Site-specific incorporation of 3-nitrotyrosine as a probe of pKa perturbation of redox-active tyrosines in ribonucleotide reductase

Expanding the Genetic Code of Bioelectrocatalysis and Biomaterials

Genetic code expansion is a promising genetic engineering technology that incorporates noncanonical amino acids into proteins alongside the natural set of 20 amino acids. This enables the precise encoding of non-natural chemical groups in proteins. This review focuses on the applications of genetic code expansion in bioelectrocatalysis and biomaterials. In bioelectrocatalysis, this technique enhances the efficiency and selectivity of bioelectrocatalysts for use in sensors, biofuel cells, and enzymatic electrodes. In biomaterials, incorporating non-natural chemical groups into protein-based polymers facilitates the modification, fine-tuning, or the engineering of new biomaterial properties. The review provides an overview of relevant technologies, discusses applications, and highlights achievements, challenges, and prospects in these fields.

2.6-Å resolution cryo-EM structure of a class Ia ribonucleotide reductase trapped with mechanism-based inhibitor N3CDP

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) reduce ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides using radical-based chemistry. For class Ia RNRs, the radical species is stored in a separate subunit (β2) from the subunit housing the active site (α2), requiring the formation of a short-lived α2β2 complex and long-range radical transfer (RT). RT occurs via proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) over a long distance (~32-Å) and involves the formation and decay of multiple amino acid radical species. Here, we use cryogenic-electron microscopy and a mechanism-based inhibitor 2'-azido-2'-deoxycytidine-5'-diphosphate (N3CDP) to trap a wild-type α2β2 complex of E. coli class Ia RNR. We find that one α subunit has turned over and that the other is trapped, bound to β in a mid-turnover state. Instead of N3CDP in the active site, forward RT has resulted in N2 loss, migration of the third nitrogen from the ribose C2' to C3' positions, and attachment of this nitrogen to the sulfur of cysteine-225. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time an inhibitor has been visualized as an adduct to an RNR. Additionally, this structure reveals the positions of PCET residues following forward RT, complementing the previous structure that depicted a pre-turnover PCET pathway and suggesting how PCET is gated at the α-β interface. This N3CDP-trapped structure is also of sufficient resolution (2.6 Å) to visualize water molecules, allowing us to evaluate the proposal that water molecules are proton acceptors and donors as part of the PCET process.

Modulating the pH dependent photophysical properties of green fluorescent protein

The photophysical properties of the β-barrel superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) arise from the chromophore that forms post-translationally in the interior of the protein. Specifically, the protonation state of the side chain of tyrosine 66 in the chromophore, in addition to the network of hydrogen bonds between the chromophore and surrounding residues, is directly related to the electronic absorbance and emission properties of the protein. The pH dependence of the photophysical properties of this protein were modulated by the genetic, site-specific incorporation of 3-nitro-l-tyrosine (mNO2Y) at site 66 in sfGFP. The altered photophysical properties of this noncanonical amino acid (ncAA) sfGFP construct were assessed by absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopies. Notably, a comparison of the pK a of the 3-nitrophenol side chain of mNO2Y incorporated in the protein relative to the phenol side chain of the tyrosine at site 66 in the native chromophore as well as the pK a of the 3-nitrophenol side chain of the free ncAA were measured and are compared. A structural analysis of the ncAA containing sfGFP construct is presented to yield molecular insight into the origin of the altered absorbance and fluorescence properties of the protein.

Conformational control over proton-coupled electron transfer in metalloenzymes

From the reduction of dinitrogen to the oxidation of water, the chemical transformations catalysed by metalloenzymes underlie global geochemical and biochemical cycles. These reactions represent some of the most kinetically and thermodynamically challenging processes known and require the complex choreography of the fundamental building blocks of nature, electrons and protons, to be carried out with utmost precision and accuracy. The rate-determining step of catalysis in many metalloenzymes consists of a protein structural rearrangement, suggesting that nature has evolved to leverage macroscopic changes in protein molecular structure to control subatomic changes in metallocofactor electronic structure. The proton-coupled electron transfer mechanisms operative in nitrogenase, photosystem II and ribonucleotide reductase exemplify this interplay between molecular and electronic structural control. We present the culmination of decades of study on each of these systems and clarify what is known regarding the interplay between structural changes and functional outcomes in these metalloenzyme linchpins.

