1
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Dali A, Gabler T, Sebastiani F, Furtmüller PG, Becucci M, Hofbauer S, Smulevich G. Entrance channels to coproheme in coproporphyrin ferrochelatase probed by exogenous imidazole binding. J Inorg Biochem 2024; 260:112681. [PMID: 39146673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2024.112681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Iron insertion into porphyrins is an essential step in heme biosynthesis. In the coproporphyrin-dependent pathway, specific to monoderm bacteria, this reaction is catalyzed by the monomeric enzyme coproporphyrin ferrochelatase. In addition to the mechanistic details of the metalation of the porphyrin, the identification of the substrate access channel for ferrous iron to the active site is important to fully understand this enzymatic system. In fact, whether the iron reaches the active site from the distal or the proximal porphyrin side is still under debate. In this study we have thoroughly addressed this question in Listeria monocytogenes coproporphyrin ferrochelatase by X-ray crystallography, steady-state and pre-steady-state imidazole ligand binding studies, together with a detailed spectroscopic characterization using resonance Raman and UV-vis absorption spectroscopies in solution. Analysis of the X-ray structures of coproporphyrin ferrochelatase-coproporphyrin III crystals soaked with ferrous iron shows that iron is present on both sides of the porphyrin. The kinetic and spectroscopic study of imidazole binding to coproporphyrin ferrochelatase‑iron coproporphyrin III clearly indicates the presence of two possible binding sites in this monomeric enzyme that influence each other, which is confirmed by the observed cooperativity at steady-state and a biphasic behavior in the pre-steady-state experiments. The current results are discussed in the context of the entire heme biosynthetic pathway and pave the way for future studies focusing on protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Dali
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Ugo Schiff" (DICUS), Università di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Thomas Gabler
- BOKU University, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Federico Sebastiani
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Ugo Schiff" (DICUS), Università di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Paul G Furtmüller
- BOKU University, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maurizio Becucci
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Ugo Schiff" (DICUS), Università di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; The European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Via Nello Carrara 1, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy.
| | - Stefan Hofbauer
- BOKU University, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Giulietta Smulevich
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Ugo Schiff" (DICUS), Università di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; INSTM Research Unit of Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy.
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2
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Gabler T, Dali A, Bellei M, Sebastiani F, Becucci M, Battistuzzi G, Furtmüller PG, Smulevich G, Hofbauer S. Revisiting catalytic His and Glu residues in coproporphyrin ferrochelatase - unexpected activities of active site variants. FEBS J 2024; 291:2260-2272. [PMID: 38390750 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The identification of the coproporphyrin-dependent heme biosynthetic pathway, which is used almost exclusively by monoderm bacteria in 2015 by Dailey et al. triggered studies aimed at investigating the enzymes involved in this pathway that were originally assigned to the protoporphyrin-dependent heme biosynthetic pathway. Here, we revisit the active site of coproporphyrin ferrochelatase by a biophysical and biochemical investigation using the physiological substrate coproporphyrin III, which in contrast to the previously used substrate protoporphyrin IX has four propionate substituents and no vinyl groups. In particular, we have compared the reactivity of wild-type coproporphyrin ferrochelatase from the firmicute Listeria monocytogenes with those of variants, namely, His182Ala (H182A) and Glu263Gln (E263Q), involving two key active site residues. Interestingly, both variants are active only toward the physiological substrate coproporphyrin III but inactive toward protoporphyrin IX. In addition, E263 exchange impairs the final oxidation step from ferrous coproheme to ferric coproheme. The characteristics of the active site in the context of the residues involved and the substrate binding properties are discussed here using structural and functional means, providing a further contribution to the deciphering of this enigmatic reaction mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gabler
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Dali
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" (DICUS), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Marzia Bellei
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Federico Sebastiani
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" (DICUS), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Maurizio Becucci
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" (DICUS), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Gianantonio Battistuzzi
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Paul Georg Furtmüller
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giulietta Smulevich
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" (DICUS), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- INSTM Research Unit of Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Stefan Hofbauer
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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3
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Su H, Chen X, Chen S, Guo M, Liu H. Applications of the Whole-Cell System in the Efficient Biosynthesis of Heme. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098384. [PMID: 37176091 PMCID: PMC10179345 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Heme has a variety of functions, from electronic reactions to binding gases, which makes it useful in medical treatments, dietary supplements, and food processing. In recent years, whole-cell system-based heme biosynthesis methods have been continuously explored and optimized as an alternative to the low-yield, lasting, and adverse ecological environment of chemical synthesis methods. This method relies on two biosynthetic pathways of microbial precursor 5-aminolevulinic acid (C4, C5) and three known downstream biosynthetic pathways of heme. This paper reviews the genetic and metabolic engineering strategies for heme production in recent years by optimizing culture conditions and techniques from different microorganisms. Specifically, we summarized and analyzed the possibility of using biosensors to explore new strategies for the biosynthesis of heme from the perspective of synthetic biology, providing a new direction for future exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfei Su
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Xiaolin Chen
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Shijing Chen
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Mingzhang Guo
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Huilin Liu
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
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4
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Abstract
Heme (protoheme IX) is an essential cofactor for a large variety of proteins whose functions vary from one electron reactions to binding gases. While not ubiquitous, heme is found in the great majority of known life forms. Unlike most cofactors that are acquired from dietary sources, the vast majority of organisms that utilize heme possess a complete pathway to synthesize the compound. Indeed, dietary heme is most frequently utilized as an iron source and not as a source of heme. In Nature there are now known to exist three pathways to synthesize heme. These are the siroheme dependent (SHD) pathway which is the most ancient, but least common of the three; the coproporphyrin dependent (CPD) pathway which with one known exception is found only in gram positive bacteria; and the protoporphyrin dependent (PPD) pathway which is found in gram negative bacteria and all eukaryotes. All three pathways share a core set of enzymes to convert the first committed intermediate, 5-aminolevulinate (ALA) into uroporphyrinogen III. In the current review all three pathways are reviewed as well as the two known pathways to synthesize ALA. In addition, interesting features of some heme biosynthesis enzymes are discussed as are the regulation and disorders of heme biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry A Dailey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-1111, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-1111, USA
| | - Amy E Medlock
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-1111, USA
- Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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5
