promote a number of oxidative biotransformations including the hydroxylation of unactivated hydrocarbons. Whereas the long-standing consensus view of the P450 mechanism implicates a high-valent iron-oxene species as the predominant oxidant in the radicalar hydrogen abstraction/oxygen rebound pathway, more recent studies on isotope partitioning, product rearrangements with 'radical clocks', and the impact of threonine mutagenesis in P450s on hydroxylation rates support the notion of the nucleophilic and/or electrophilic (hydro)peroxo-iron intermediate(s) to be operative in P450 catalysis in addition to the electrophilic oxenoid-iron entity; this may contribute to the remarkable versatility of P450s in substrate modification. Precedent to this mechanistic concept is given by studies with natural and synthetic P450 biomimics. While the concept of an alternative electrophilic oxidant necessitates C-H hydroxylation to be brought about by a cationic insertion process, recent calculations employing density functional theory favour a 'two-state reactivity' scenario, implicating the usual ferryl-dependent oxygen rebound pathway to proceed via two spin states (doublet and quartet); state crossing is thought to be associated with either an insertion or a radicalar mechanism. Hence, challenge to future strategies should be to fold the disparate and sometimes contradictory data into a harmonized overall picture.

Involvement of NADPH in the interaction between heme oxygenase-1 and cytochrome P450 reductase

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) catalyzes the physiological degradation of heme at the expense of molecular oxygen using electrons donated by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR). In this study, we investigated the effect of NADP(H) on the interaction of HO-1 with CPR by surface plasmon resonance. We found that HO-1 associated with CPR more tightly in the presence of NADP(+) (K(D) = 0.5 microm) than in its absence (K(D) = 2.4 microm). The HO-1 mutants, K149A, K149A/K153A, and R185A, showed almost no heme degradation activity with NADPH-CPR, whereas they exhibited activity comparable to that of the wild type when sodium ascorbate was used. R185A showed a 100-fold decreased affinity for CPR compared with wild type, even in the presence of NADP(+) (K(D) = 36.3 microm). The affinities of K149A and K149A/K153A for CPR were decreased 7- and 9-fold (K(D) = 16.8 and 21.8 microm), respectively. In contrast to R185A, the affinities of K149A and K149A/K153A were improved by the addition of NADP(+) (K(D) = 5.2 and 9.6 microm, respectively), as was the case with wild type. Computer modeling of the HO-1/CPR complex showed that the guanidino group of Arg(185) is located within the hydrogen bonding distance of 2'-phosphate of NADPH, suggesting that Arg(185) contributes to the binding to CPR through an electrostatic interaction with the phosphate group. On the other hand, Lys(149) is close to a cluster of acidic amino acids near the FMN binding site of CPR. Thus, Lys(149) and Lys(153) appear to interact with CPR in such a way as to orient the redox partners for optimal electron transfer from FMN of CPR to heme of HO-1.

CO-trapping site in heme oxygenase revealed by photolysis of its co-bound heme complex: mechanism of escaping from product inhibition

Heme oxygenase (HO) catalyzes physiological heme degradation using O(2) and reducing equivalents to produce biliverdin, iron, and CO. Notably, the HO reaction proceeds without product inhibition by CO, which is generated in the conversion reaction of alpha-hydroxyheme to verdoheme, although CO is known to be a potent inhibitor of HO and other heme proteins. In order to probe how endogenous CO is released from the reaction site, we collected X-ray diffraction data from a crystal of the CO-bound form of the ferrous heme-HO complex in the dark and under illumination by a red laser at approximately 35 K. The difference Fourier map indicates that the CO ligand is partially photodissociated from the heme and that the photolyzed CO is trapped in a hydrophobic cavity adjacent to the heme pocket. This hydrophobic cavity was occupied also by xenon, which is similar to CO in terms of size and properties. Taking account of the affinity of CO for the ferrous verdoheme-HO complex being much weaker than that for the ferrous heme complex, the CO derived from alpha-hydroxyheme would be trapped preferentially in the hydrophobic cavity but not coordinated to the iron of verdoheme. This structural device would ensure the smooth progression of the subsequent reaction, from verdoheme to biliverdin, which requires O(2) binding to verdoheme.

Structural Basis for Novel δ-Regioselective Heme Oxygenation in the Opportunistic PathogenPseudomonas aeruginosa†,‡

The Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa contains a heme oxygenase (pa-HO) that primarily oxygenates the delta-meso heme carbon [Caignan, G. A., Deshmukh, R., Wilks, A., Zeng, Y., Huang, H. W., Moenne-Loccoz, P., Bunce, R. A., Eastman, M. A., and Rivera, M. (2002) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 124, 14879-14892]. This differs from other previously characterized heme oxygenases, which display regioselectivity for the alpha-meso heme carbon. Here we report the crystal structure of pa-HO at 1.60 A resolution and compare it to the 1.50 A structure of nm-HO from Neisseria meningitidis [Schuller, D. J., Zhu, W., Stojiljkovic, I., Wilks, A., and Poulos, T. L. (2001) Biochemistry 40, 11552-11558]. The crystal structure of pa-HO maintains the same overall fold as other bacterial and mammalian heme oxygenases, including a conserved network of hydrogen-bonded solvent molecules important for dioxygen activation. The novel delta-regioselectivity of heme oxygenation observed by pa-HO is due to the heme being rotated by approximately 100 degrees, which places the delta-meso heme carbon in the same position as the alpha-meso heme carbon in other heme oxygenases. The main interaction in pa-HO that stabilizes the unique heme orientation is a salt bridge between Lys132 and the heme 7-propionate, as well as hydrophobic contacts involving Leu29, Val33, and Phe189 with the heme methyl and vinyl groups.