Mimicking Nonribosomal Peptides from the Marine Actinomycete Streptomyces sp. H-KF8 Leads to Antimicrobial Peptides

Microorganisms within the marine environment have been shown to be very effective sources of naturally produced antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Several nonribosomal peptides were identified based on genome mining predictions of Streptomyces sp. H-KF8, a marine Actinomycetota isolated from a remote Northern Chilean Patagonian fjord. Based on these predictions, a series of eight peptides, including cyclic peptides, were designed and chemically synthesized. Six of these peptides showed antimicrobial activity. Mode of action studies suggest that two of these peptides potentially act on the cell membrane via a novel mechanism allowing the passage of small ions, resulting in the dissipation of the membrane potential. This study shows that though structurally similar peptides, determined by NMR spectroscopy, the incorporation of small sequence mutations results in a dramatic influence on their bioactivity including mode of action. The qualified hit sequence can serve as a basis for more potent AMPs in future studies.

Impact of N221S missense mutation in human ribonucleotide reductase small subunit b on mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome

The impact of N221S mutation in hRRM2B gene, which encodes the small subunit of human ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), on RNR activity and the pathogenesis of mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MDDS) was investigated. Our results demonstrate that N221 mutations significantly reduce RNR activity, suggesting its role in the development of MDDS. We proposed an allosteric regulation pathway involving a chain of three phenylalanine residues on the αE helix of RNR small subunit β. This pathway connects the C-terminal loop of β2, transfers the activation signal from the large catalytic subunit α to β active site, and controls access of oxygen for radical generation. N221 is near this pathway and likely plays a role in regulating RNR activity. Mutagenesis studies on residues involved in the phenylalanine chain and the regulation pathway were conducted to confirm our proposed mechanism. We also performed molecular dynamic simulation and protein contact network analysis to support our findings. This study sheds new light on RNR small subunit regulation and provides insight on the pathogenesis of MDDS.

Unveiling the human nitroproteome: Protein tyrosine nitration in cell signaling and cancer

Covalent amino acid modification significantly expands protein functional capability in regulating biological processes. Tyrosine residues can undergo phosphorylation, sulfation, adenylation, halogenation, and nitration. These posttranslational modifications (PTMs) result from the actions of specific enzymes: tyrosine kinases, tyrosyl-protein sulfotransferase(s), adenylate transferase(s), oxidoreductases, peroxidases, and metal-heme containing proteins. Whereas phosphorylation, sulfation, and adenylation modify the hydroxyl group of tyrosine, tyrosine halogenation and nitration target the adjacent carbon residues. Because aberrant tyrosine nitration has been associated with human disorders and with animal models of disease, we have created an updated and curated database of 908 human nitrated proteins. We have also analyzed this new resource to provide insight into the role of tyrosine nitration in cancer biology, an area that has not previously been considered in detail. Unexpectedly, we have found that 879 of the 1971 known sites of tyrosine nitration are also sites of phosphorylation suggesting an extensive role for nitration in cell signaling. Overall, the review offers several forward-looking opportunities for future research and new perspectives for understanding the role of tyrosine nitration in cancer biology.

Radical Transport Facilitated by a Proton Transfer Network at the Subunit Interface of Ribonucleotide Reductase

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) play an essential role in the conversion of nucleotides to deoxynucleotides in all organisms. The Escherichia coli class Ia RNR requires two homodimeric subunits, α and β. The active form is an asymmetric αα'ββ' complex. The α subunit houses the site for nucleotide reduction initiated by a thiyl radical (C439•), and the β subunit houses the diferric-tyrosyl radical (Y122•) that is essential for C439• formation. The reactions require a highly regulated and reversible long-range proton-coupled electron transfer pathway involving Y122•[β] ↔ W48?[β] ↔ Y356[β] ↔ Y731[α] ↔ Y730[α] ↔ C439[α]. In a recent cryo-EM structure, Y356[β] was revealed for the first time and it, along with Y731[α], spans the asymmetric α/β interface. An E52[β] residue, which is essential for Y356 oxidation, allows access to the interface and resides at the head of a polar region comprising R331[α], E326[α], and E326[α'] residues. Mutagenesis studies with canonical and unnatural amino acid substitutions now suggest that these ionizable residues are important in enzyme activity. To gain further insights into the roles of these residues, Y356• was photochemically generated using a photosensitizer covalently attached adjacent to Y356[β]. Mutagenesis studies, transient absorption spectroscopy, and photochemical assays monitoring deoxynucleotide formation collectively indicate that the E52[β], R331[α], E326[α], and E326[α'] network plays the essential role of shuttling protons associated with Y356 oxidation from the interface to bulk solvent.