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Yang C, Wang T, Zhao Y, Meng X, Ding W, Wang Q, Liu C, Deng H. Flavonoid 4,4'-dimethoxychalcone induced ferroptosis in cancer cells by synergistically activating Keap1/Nrf2/HMOX1 pathway and inhibiting FECH. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 188:14-23. [PMID: 35697292 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Flavonoids are widely distributed in plants as secondary metabolites and have various biological benefits such as anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging. We previously reported that 4,4'-dimethoxychalcone (DMC) suppressed cancer cell proliferation by aggravating oxidative stress and inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest. In the present study, we explored the underlying mechanisms by which DMC inhibited cancer cell growth. Given that ferrochelatase (FECH) is a potential target of DMC identified by thermal proteome profiling (TPP) method, herein, we confirmed that DMC inhibited the enzymatic activity of FECH. Furthermore, we proved that DMC induced Keap1 degradation via ubiquitin-proteasome system, which led to the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and upregulated Nrf2 targeted gene HMOX1. FECH inhibition and HMOX1 upregulation resulted in iron overload and triggered ferroptosis in cancer cells. Collectively, we revealed that DMC induced ferroptosis by synergistically activating Keap1/Nrf2/HMOX1 pathway and inhibiting FECH. Our findings indicate that FECH contributes to the non-canonical ferroptosis induction, shed light on the mechanisms of DMC inhibiting cancer cell growth, and set an example for studying biological functions of flavonoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changmei Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and Systematic Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
| | - Tianxiang Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and Systematic Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
| | - Yujiao Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and Systematic Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
| | - Xianbin Meng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and Systematic Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
| | - Wenxi Ding
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and Systematic Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
| | - Qingtao Wang
- Chao Yang Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, PR China
| | - Chongdong Liu
- Chao Yang Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, PR China.
| | - Haiteng Deng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and Systematic Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China.
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6
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Medlock AE, Dailey HA. New Avenues of Heme Synthesis Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137467. [PMID: 35806474 PMCID: PMC9267699 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During erythropoiesis, there is an enormous demand for the synthesis of the essential cofactor of hemoglobin, heme. Heme is synthesized de novo via an eight enzyme-catalyzed pathway within each developing erythroid cell. A large body of data exists to explain the transcriptional regulation of the heme biosynthesis enzymes, but until recently much less was known about alternate forms of regulation that would allow the massive production of heme without depleting cellular metabolites. Herein, we review new studies focused on the regulation of heme synthesis via carbon flux for porphyrin synthesis to post-translations modifications (PTMs) that regulate individual enzymes. These PTMs include cofactor regulation, phosphorylation, succinylation, and glutathionylation. Additionally discussed is the role of the immunometabolite itaconate and its connection to heme synthesis and the anemia of chronic disease. These recent studies provide new avenues to regulate heme synthesis for the treatment of diseases including anemias and porphyrias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E. Medlock
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Correspondence: (A.E.M.); (H.A.D.)
| | - Harry A. Dailey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Correspondence: (A.E.M.); (H.A.D.)
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7
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Hunter GA, Ferreira GC. Metal ion coordination sites in ferrochelatase. Coord Chem Rev 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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8
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Obi CD, Bhuiyan T, Dailey HA, Medlock AE. Ferrochelatase: Mapping the Intersection of Iron and Porphyrin Metabolism in the Mitochondria. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:894591. [PMID: 35646904 PMCID: PMC9133952 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.894591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Porphyrin and iron are ubiquitous and essential for sustaining life in virtually all living organisms. Unlike iron, which exists in many forms, porphyrin macrocycles are mostly functional as metal complexes. The iron-containing porphyrin, heme, serves as a prosthetic group in a wide array of metabolic pathways; including respiratory cytochromes, hemoglobin, cytochrome P450s, catalases, and other hemoproteins. Despite playing crucial roles in many biological processes, heme, iron, and porphyrin intermediates are potentially cytotoxic. Thus, the intersection of porphyrin and iron metabolism at heme synthesis, and intracellular trafficking of heme and its porphyrin precursors are tightly regulated processes. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the physiological dynamics of eukaryotic ferrochelatase, a mitochondrially localized metalloenzyme. Ferrochelatase catalyzes the terminal step of heme biosynthesis, the insertion of ferrous iron into protoporphyrin IX to produce heme. In most eukaryotes, except plants, ferrochelatase is localized to the mitochondrial matrix, where substrates are delivered and heme is synthesized for trafficking to multiple cellular locales. Herein, we delve into the structural and functional features of ferrochelatase, as well as its metabolic regulation in the mitochondria. We discuss the regulation of ferrochelatase via post-translational modifications, transportation of substrates and product across the mitochondrial membrane, protein-protein interactions, inhibition by small-molecule inhibitors, and ferrochelatase in protozoal parasites. Overall, this review presents insight on mitochondrial heme homeostasis from the perspective of ferrochelatase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chibuike David Obi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Tawhid Bhuiyan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Harry A. Dailey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Amy E. Medlock
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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9
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Morris JA, Lickey BS, Liptak MD. Insertion of cobalt into tetrapyrroles. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2022; 119:1-22. [PMID: 35337616 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2022.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin B12 is one of the most complex cofactors known, and this chapter will discuss current understanding with regards to the cobalt insertion step of its syntheses. Two total syntheses of vitamin B12 were reported in the 1970s, which remain two of the most exceptional achievements of natural product synthesis. In subsequent years, two distinct biosynthetic pathways were identified in aerobic and anaerobic organisms. For these biosynthetic pathways, selectivity for Co(II) over other divalent metal ions with similar ionic radii and coordination chemistry remains an open question with three competing hypotheses proposed: metal affinity, tetrapyrrole distortion, and product inhibition. A 20 step biosynthetic route to convert 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to vitamin B12 was elucidated in aerobic organisms in the 1990s, where cobalt is inserted relatively late in the pathway by the CobNST multi-protein complex. This chapter includes a mechanistic proposal for this reaction, but the majority of the proposal is based upon analogy to the ChlDHI magnesium chelatase complex as critical data for the cobalt chelatase is lacking. Later, in the 2010s, a distinct 21 step pathway from ALA to vitamin B12 was reported in anaerobic organisms, where cobalt is inserted early in the pathway by the enzyme CbiK. A recent study strongly suggests that the cobalt affinity of CbiK is the origin of cobalt selectivity for CbiK, but several important mechanistic questions remain unanswered. In general, it is expected that significant insight into the cobalt insertion mechanisms of CobNST and CbiK could be derived from additional structural, spectroscopic, and computational data.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Morris
- Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - B S Lickey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - M D Liptak
- Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States.