Hematoma Removal, Heme, and Heme Oxygenase Following Hemorrhagic Stroke

The hemorrhagic strokes, intracerebral (ICH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), often have poor outcomes. Indeed, the most common hemorrhagic stroke, ICH, has the highest mortality and morbidity rates of any stroke subtype. In this report, we discuss the evidence for the staging of red blood cell removal after ICH and the significance of control of this process. The protective effects of clinically relevant metalloporphyrin heme oxygenase inhibitors in experimental models of ICH and in superficial siderosis are also discussed. We also examine literature paradoxes related to both heme and heme oxygenase in various disorders of the central nervous system. Last, new data are presented that support the concept that heme, although primarily a pro-oxidant, can also have antioxidant properties.

1H NMR investigation of the solution structure of substrate-free human heme oxygenase: comparison to the cyanide-inhibited, substrate-bound complex

1H NMR was used to investigate the molecular structure, and dynamic properties of soluble, recombinant, substrate-free human heme oxygenase (apohHO) on a comparative basis with similar studies on the substrate complex. Limited but crucial sequence-specific assignments identify five conserved secondary structural elements, and the detection of highly characteristic dipolar or H-bond interactions among these elements together with insignificant chemical shift differences confirm a strongly conserved folding topology of helices C-H relative to that of substrate complexes in either solution or the crystal. The correction of the chemical shifts for paramagnetic and porphyrin ring current influences in the paramagnetic substrate complex reveals that the strength of all but one of the numerous relatively robust H-bonds are conserved in apohHO, and similar ordered water molecules are located near these H-bond donors as observed in the substrate complexes. The unique and significant weakening of the Tyr(58) OH hydrogen bond to the catalytically critical Asp(140) carboxylate in apohHO is suggested to arise from the removal of the axial H-bond acceptor ligand rather than the loss of substrate. The interhelical positions of the conserved strong H-bonds argue for a structural role in maintaining a conserved structure for helices C-H upon loss of substrate. While the structure and H-bond network are largely conserved upon loss of substrate, the variably increased rate of NH lability dictates a significant loss of dynamic stability in the conserved structure, particularly near the distal helix F.

Misregulation of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis in transgenic tobacco seedlings expressing mammalian biliverdin reductase

Previous studies have established that the expression of mammalian biliverdin IXalpha reductase (BVR) in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Maryland Mammoth) resulted in the loss of photoregulatory activity of all phytochromes together with a pronounced chlorophyll deficiency. This study was undertaken to assess the contribution of BVR-mediated alteration of tetrapyrrole metabolism to the observed phenotypes of BVR transgenic plants. BVR expression in dark-grown plants led to the reduced accumulation of protochlorophyllide and transcripts for the two committed enzymes for 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) synthesis despite the marked increased capacity for synthesis of ALA. Together with the observation that Mg-porphyrin accumulation in dark-grown seedlings treated with an iron chelator was unaffected by BVR expression, these results indicate that BVR diverts tetrapyrrole metabolism toward heme synthesis while also reducing heme levels to de-repress ALA synthesis. By contrast with dark-grown seedlings, light-grown BVR plants showed a marked inhibition of ALA synthesis compared with wild-type plants - a result that was correlated with the disappearance of the CHL I subunit of Mg-chelatase and an increase in heme oxygenase protein levels. As transcript levels of all tetrapyrrole biosynthetic genes tested were not strongly affected by BVR expression, these results implicate misregulated tetrapyrrole metabolism to be a major mechanism for BVR-dependent inhibition of chlorophyll biosynthesis in light-grown plants.

Crystal structure of rat heme oxygenase-1 in complex with biliverdin-iron chelate. Conformational change of the distal helix during the heme cleavage reaction

The crystal structure of rat heme oxygenase-1 in complex with biliverdin-iron chelate (biliverdin(Fe)-HO-1), the immediate precursor of the final product, biliverdin, has been determined at a 2.4-A resolution. The electron density in the heme pocket clearly showed that the tetrapyrrole ring of heme is cleaved at the alpha-meso edge. Like the heme bound to HO-1, biliverdin-iron chelate is located between the distal and proximal helices, but its accommodation state seems to be less stable in light of the disordering of the solvent-exposed propionate and vinyl groups. The middle of the distal helix is shifted away from the center of the active site in biliverdin(Fe)-HO-1, increasing the size of the heme pocket. The hydrogen-bonding interaction between Glu-29 and Gln-38, considered to restrain the orientation of the proximal helix in the heme-HO-1 complex, was lost in biliverdin(Fe)-HO-1, leading to relaxation of the helix. Biliverdin has a distorted helical conformation; the lactam oxygen atom of its pyrrole ring-A interacted with Asp-140 through a hydrogen-bonding solvent network. Because of the absence of a distal water ligand, the iron atom is five-coordinated with His-25 and four pyrrole nitrogen atoms. The coordination geometry deviates considerably from a square pyramid, suggesting that the iron may be readily dissociated. We speculate that the opened conformation of the heme pocket facilitates sequential product release, first iron then biliverdin, and that because of biliverdin's increased flexibility, iron release triggers its slow dissociation.