Genetic encoding of 3-nitro-tyrosine reveals the impacts of 14-3-3 nitration on client binding and dephosphorylation

14-3-3 proteins are central hub regulators of hundreds of phosphorylated "client" proteins. They are subject to over 60 post-translational modifications (PTMs), yet little is known how these PTMs alter 14-3-3 function and its ability to regulate downstream signaling pathways. An often neglected, but well-documented 14-3-3 PTM found under physiological and immune-stimulatory conditions is the conversion of tyrosine to 3-nitro-tyrosine at several Tyr sites, two of which are located at sites considered important for 14-3-3 function: Y130 (β-isoform numbering) is located in the primary phospho-client peptide-binding groove, while Y213 is found on a secondary binding site that engages with clients for full 14-3-3/client complex formation and client regulation. By genetically encoding 3-nitro-tyrosine, we sought to understand if nitration at Y130 and Y213 effectively modulated 14-3-3 structure, function, and client complexation. The 1.5 Å resolution crystal structure of 14-3-3 nitrated at Y130 showed the nitro group altered the conformation of key residues in the primary binding site, while functional studies confirmed client proteins failed to bind this variant of 14-3-3. But, in contrast to other client-binding deficient variants, it did not localize to the nucleus. The 1.9 Å resolution structure of 14-3-3 nitrated at Y213 revealed unusual flexibility of its C-terminal α-helix resulting in domain swapping, suggesting additional structural plasticity though its relevance is not clear as this nitrated form retained its ability to bind clients. Collectively, our data suggest that nitration of 14-3-3 will alter downstream signaling systems, and if uncontrolled could result in global dysregulation of the 14-3-3 interactome.

A pilot study on nitration/dysfunction of NK1 segment of myogenic stem cell activator HGF

Protein tyrosine residue (Y) nitration, a post-translational chemical-modification mode, has been associated with changes in protein activity and function; hence the accumulation of specific nitrated proteins in tissues may be used to monitor the onset and progression of pathological disorders. To verify the possible impact of nitration on postnatal muscle growth and regeneration, a pilot study was designed to examine the nitration/dysfunction of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a key ligand that is released from the extracellular tethering and activates myogenic stem satellite cells to enter the cell cycle upon muscle stretch and injury. Exposure of recombinant HGF (a hetero-dimer of α- and β-chains) to peroxynitrite induces Y nitration in HGF α-chain under physiological conditions. Physiological significance of this finding was emphasized by Western blotting that showed the NK1 segment of HGF (including a K1 domain critical for signaling-receptor c-met binding) undergoes nitration with a primary target of Y198. Peroxynitrite treatment abolished HGF-agonistic activity of the NK1 segment, as revealed by in vitro c-met binding and bromodeoxyuridine-incorporation assays. Importantly, direct-immunofluorescence microscopy of rat lower hind-limb muscles from two aged-groups (2-month-old “young” and 12-month-old “retired/adult”) provided in vivo evidence for age-related nitration of extracellular HGF (Y198). Overall, findings provide the insight that HGF/NK1 nitration/dysfunction perturbs myogenic stem cell dynamics and homeostasis; hence NK1 nitration may stimulate progression of muscular disorders and diseases including sarcopenia.

•

NK1 segment of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) undergoes tyrosine (Y) nitration.

•

Y198 was identified as a primary target for nitration of NK1.

•

NK1 nitration may abolish HGF-agonistic activity that activates myogenic stem cells.

•

Nitration of extracellular HGF-Y198 was detected in vivo at early aging-phase of rat.

•

Findings may provide a possible strategy to combat progressive muscle-atrophy.