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10
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11
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Insight into the function of active site residues in the catalytic mechanism of human ferrochelatase. Biochem J 2021; 478:3239-3252. [PMID: 34402499 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ferrochelatase catalyzes the insertion of ferrous iron into a porphyrin macrocycle to produce the essential cofactor, heme. In humans this enzyme not only catalyzes the terminal step, but also serves a regulatory step in the heme synthesis pathway. Over a dozen crystal structures of human ferrochelatase have been solved and many variants have been characterized kinetically. In addition, hydrogen deuterium exchange, resonance Raman, molecular dynamics, and high level quantum mechanic studies have added to our understanding of the catalytic cycle of the enzyme. However, an understanding of how the metal ion is delivered and the specific role that active site residues play in catalysis remain open questions. Data are consistent with metal binding and insertion occurring from the side opposite from where pyrrole proton abstraction takes place. To better understand iron delivery and binding as well as the role of conserved residues in the active site, we have constructed and characterized a series of enzyme variants. Crystallographic studies as well as rescue and kinetic analysis of variants were performed. Data from these studies are consistent with the M76 residue playing a role in active site metal binding and formation of a weak iron protein ligand being necessary for product release. Additionally, structural data support a role for E343 in proton abstraction and product release in coordination with a peptide loop composed of Q302, S303 and K304 that act a metal sensor.
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12
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Mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) machinery supports heme biosynthesis by enabling optimal performance of ferrochelatase. Redox Biol 2021; 46:102125. [PMID: 34517185 PMCID: PMC8441213 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Heme is an essential cofactor required for a plethora of cellular processes in eukaryotes. In metazoans the heme biosynthetic pathway is typically partitioned between the cytosol and mitochondria, with the first and final steps taking place in the mitochondrion. The pathway has been extensively studied and its biosynthetic enzymes structurally characterized to varying extents. Nevertheless, understanding of the regulation of heme synthesis and factors that influence this process in metazoans remains incomplete. Therefore, we investigated the molecular organization as well as the physical and genetic interactions of the terminal pathway enzyme, ferrochelatase (Hem15), in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Biochemical and genetic analyses revealed dynamic association of Hem15 with Mic60, a core component of the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS). Loss of MICOS negatively impacts Hem15 activity, affects the size of the Hem15 high-mass complex, and results in accumulation of reactive and potentially toxic tetrapyrrole precursors that may cause oxidative damage. Restoring intermembrane connectivity in MICOS-deficient cells mitigates these cytotoxic effects. These data provide new insights into how heme biosynthetic machinery is organized and regulated, linking mitochondrial architecture-organizing factors to heme homeostasis.
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13
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Adams NBP, Bisson C, Brindley AA, Farmer DA, Davison PA, Reid JD, Hunter CN. The active site of magnesium chelatase. NATURE PLANTS 2020; 6:1491-1502. [PMID: 33257858 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-020-00806-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The insertion of magnesium into protoporphyrin initiates the biosynthesis of chlorophyll, the pigment that underpins photosynthesis. This reaction, catalysed by the magnesium chelatase complex, couples ATP hydrolysis by a ChlID motor complex to chelation within the ChlH subunit. We probed the structure and catalytic function of ChlH using a combination of X-ray crystallography, computational modelling, mutagenesis and enzymology. Two linked domains of ChlH in an initially open conformation of ChlH bind protoporphyrin IX, and the rearrangement of several loops envelops this substrate, forming an active site cavity. This induced fit brings an essential glutamate (E660), proposed to be the key catalytic residue for magnesium insertion, into proximity with the porphyrin. A buried solvent channel adjacent to E660 connects the exterior bulk solvent to the active site, forming a possible conduit for the delivery of magnesium or abstraction of protons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan B P Adams
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
| | - Claudine Bisson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Centre for Ultrastructural Imaging, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Amanda A Brindley
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - David A Farmer
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Paul A Davison
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - James D Reid
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - C Neil Hunter
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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14
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Swenson SA, Moore CM, Marcero JR, Medlock AE, Reddi AR, Khalimonchuk O. From Synthesis to Utilization: The Ins and Outs of Mitochondrial Heme. Cells 2020; 9:E579. [PMID: 32121449 PMCID: PMC7140478 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme is a ubiquitous and essential iron containing metallo-organic cofactor required for virtually all aerobic life. Heme synthesis is initiated and completed in mitochondria, followed by certain covalent modifications and/or its delivery to apo-hemoproteins residing throughout the cell. While the biochemical aspects of heme biosynthetic reactions are well understood, the trafficking of newly synthesized heme-a highly reactive and inherently toxic compound-and its subsequent delivery to target proteins remain far from clear. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about heme biosynthesis and trafficking within and outside of the mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Courtney M. Moore
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA;
| | - Jason R. Marcero
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
| | - Amy E. Medlock
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
- Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Amit R. Reddi
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA;
- Parker Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Oleh Khalimonchuk
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA;
- Nebraska Redox Biology Center, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
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15
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Donegan RK, Moore CM, Hanna DA, Reddi AR. Handling heme: The mechanisms underlying the movement of heme within and between cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2019; 133:88-100. [PMID: 30092350 PMCID: PMC6363905 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Heme is an essential cofactor and signaling molecule required for virtually all aerobic life. However, excess heme is cytotoxic. Therefore, heme must be safely transported and trafficked from the site of synthesis in the mitochondria or uptake at the cell surface, to hemoproteins in most subcellular compartments. While heme synthesis and degradation are relatively well characterized, little is known about how heme is trafficked and transported throughout the cell. Herein, we review eukaryotic heme transport, trafficking, and mobilization, with a focus on factors that regulate bioavailable heme. We also highlight the role of gasotransmitters and small molecules in heme mobilization and bioavailability, and heme trafficking at the host-pathogen interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Donegan
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States
| | - Courtney M Moore
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States
| | - David A Hanna
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States
| | - Amit R Reddi
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States; School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States; Parker Petit Institute for Bioengineering & Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States.