Exploration of Methanomethylophilus alvus Pyrrolysyl-tRNA Synthetase Activity in Yeast

Archaeal pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetases (PylRSs) have been used to genetically encode over 200 distinct noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) in proteins in Escherichia coli and mammalian cells. This vastly expands the range of chemical functionality accessible within proteins produced in these organisms. Despite these clear successes, explorations of PylRS function in yeast remain limited. In this work, we demonstrate that the Methanomethylophilus alvus PylRS (MaPylRS) and its cognate tRNA_CUA^MaPyl support the incorporation of ncAAs into proteins produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using stop codon suppression methodologies. Additionally, we prepared three MaPylRS mutants originally engineered in E. coli and determined that all three were active with one or more ncAAs, although with low efficiencies of ncAA incorporation in comparison to the parent MaPylRS. Alongside MaPylRS variants, we evaluated the activity of previously reported Methanosarcina mazei, Methanosarcina barkeri, and chimeric M. mazei and M. barkeri PylRSs. Using S. cerevisiae RJY100 and pairing these PylRSs with the M. mazei tRNA_CUA, we did not observe any detectable stop codon suppression activity under the same conditions that produced moderately efficient ncAA incorporation with MaPylRS. The addition of MaPylRS/tRNA_CUA^MaPyl to the orthogonal translation machinery toolkit in S. cerevisiae potentially opens the door to hundreds of ncAAs that have not previously been genetically encodable using other aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNA pairs. Extending the scope of ncAA incorporation in yeast could powerfully advance chemical and biological research for applications ranging from basic biological discovery to enzyme engineering and therapeutic protein lead discovery.

In-Cell Characterization of the Stable Tyrosyl Radical in E. coli Ribonucleotide Reductase Using Advanced EPR Spectroscopy

The E. coli ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), a paradigm for class Ia enzymes including human RNR, catalyzes the biosynthesis of DNA building blocks and requires a di‐iron tyrosyl radical (Y₁₂₂^.) cofactor for activity. The knowledge on the in vitro Y₁₂₂^. structure and its radical distribution within the β2 subunit has accumulated over the years; yet little information exists on the in vivo Y₁₂₂^.. Here, we characterize this essential radical in whole cells. Multi‐frequency EPR and electron‐nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) demonstrate that the structure and electrostatic environment of Y₁₂₂^. are identical under in vivo and in vitro conditions. Pulsed dipolar EPR experiments shed light on a distinct in vivo Y₁₂₂^. per β2 distribution, supporting the key role of Y^. concentrations in regulating RNR activity. Additionally, we spectroscopically verify the generation of an unnatural amino acid radical, F₃Y₁₂₂^., in whole cells, providing a crucial step towards unique insights into the RNR catalysis under physiological conditions.

Detection of Water Molecules on the Radical Transfer Pathway of Ribonucleotide Reductase by 17O Electron-Nuclear Double Resonance Spectroscopy

The role of water in biological proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) is emerging as a key for understanding mechanistic details at atomic resolution. Here we demonstrate 17O high-frequency electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) in conjunction with H217O-labeled protein buffer to establish the presence of ordered water molecules at three radical intermediates in an active enzyme complex, the α2β2 E. coli ribonucleotide reductase. Our data give unambiguous evidence that all three, individually trapped, intermediates are hyperfine coupled to one water molecule with Tyr-O···17O distances in the range 2.8-3.1 Å. The availability of this structural information will allow for quantitative models of PCET in this prototype enzyme. The results also provide a spectroscopic signature for water H-bonded to a tyrosyl radical.

Light-Controlled Tyrosine Nitration of Proteins

Tyrosine nitration of proteins is one of the most important oxidative post-translational modifications in vivo. A major obstacle for its biochemical and physiological studies is the lack of efficient and chemoselective protein tyrosine nitration reagents. Herein, we report a generalizable strategy for light-controlled protein tyrosine nitration by employing biocompatible dinitroimidazole reagents. Upon 390 nm irradiation, dinitroimidazoles efficiently convert tyrosine residues into 3-nitrotyrosine residues in peptides and proteins with fast kinetics and high chemoselectivity under neutral aqueous buffer conditions. The incorporation of 3-nitrotyrosine residues enhances the thermostability of lasso peptide natural products and endows murine tumor necrosis factor-α with strong immunogenicity to break self-tolerance. The light-controlled time resolution of this method allows the investigation of the impact of tyrosine nitration on the self-assembly behavior of α-synuclein.