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16
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Ferrochelatase π-helix: Implications from examining the role of the conserved π-helix glutamates in porphyrin metalation and product release. Arch Biochem Biophys 2018; 644:37-46. [PMID: 29481781 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2018.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 02/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Protoporphyrin ferrochelatase catalyzes the insertion of Fe2+ into protoporphyrin IX to form heme. To determine whether a conserved, active site π-helix contributes to the translocation of the metal ion substrate to the ferrochelatase-bound porphyrin substrate, the invariant π-helix glutamates were replaced with amino acids with non-negatively charged side chains, and the kinetic mechanisms of the generated variants were examined. Analysis of yeast wild-type ferrochelatase-, E314Q- and E318Q-catalyzed reactions, under multi- and single-turnover conditions, demonstrated that the mutations of the π-helix glutamates hindered both protoporphyrin metalation and release of the metalated porphyrin, by slowing each step by approximately 30-50%. Protoporphyrin metalation occurred with an apparent pKa of 7.3 ± 0.1, which was assigned to binding of Fe2+ by deprotonated Glu-314 and Glu-314-assisted Fe2+ insertion into the porphyrin ring. We propose that unwinding of the π-helix concomitant with the adoption of a protein open conformation positions the deprotonated Glu-314 to bind Fe2+ from the surface of the enzyme. Transition to the closed conformation, with π-helix winding, brings Glu-314-bound Fe2+ to the active site for incorporation into protoporphyrin.
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17
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Dailey HA, Dailey TA, Gerdes S, Jahn D, Jahn M, O'Brian MR, Warren MJ. Prokaryotic Heme Biosynthesis: Multiple Pathways to a Common Essential Product. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2017; 81:e00048-16. [PMID: 28123057 PMCID: PMC5312243 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00048-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of heme during evolution allowed organisms possessing this compound to safely and efficiently carry out a variety of chemical reactions that otherwise were difficult or impossible. While it was long assumed that a single heme biosynthetic pathway existed in nature, over the past decade, it has become clear that there are three distinct pathways among prokaryotes, although all three pathways utilize a common initial core of three enzymes to produce the intermediate uroporphyrinogen III. The most ancient pathway and the only one found in the Archaea converts siroheme to protoheme via an oxygen-independent four-enzyme-step process. Bacteria utilize the initial core pathway but then add one additional common step to produce coproporphyrinogen III. Following this step, Gram-positive organisms oxidize coproporphyrinogen III to coproporphyrin III, insert iron to make coproheme, and finally decarboxylate coproheme to protoheme, whereas Gram-negative bacteria first decarboxylate coproporphyrinogen III to protoporphyrinogen IX and then oxidize this to protoporphyrin IX prior to metal insertion to make protoheme. In order to adapt to oxygen-deficient conditions, two steps in the bacterial pathways have multiple forms to accommodate oxidative reactions in an anaerobic environment. The regulation of these pathways reflects the diversity of bacterial metabolism. This diversity, along with the late recognition that three pathways exist, has significantly slowed advances in this field such that no single organism's heme synthesis pathway regulation is currently completely characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry A Dailey
- Department of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Tamara A Dailey
- Department of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Svetlana Gerdes
- Fellowship for Interpretation of Genomes, Burr Ridge, Illinois, USA
| | - Dieter Jahn
- Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universitaet Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Martina Jahn
- Institute of Microbiology, Technische Universitaet Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Mark R O'Brian
- Department of Biochemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Martin J Warren
- Department of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
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18
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Wu J, Wen S, Zhou Y, Chao H, Shen Y. Human Ferrochelatase: Insights for the Mechanism of Ferrous Iron Approaching Protoporphyrin IX by QM/MM and QTCP Free Energy Studies. J Chem Inf Model 2016; 56:2421-2433. [PMID: 27801584 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.6b00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ferrochelatase catalyzes the insertion of ferrous iron into protoporphyrin IX, the terminal step in heme biosynthesis. Some disputes in its mechanism remain unsolved, especially for human ferrochelatase. In this paper, high-level quantum mechanical/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) and free-energy studies were performed to address these controversial issues including the iron-binding site, the optimal reaction path, the substrate porphyrin distortion, and the presence of the sitting-atop (SAT) complex. Our results reveal that the ferrous iron is probably at the binding site coordinating with Met76, and His263 plays the role of proton acceptor. The rate-determining step is either the first proton removed by His263 or the proton transition within the porphyrin with an energy barrier of 14.99 or 14.87 kcal/mol by the quantum mechanical thermodynamic cycle perturbation (QTCP) calculations, respectively. The fast deprotonation step with the conservative residues rather than porphyrin deformation found in solution provides the driving force for biochelation. The SAT complex is not a necessity for the catalysis though it induces a modest distortion on the porphyrin ring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingheng Wu
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University , 510275 Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Sixiang Wen
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University , 510275 Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Yiwei Zhou
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University , 510275 Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Hui Chao
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University , 510275 Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Yong Shen
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University , 510275 Guangzhou, P R China
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19