Recent Advances in Biocatalysis with Chemical Modification and Expanded Amino Acid Alphabet

The two main strategies for enzyme engineering, directed evolution and rational design, have found widespread applications in improving the intrinsic activities of proteins. Although numerous advances have been achieved using these ground-breaking methods, the limited chemical diversity of the biopolymers, restricted to the 20 canonical amino acids, hampers creation of novel enzymes that Nature has never made thus far. To address this, much research has been devoted to expanding the protein sequence space via chemical modifications and/or incorporation of noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs). This review provides a balanced discussion and critical evaluation of the applications, recent advances, and technical breakthroughs in biocatalysis for three approaches: (i) chemical modification of cAAs, (ii) incorporation of ncAAs, and (iii) chemical modification of incorporated ncAAs. Furthermore, the applications of these approaches and the result on the functional properties and mechanistic study of the enzymes are extensively reviewed. We also discuss the design of artificial enzymes and directed evolution strategies for enzymes with ncAAs incorporated. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and future perspectives for biocatalysis using the expanded amino acid alphabet.

Computing Proton-Coupled Redox Potentials of Fluorotyrosines in a Protein Environment

The oxidation of tyrosine to form the neutral tyrosine radical via proton-coupled electron transfer is essential for a wide range of biological processes. The precise measurement of the proton-coupled redox potentials of tyrosine (Y) in complex protein environments is challenging mainly because of the highly oxidizing and reactive nature of the radical state. Herein, a computational strategy is presented for predicting proton-coupled redox potentials in a protein environment. In this strategy, both the reduced Y-OH and oxidized Y-O^• forms of tyrosine are sampled with molecular dynamics using a molecular mechanical force field. For a large number of conformations, a quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) electrostatic embedding scheme is used to compute the free-energy differences between the reduced and oxidized forms, including the zero-point energy and entropic contributions as well as the impact of the protein electrostatic environment. This strategy is applied to a series of fluorinated tyrosine derivatives embedded in a de novo α-helical protein denoted as α₃Y. The force fields for both the reduced and oxidized forms of these noncanonical fluorinated tyrosine residues are parameterized for general use. The calculated relative proton-coupled redox potentials agree with experimentally measured values with a mean unsigned error of 24 mV. Analysis of the simulations illustrates that hydrogen-bonding interactions between tyrosine and water increase the redox potentials by ∼100-250 mV, with significant variations because of the fluctuating protein environment. This QM/MM approach enables the calculation of proton-coupled redox potentials of tyrosine and other residues such as tryptophan in a variety of protein systems.

3-Nitrotyrosine and related derivatives in proteins: precursors, radical intermediates and impact in function

Oxidative post-translational modification of proteins by molecular oxygen (O2)- and nitric oxide (•NO)-derived reactive species is a usual process that occurs in mammalian tissues under both physiological and pathological conditions and can exert either regulatory or cytotoxic effects. Although the side chain of several amino acids is prone to experience oxidative modifications, tyrosine residues are one of the preferred targets of one-electron oxidants, given the ability of their phenolic side chain to undergo reversible one-electron oxidation to the relatively stable tyrosyl radical. Naturally occurring as reversible catalytic intermediates at the active site of a variety of enzymes, tyrosyl radicals can also lead to the formation of several stable oxidative products through radical-radical reactions, as is the case of 3-nitrotyrosine (NO2Tyr). The formation of NO2Tyr mainly occurs through the fast reaction between the tyrosyl radical and nitrogen dioxide (•NO2). One of the key endogenous nitrating agents is peroxynitrite (ONOO-), the product of the reaction of superoxide radical (O2•-) with •NO, but ONOO--independent mechanisms of nitration have been also disclosed. This chemical modification notably affects the physicochemical properties of tyrosine residues and because of this, it can have a remarkable impact on protein structure and function, both in vitro and in vivo. Although low amounts of NO2Tyr are detected under basal conditions, significantly increased levels are found at pathological states related with an overproduction of reactive species, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation and aging. While NO2Tyr is a well-established stable oxidative stress biomarker and a good predictor of disease progression, its role as a pathogenic mediator has been laboriously defined for just a small number of nitrated proteins and awaits further studies.

Trapping Transient Protein Species by Genetic Code Expansion

Nature employs a limited number of genetically encoded amino acids for the construction of functional proteins. By engineering components of the cellular translation machinery, however, it is now possible to genetically encode noncanonical building blocks with tailored electronic and structural properties. The ability to incorporate unique chemical functionality into proteins provides a powerful tool to probe mechanism and create novel function. In this minireview, we highlight several recent studies that illustrate how noncanonical amino acids have been used to capture and characterize reactive intermediates, fine-tune the catalytic properties of enzymes, and stabilize short-lived protein-protein complexes.