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Piel RB, Shiferaw MT, Vashisht AA, Marcero JR, Praissman JL, Phillips JD, Wohlschlegel JA, Medlock AE. A Novel Role for Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 (PGRMC1): A Partner and Regulator of Ferrochelatase. Biochemistry 2016; 55:5204-17. [PMID: 27599036 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b00756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Heme is an iron-containing cofactor essential for multiple cellular processes and fundamental activities such as oxygen transport. To better understand the means by which heme synthesis is regulated during erythropoiesis, affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) was performed to identify putative protein partners interacting with ferrochelatase (FECH), the terminal enzyme in the heme biosynthetic pathway. Both progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) and progesterone receptor membrane component 2 (PGRMC2) were identified in these experiments. These interactions were validated by reciprocal affinity purification followed by MS analysis and immunoblotting. The interaction between PGRMC1 and FECH was confirmed in vitro and in HEK 293T cells, a non-erythroid cell line. When cells that are recognized models for erythroid differentiation were treated with a small molecule inhibitor of PGRMC1, AG-205, there was an observed decrease in the level of hemoglobinization relative to that of untreated cells. In vitro heme transfer experiments showed that purified PGRMC1 was able to donate heme to apo-cytochrome b5. In the presence of PGRMC1, in vitro measured FECH activity decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Interactions between FECH and PGRMC1 were strongest for the conformation of FECH associated with product release, suggesting that PGRMC1 may regulate FECH activity by controlling heme release. Overall, the data illustrate a role for PGRMC1 in regulating heme synthesis via interactions with FECH and suggest that PGRMC1 may be a heme chaperone or sensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Piel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute, AU/UGA Medical Partnership, University of Georgia , Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Mesafint T Shiferaw
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute, AU/UGA Medical Partnership, University of Georgia , Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Ajay A Vashisht
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California , Los Angeles, California 90095-1737, United States
| | - Jason R Marcero
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute, AU/UGA Medical Partnership, University of Georgia , Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Jeremy L Praissman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute, AU/UGA Medical Partnership, University of Georgia , Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - John D Phillips
- Hematology Division, University of Utah School of Medicine , Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, United States
| | - James A Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California , Los Angeles, California 90095-1737, United States
| | - Amy E Medlock
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute, AU/UGA Medical Partnership, University of Georgia , Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
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20
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Hunter GA, Vankayala SL, Gillam ME, Kearns FL, Lee Woodcock H, Ferreira GC. The conserved active site histidine-glutamate pair of ferrochelatase coordinately catalyzes porphyrin metalation. J PORPHYR PHTHALOCYA 2016. [DOI: 10.1142/s1088424616500395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Ferrochelatase catalyzes the insertion of ferrous iron into protoporphyrin IX to generate heme. Despite recent research on the reaction mechanism of ferrochelatase, the precise roles and localization of individual active site residues in catalysis, particularly those involved in the insertion of the ferrous iron into the protoporphyrin IX substrate, remain controversial. One outstanding question is from which side of the macrocycle of the bound porphyin substrate is the ferrous iron substrate inserted. Pre-steady state kinetic experiments done under single-turnover conditions conclusively demonstrate that metal ion insertion is pH-dependent, and that the conserved active site His-Glu pair coordinately catalyzes the metal ion insertion reaction. Further, p[Formula: see text] calculations and molecular dynamic simulations indicate that the active site His is deprotonated and the protonation state of the Glu relates to the conformational state of ferrochelatase. Specifically, the conserved Glu in the open conformation of ferrochelatase is deprotonated, while it remains protonated in the closed conformation. These findings support not only the role of the His-Glu pair in catalyzing metal ion insertion, as these residues need to be deprotonated to bind the incoming metal ion, but also the importance of the relationship between the protonation state of the Glu residue and the conformation of ferrochelatase. Finally, the results of this study are consistent with our previous proposal that the unwinding of the [Formula: see text]-helix, the major structural determinant of the closed to open conformational transition in ferrochelatase, is associated with the Glu residue binding the Fe[Formula: see text] substrate from a mitochondrial Fe[Formula: see text] donor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A. Hunter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | | | - Mallory E. Gillam
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Fiona L. Kearns
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - H. Lee Woodcock
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Gloria C. Ferreira
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
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21
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Adams NBP, Brindley AA, Hunter CN, Reid JD. The catalytic power of magnesium chelatase: a benchmark for the AAA(+) ATPases. FEBS Lett 2016; 590:1687-93. [PMID: 27176620 PMCID: PMC4982103 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In the first committed reaction of chlorophyll biosynthesis, magnesium chelatase couples ATP hydrolysis to the thermodynamically unfavorable Mg(2+) insertion into protoporphyrin IX (ΔG°' of circa 25-33 kJ·mol(-1) ). We explored the thermodynamic constraints on magnesium chelatase and demonstrate the effect of nucleotide hydrolysis on both the reaction kinetics and thermodynamics. The enzyme produces a significant rate enhancement (kcat /kuncat of 400 × 10(6) m) and a catalytic rate enhancement, kcat/KmDIXK0.5Mgkuncat, of 30 × 10(15) m(-1) , increasing to 300 × 10(15) m(-1) with the activator protein Gun4. This is the first demonstration of the thermodynamic benefit of ATP hydrolysis in the AAA(+) family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan B P Adams
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Amanda A Brindley
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - C Neil Hunter
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - James D Reid
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, UK
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22
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Abstract
Heme, which is composed of iron and the small organic molecule protoporphyrin, is an essential component of hemoglobin as well as a variety of physiologically important hemoproteins. During erythropoiesis, heme synthesis is induced before, and is essential for, globin synthesis. Although all cells possess the ability to synthesize heme, there are distinct differences between regulation of the pathway in developing erythroid cells and all other types of cells. Disorders that compromise the ability of the developing red cell to synthesize heme can have profound medical implications. The biosynthetic pathway for heme and key regulatory features are reviewed herein, along with specific human genetic disorders that arise from defective heme synthesis such as X-linked sideroblastic anemia and erythropoietic protoporphyria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry A Dailey