Conformational Motions and Water Networks at the α/β Interface in E. coli Ribonucleotide Reductase

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) catalyze the conversion of all four ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides and are essential for DNA synthesis in all organisms. The active form of E. coli Ia RNR is composed of two homodimers that form the active α₂β₂ complex. Catalysis is initiated by long-range radical translocation over a ∼32 Å proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) pathway involving Y356β and Y731α at the interface. Resolving the PCET pathway at the α/β interface has been a long-standing challenge due to the lack of structural data. Herein, molecular dynamics simulations based on a recently solved cryogenic-electron microscopy structure of an active α₂β₂ complex are performed to examine the structure and fluctuations of interfacial water, as well as the hydrogen-bonding interactions and conformational motions of interfacial residues along the PCET pathway. Our free energy simulations reveal that Y731 is able to sample both a flipped-out conformation, where it points toward the interface to facilitate interfacial PCET with Y356, and a stacked conformation with Y730 to enable collinear PCET with this residue. Y356 and Y731 exhibit hydrogen-bonding interactions with interfacial water molecules and, in some conformations, share a bridging water molecule, suggesting that the primary proton acceptor for PCET from Y356 and from Y731 is interfacial water. The conformational flexibility of Y731 and the hydrogen-bonding interactions of both Y731 and Y356 with interfacial water and hydrogen-bonded water chains appear critical for effective radical translocation along the PCET pathway. These simulations are consistent with biochemical and spectroscopic data and provide previously unattainable atomic-level insights into the fundamental mechanism of RNR.

Subunit Interaction Dynamics of Class Ia Ribonucleotide Reductases: In Search of a Robust Assay

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) catalyze the conversion of nucleotides (NDP) to deoxynucleotides (dNDP), in part, by controlling the ratios and quantities of dNTPs available for DNA replication and repair. The active form of Escherichia coli class Ia RNR is an asymmetric α2β2 complex in which α2 contains the active site and β2 contains the stable diferric-tyrosyl radical cofactor responsible for initiating the reduction chemistry. Each dNDP is accompanied by disulfide bond formation. We now report that, under in vitro conditions, β2 can initiate turnover in α2 catalytically under both "one" turnover (no external reductant, though producing two dCDPs) and multiple turnover (with an external reductant) assay conditions. In the absence of reductant, rapid chemical quench analysis of a reaction of α2, substrate, and effector with variable amounts of β2 (1-, 10-, and 100-fold less than α2) yields 3 dCDP/α2 at all ratios of α2:β2 with a rate constant of 8-9 s-1, associated with a rate-limiting conformational change. Stopped-flow fluorescence spectroscopy with a fluorophore-labeled β reveals that the rate constants for subunit association (163 ± 7 μM-1 s-1) and dissociation (75 ± 10 s-1) are fast relative to turnover, consistent with catalytic β2. When assaying in the presence of an external reducing system, the turnover number is dictated by the ratio of α2:β2, their concentrations, and the concentration and nature of the reducing system; the rate-limiting step can change from the conformational gating to a step or steps involving disulfide rereduction, dissociation of the inhibited α4β4 state, or both. The issues encountered with E. coli RNR are likely of importance in all class I RNRs and are central to understanding the development of screening assays for inhibitors of these enzymes.

Selenocysteine Substitution in a Class I Ribonucleotide Reductase

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) employ a complex radical-based mechanism during nucleotide reduction involving multiple active site cysteines that both activate the substrate and reduce it. Using an engineered allo-tRNA, we substituted two active site cysteines with distinct function in the class Ia RNR of Escherichia coli for selenocysteine (U) via amber codon suppression, with efficiency and selectivity enabling biochemical and biophysical studies. Examination of the interactions of the C₄₃₉U α₂ mutant protein with nucleotide substrates and the cognate β₂ subunit demonstrates that the endogenous Y₁₂₂^• of β₂ is reduced under turnover conditions, presumably through radical transfer to form a transient U₄₃₉^• species. This putative U₄₃₉^• species is formed in a kinetically competent fashion but is incapable of initiating nucleotide reduction via 3'-H abstraction. An analogous C₂₂₅U α₂ protein is also capable of radical transfer from Y₁₂₂^•, but the radical-based substrate chemistry partitions between turnover and stalled reduction akin to the reactivity of mechanism-based inhibitors of RNR. The results collectively demonstrate the essential role of cysteine redox chemistry in the class I RNRs and establish a new tool for investigating thiyl radical reactivity in biology.