- Department of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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23
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Wang Y, Wu J, Ju J, Shen Y. Investigation by MD simulation of the key residues related to substrate-binding and heme-release in human ferrochelatase. J Mol Model 2013; 19:2509-18. [DOI: 10.1007/s00894-013-1789-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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24
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Medlock AE, Najahi-Missaoui W, Ross TA, Dailey TA, Burch J, O'Brien JR, Lanzilotta WN, Dailey HA. Identification and characterization of solvent-filled channels in human ferrochelatase. Biochemistry 2012; 51:5422-33. [PMID: 22712763 DOI: 10.1021/bi300598g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ferrochelatase catalyzes the formation of protoheme from two potentially cytotoxic products, iron and protoporphyrin IX. While much is known from structural and kinetic studies on human ferrochelatase of the dynamic nature of the enzyme during catalysis and the binding of protoporphyrin IX and heme, little is known about how metal is delivered to the active site and how chelation occurs. Analysis of all ferrochelatase structures available to date reveals the existence of several solvent-filled channels that originate at the protein surface and continue to the active site. These channels have been proposed to provide a route for substrate entry, water entry, and proton exit during the catalytic cycle. To begin to understand the functions of these channels, we investigated in vitro and in vivo a number of variants that line these solvent-filled channels. Data presented herein support the role of one of these channels, which originates at the surface residue H240, in the delivery of iron to the active site. Structural studies of the arginyl variant of the conserved residue F337, which resides at the back of the active site pocket, suggest that it not only regulates the opening and closing of active site channels but also plays a role in regulating the enzyme mechanism. These data provide insight into the movement of the substrate and water into and out of the active site and how this movement is coordinated with the reaction mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Medlock
- Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, 30602, United States.
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25
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Hamza I, Dailey HA. One ring to rule them all: trafficking of heme and heme synthesis intermediates in the metazoans. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2012; 1823:1617-32. [PMID: 22575458 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2012.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Revised: 04/15/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The appearance of heme, an organic ring surrounding an iron atom, in evolution forever changed the efficiency with which organisms were able to generate energy, utilize gasses and catalyze numerous reactions. Because of this, heme has become a near ubiquitous compound among living organisms. In this review we have attempted to assess the current state of heme synthesis and trafficking with a goal of identifying crucial missing information, and propose hypotheses related to trafficking that may generate discussion and research. The possibilities of spatially organized supramolecular enzyme complexes and organelle structures that facilitate efficient heme synthesis and subsequent trafficking are discussed and evaluated. Recently identified players in heme transport and trafficking are reviewed and placed in an organismal context. Additionally, older, well established data are reexamined in light of more recent studies on cellular organization and data available from newer model organisms. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cell Biology of Metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqbal Hamza
- Department of Animal & Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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26
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Hunter GA, Al-Karadaghi S, Ferreira GC. FERROCHELATASE: THE CONVERGENCE OF THE PORPHYRIN BIOSYNTHESIS AND IRON TRANSPORT PATHWAYS. J PORPHYR PHTHALOCYA 2012; 15:350-356. [PMID: 21852895 DOI: 10.1142/s108842461100332x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Ferrochelatase (also known as PPIX ferrochelatase; Enzyme Commission number 4.9.9.1.1) catalyzes the insertion of ferrous iron into PPIX to form heme. This reaction unites the biochemically synchronized pathways of porphyrin synthesis and iron transport in nearly all living organisms. The ferrochelatases are an evolutionarily diverse family of enzymes with no more than six active site residues known to be perfectly conserved. The availability of over thirty different crystal structures, including many with bound metal ions or porphyrins, has added tremendously to our understanding of ferrochelatase structure and function. It is generally believed that ferrous iron is directly channeled to ferrochelatase in vivo, but the identity of the suspected chaperone remains uncertain despite much recent progress in this area. Identification of a conserved metal ion binding site at the base of the active site cleft may be an important clue as to how ferrochelatases acquire iron, and catalyze desolvation during transport to the catalytic site to complete heme synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A Hunter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33620
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27
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McIntyre NR, Franco R, Shelnutt JA, Ferreira GC. Nickel(II) chelatase variants directly evolved from murine ferrochelatase: porphyrin distortion and kinetic mechanism. Biochemistry 2011; 50:1535-44. [PMID: 21222436 DOI: 10.1021/bi101170p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The heme biosynthetic pathway culminates with the ferrochelatase-catalyzed ferrous iron chelation into protoporphyrin IX to form protoheme. The catalytic mechanism of ferrochelatase has been proposed to involve the stabilization of a nonplanar porphyrin to present the pyrrole nitrogens to the metal ion substrate. Previously, we hypothesized that the ferrochelatase-induced nonplanar distortions of the porphyrin substrate impose selectivity for the divalent metal ion incorporated into the porphyrin ring and facilitate the release of the metalated porphyrin through its reduced affinity for the enzyme. Using resonance Raman spectroscopy, the structural properties of porphyrins bound to the active site of directly evolved Ni(2+)-chelatase variants are now examined with regard to the mode and extent of porphyrin deformation and related to the catalytic properties of the enzymes. The Ni(2+)-chelatase variants (S143T, F323L, and S143T/F323L), which were directly evolved to exhibit an enhanced Ni(2+)-chelatase activity over that of the parent wild-type ferrochelatase, induced a weaker saddling deformation of the porphyrin substrate. Steady-state kinetic parameters of the evolved variants for Ni(2+)- and Fe(2+)-chelatase activities increased compared to those of wild-type ferrochelatase. In particular, the reduced porphyrin saddling deformation correlated with increased catalytic efficiency toward the metal ion substrate (Ni(2+) or Fe(2+)). The results lead us to propose that the decrease in the induced protoporphyrin IX saddling mode is associated with a less stringent metal ion preference by ferrochelatase and a slower porphyrin chelation step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil R McIntyre