Reductive modification of genetically encoded 3-nitrotyrosine sites in alpha synuclein expressed in E.coli

Tyrosine nitration is a post-translational protein modification relevant to various pathophysiological processes. Chemical nitration procedures have been used to generate and study nitrated proteins, but these methods regularly lead to modifications at other amino acid residues. A novel strategy employs a genetic code modification that allows incorporation of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) during ribosomal protein synthesis to generate a recombinant protein with defined 3-NT-sites, in the absence of other post-translational modifications. This approach was applied to study the generation and stability of the 3-NT moiety in recombinant proteins produced in E.coli. Nitrated alpha-synuclein (ASYN) was selected as exemplary protein, relevant in Parkinson's disease (PD). A procedure was established to obtain pure tyrosine-modified ASYN in mg amounts. However, a rapid (t_1/2 = 0.4 h) reduction of 3-NT to 3-aminotyrosine (3-AT) was observed. When screening for potential mechanisms, we found that 3-NT can be reduced enzymatically to 3-AT, whilst biologically relevant low molecular weight reductants, such as NADPH or GSH, did not affect 3-NT. A genetic screen for E.coli proteins, involved in the observed 3-NT reduction, revealed the contribution of several, possibly redundant pathways. Green fluorescent protein was studied as an alternative model protein. These data confirm 3-NT reduction as a broadly-relevant pathway in E.coli. In conclusion, incorporation of 3-NT as a genetically-encoded non-natural amino acid allows for generation of recombinant proteins with specific nitration sites. The potential reduction of the 3-NT moiety by E.coli, however, requires attention to the design of the purification strategy for obtaining pure nitrated protein.

•

3-nitrotyrosine in proteins is reduced to 3-aminotyrosine in E.coli.

•

3-aminotyrosine is stable in E.coli.

•

3-nitrotyrosine reduction is independent of the harboring protein but affected by protein structure.

Coupled-perturbed DFTB-QM/MM metadynamics: Application to proton-coupled electron transfer

We present a new concept of free energy calculations of chemical reactions by means of extended sampling molecular dynamics simulations. Biasing potentials are applied on partial atomic charges, which may be combined with atomic coordinates either in a single collective variable or in multi-dimensional biasing simulations. The necessary additional gradients are obtained by solving coupled-perturbed equations within the approximative density-functional tight-binding method. The new computational scheme was implemented in a combination of Gromacs and Plumed. As a prospective application, proton-coupled electron transfer in a model molecular system is studied. Two collective variables are introduced naturally, one for the proton transfer and the other for the electron transfer. The results are in qualitative agreement with the extended free simulations performed for reference. Free energy minima as well as the mechanism of the process are identified correctly, while the topology of the transition region and the height of the energy barrier are only reproduced qualitatively. The application also illustrates possible difficulties with the new methodology. These may be inefficient sampling of spatial coordinates when atomic charges are biased exclusively and a decreased stability of the simulations. Still, the new approach represents a viable alternative for free energy calculations of a certain class of chemical reactions, for instance a proton-coupled electron transfer in proteins.

NTyroSite: Computational Identification of Protein Nitrotyrosine Sites Using Sequence Evolutionary Features

Nitrotyrosine is a product of tyrosine nitration mediated by reactive nitrogen species. As an indicator of cell damage and inflammation, protein nitrotyrosine serves to reveal biological change associated with various diseases or oxidative stress. Accurate identification of nitrotyrosine site provides the important foundation for further elucidating the mechanism of protein nitrotyrosination. However, experimental identification of nitrotyrosine sites through traditional methods are laborious and expensive. In silico prediction of nitrotyrosine sites based on protein sequence information are thus highly desired. Here, we report a novel predictor, NTyroSite, for accurate prediction of nitrotyrosine sites using sequence evolutionary information. The generated features were optimized using a Wilcoxon-rank sum test. A random forest classifier was then trained using these features to build the predictor. The final NTyroSite predictor achieved an area under a receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) score of 0.904 in a 10-fold cross-validation test. It also significantly outperformed other existing implementations in an independent test. Meanwhile, for a better understanding of our prediction model, the predominant rules and informative features were extracted from the NTyroSite model to explain the prediction results. We expect that the NTyroSite predictor may serve as a useful computational resource for high-throughput nitrotyrosine site prediction. The online interface of the software is publicly available at https://biocomputer.bio.cuhk.edu.hk/NTyroSite/.