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
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28
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Hansson MD, Karlberg T, Söderberg CAG, Rajan S, Warren MJ, Al-Karadaghi S, Rigby SEJ, Hansson M. Bacterial ferrochelatase turns human: Tyr13 determines the apparent metal specificity of Bacillus subtilis ferrochelatase. J Biol Inorg Chem 2010; 16:235-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s00775-010-0720-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2010] [Accepted: 10/09/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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29
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Hunter GA, Ferreira GC. Identification and characterization of an inhibitory metal ion-binding site in ferrochelatase. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:41836-42. [PMID: 20966079 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.174243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferrochelatase catalyzes the insertion of ferrous iron into protoporphyrin IX to form heme. The severe metal ion substrate inhibition observed during in vitro studies of the purified enzyme is almost completely eliminated by mutation of an active site histidine residue (His-287, murine ferrochelatase numbering) to leucine and reduced over 2 orders of magnitude by mutation of a nearby conserved phenylalanine residue (Phe-283) to leucine. Elimination of substrate inhibition had no effect on the apparent V(max) for Ni(2+), but the apparent K(m) was increased 100-fold, indicating that the integrity of the inhibitory binding site is important for the enzyme to turn over substrates rapidly at low micromolar metal ion concentrations. The inhibitory site was observed to have a pK(a) value of 8.0, and this value was reduced to 7.5 by the F283L mutation and to 7.4 in a naturally occurring positional variant observed in most bacterial ferrochelatases, murine ferrochelatase H287C. A H287N variant was also found to be substrate-inhibited, but unlike the H287C variant, pH dependence of substrate inhibition was largely eliminated. The data indicate that the inhibitory metal ion-binding site is composed of multiple residues but primarily defined by His-287 and Phe-283 and is crucial for optimal activity at low metal ion concentrations. It is proposed that this binding site may be important for ferrous iron acquisition and desolvation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A Hunter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA.
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30
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Intrinsic Fluorescence of Protoporphyrin IX from Blood Samples Can Yield Information on the Growth of Prostate Tumours. J Fluoresc 2010; 20:1159-65. [DOI: 10.1007/s10895-010-0662-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2009] [Accepted: 03/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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31
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Davidson RE, Chesters CJ, Reid JD. Metal ion selectivity and substrate inhibition in the metal ion chelation catalyzed by human ferrochelatase. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:33795-9. [PMID: 19767646 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.030205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Protoporphyrin IX ferrochelatase (EC 4.99.1.1) catalyzes the terminal step in the heme biosynthetic pathway, the insertion of ferrous iron into protoporphyrin IX. Ferrochelatase shows specificity, in vitro, for multiple metal ion substrates and exhibits substrate inhibition in the case of zinc, copper, cobalt, and nickel. Zinc is the most biologically significant of these; when iron is depleted, zinc porphyrins are formed physiologically. Examining the k(cat)/K(m)(app) ratios for zinc and iron reveals that, in vitro, zinc is the preferred substrate at all concentrations of porphyrin. This is not the observed biological specificity, where zinc porphyrins are abnormal; these data argue for the existence of a specific iron delivery mechanism in vivo. We demonstrate that zinc acts as an uncompetitive substrate inhibitor, suggesting that ferrochelatase acts via an ordered pathway. Steady-state characterization demonstrates that the apparent k(cat) depends on zinc and shows substrate inhibition. Although porphyrin substrate is not inhibitory, zinc inhibition is enhanced by increasing porphyrin concentration. This indicates that zinc inhibits by binding to an enzyme-product complex (EZnD(IX)) and is likely to be the second substrate in an ordered mechanism. Our analysis shows that substrate inhibition by zinc is not a mechanism that can promote specificity for iron over zinc, but is instead one that will reduce the production of all metalloporphyrins in the presence of high concentrations of zinc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E Davidson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HF, United Kingdom
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32
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Product release rather than chelation determines metal specificity for ferrochelatase. J Mol Biol 2009; 393:308-19. [PMID: 19703464 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2009.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2009] [Revised: 08/13/2009] [Accepted: 08/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Ferrochelatase (protoheme ferrolyase, E.C. 4.99.1.1) is the terminal enzyme in heme biosynthesis and catalyzes the insertion of ferrous iron into protoporphyrin IX to form protoheme IX (heme). Within the past two years, X-ray crystallographic data obtained with human ferrochelatase have clearly shown that significant structural changes occur during catalysis that are predicted to facilitate metal insertion and product release. One unanswered question about ferrochelatase involves defining the mechanism whereby some metals, such as divalent Fe, Co, Ni, and Zn, can be used by the enzyme in vitro to produce the corresponding metalloporphyrins, while other metals, such as divalent Mn, Hg, Cd, or Pb, are inhibitors of the enzyme. Through the use of high-resolution X-ray crystallography along with characterization of metal species via their anomalous diffraction, the identity and position of Hg, Cd, Ni, or Mn in the center of enzyme-bound porphyrin macrocycle were determined. When Pb, Hg, Cd, or Ni was present in the macrocycle, the conserved pi helix was in the extended, partially unwound "product release" state. Interestingly, in the structure of ferrochelatase with Mn-porphyrin bound, the pi helix is not extended or unwound and is in the "substrate-bound" conformation. These findings show that at least in the cases of Mn, Pb, Cd, and Hg, metal "inhibition" of ferrochelatase is not due to the inability of the enzyme to insert the metal into the macrocycle or by binding to a second metal binding site as has been previously proposed. Rather, inhibition occurs after metal insertion and results from poor or diminished product release. Possible explanations for the lack of product release are proposed herein.
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Ba LA, Doering M, Burkholz T, Jacob C. Metal trafficking: from maintaining the metal homeostasis to future drug design. Metallomics 2009; 1:292-311. [DOI: 10.1039/b904533c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Hunter GA, Sampson MP, Ferreira GC. Metal ion substrate inhibition of ferrochelatase. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:23685-91. [PMID: 18593702 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m803372200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferrochelatase catalyzes the insertion of ferrous iron into protoporphyrin IX to form heme. Robust kinetic analyses of the reaction mechanism are complicated by the instability of ferrous iron in aqueous solution, particularly at alkaline pH values. At pH 7.00 the half-life for spontaneous oxidation of ferrous ion is approximately 2 min in the absence of metal complexing additives, which is sufficient for direct comparisons of alternative metal ion substrates with iron. These analyses reveal that purified recombinant ferrochelatase from both murine and yeast sources inserts not only ferrous iron but also divalent cobalt, zinc, nickel, and copper into protoporphyrin IX to form the corresponding metalloporphyrins but with considerable mechanistic variability. Ferrous iron is the preferred metal ion substrate in terms of apparent k(cat) and is also the only metal ion substrate not subject to severe substrate inhibition. Substrate inhibition occurs in the order Cu(2+) > Zn(2+) > Co(2+) > Ni(2+) and can be alleviated by the addition of metal complexing agents such as beta-mercaptoethanol or imidazole to the reaction buffer. These data indicate the presence of two catalytically significant metal ion binding sites that may coordinately regulate a selective processivity for the various potential metal ion substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A Hunter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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Karlberg T, Hansson MD, Yengo RK, Johansson R, Thorvaldsen HO, Ferreira GC, Hansson M, Al-Karadaghi S. Porphyrin binding and distortion and substrate specificity in the ferrochelatase reaction: the role of active site residues. J Mol Biol 2008; 378:1074-83. [PMID: 18423489 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2008.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2007] [Revised: 03/14/2008] [Accepted: 03/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The specific insertion of a divalent metal ion into tetrapyrrole macrocycles is catalyzed by a group of enzymes called chelatases. Distortion of the tetrapyrrole has been proposed to be an important component of the mechanism of metallation. We present the structures of two different inhibitor complexes: (1) N-methylmesoporphyrin (N-MeMP) with the His183Ala variant of Bacillus subtilis ferrochelatase; (2) the wild-type form of the same enzyme with deuteroporphyrin IX 2,4-disulfonic acid dihydrochloride (dSDP). Analysis of the structures showed that only one N-MeMP isomer out of the eight possible was bound to the protein and it was different from the isomer that was earlier found to bind to the wild-type enzyme. A comparison of the distortion of this porphyrin with other porphyrin complexes of ferrochelatase and a catalytic antibody with ferrochelatase activity using normal-coordinate structural decomposition reveals that certain types of distortion are predominant in all these complexes. On the other hand, dSDP, which binds closer to the protein surface compared to N-MeMP, does not undergo any distortion upon binding to the protein, underscoring that the position of the porphyrin within the active site pocket is crucial for generating the distortion required for metal insertion. In addition, in contrast to the wild-type enzyme, Cu(2+)-soaking of the His183Ala variant complex did not show any traces of porphyrin metallation. Collectively, these results provide new insights into the role of the active site residues of ferrochelatase in controlling stereospecificity, distortion and metallation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Karlberg
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Centre for Molecular Protein Science, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
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Medlock AE, Dailey TA, Ross TA, Dailey HA, Lanzilotta WN. A pi-helix switch selective for porphyrin deprotonation and product release in human ferrochelatase. J Mol Biol 2007; 373:1006-16. [PMID: 17884090 PMCID: PMC2083577 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2007.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2007] [Revised: 08/14/2007] [Accepted: 08/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ferrochelatase (protoheme ferrolyase, EC 4.99.1.1) is the terminal enzyme in heme biosynthesis and catalyzes the insertion of ferrous iron into protoporphyrin IX to form protoheme IX (heme). Due to the many critical roles of heme, synthesis of heme is required by the vast majority of organisms. Despite significant investigation of both the microbial and eukaryotic enzyme, details of metal chelation remain unidentified. Here we present the first structure of the wild-type human enzyme, a lead-inhibited intermediate of the wild-type enzyme with bound metallated porphyrin macrocycle, the product bound form of the enzyme, and a higher resolution model for the substrate-bound form of the E343K variant. These data paint a picture of an enzyme that undergoes significant changes in secondary structure during the catalytic cycle. The role that these structural alterations play in overall catalysis and potential protein-protein interactions with other proteins, as well as the possible molecular basis for these changes, is discussed. The atomic details and structural rearrangements presented herein significantly advance our understanding of the substrate binding mode of ferrochelatase and reveal new conformational changes in a structurally conserved pi-helix that is predicted to have a central role in product release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Medlock
- Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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