Artificial Metalloproteins Containing Co4O4 Cubane Active Sites

Artificial metalloproteins (ArMs) containing Co4O4 cubane active sites were constructed via biotin-streptavidin technology. Stabilized by hydrogen bonds (H-bonds), terminal and cofacial CoIII-OH2 moieties are observed crystallographically in a series of immobilized cubane sites. Solution electrochemistry provided correlations of oxidation potential and pH. For variants containing Ser and Phe adjacent to the metallocofactor, 1e-/1H+ chemistry predominates until pH 8, above which the oxidation becomes pH-independent. Installation of Tyr proximal to the Co4O4 active site provided a single H-bond to one of a set of cofacial CoIII-OH2 groups. With this variant, multi-e-/multi-H+ chemistry is observed, along with a change in mechanism at pH 9.5 that is consistent with Tyr deprotonation. With structural similarities to both the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II (H-bonded Tyr) and to thin film water oxidation catalysts (Co4O4 core), these findings bridge synthetic and biological systems for water oxidation, highlighting the importance of secondary sphere interactions in mediating multi-e-/multi-H+ reactivity.

Nitration of tyrosine and its effect on DNA hybridization

One major marker of nitrosative stress is the formation of 3-Nitrotyrosine (3-NT) from Tyrosine (Tyr) by adding a nitro group (-NO₂) with nitrating agents. Nitration of Tyr often causes loss of protein activity and is linked with many diseases. In this article, we detect 3-NT and discriminate it from Tyr with Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) as it is a very important biomarker. We first examined redox (oxidation/reduction) properties and stability of 3-NT in detail. Second, we provided the Tyr and 3-NT discrimination with DPV and compared with the chromatography. We then explored the interaction of 3-NT and DNA oligonucleotides. Our findings demonstrate that 3-NT can be used as a new electrochemical indicator, which is able to detect hybridization of probe (single stranded DNA-ssDNA) and hybrid (double stranded DNA-dsDNA) both via 3-NT reduction and guanine oxidation signal changes at the same time. The signal differences enabled us to distinguish ssDNA and dsDNA without using a label or a tag. Moreover, we achieved to detect hybridization of DNA by using the reduction signal of 3-NT obtained at -0.4V vs. Ag/AgCl. More importantly, we observed the changes of the reduction signals of 3-NT after the interaction of probe and hybrid sequences. We showed that 3-NT signal decreases more with hybrid than the probe. Our platform, for the first time, demonstrates the detection of hybridization both guanine oxidation and indicator reduction signal changes at the same time. Moreover, we, for the first time, demonstrated the interaction between 3-NT and DNA.

Long-range proton-coupled electron transfer in the Escherichia coli class Ia ribonucleotide reductase

Escherichia coli class Ia ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) catalyzes the conversion of nucleotides to 2'-deoxynucleotides using a radical mechanism. Each turnover requires radical transfer from an assembled diferric tyrosyl radical (Y•) cofactor to the enzyme active site over 35 Å away. This unprecedented reaction occurs via an amino acid radical hopping pathway spanning two protein subunits. To study the mechanism of radical transport in RNR, a suite of biochemical approaches have been developed, such as site-directed incorporation of unnatural amino acids with altered electronic properties and photochemical generation of radical intermediates. The resulting variant RNRs have been investigated using a variety of time-resolved physical techniques, including transient absorption and stopped-flow UV-Vis spectroscopy, as well as rapid freeze-quench EPR, ENDOR, and PELDOR spectroscopic methods. The data suggest that radical transport occurs via proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) and that the protein structure has evolved to manage the proton and electron transfer co-ordinates in order to prevent 'off-pathway' reactivity and build-up of oxidised intermediates. Thus, precise design and control over the factors that govern PCET is key to enabling reversible and long-range charge transport by amino acid radicals in RNR.

Glutamate 52-β at the α/β subunit interface of Escherichia coli class Ia ribonucleotide reductase is essential for conformational gating of radical transfer

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) catalyze the conversion of nucleoside diphosphate substrates (S) to deoxynucleotides with allosteric effectors (e) controlling their relative ratios and amounts, crucial for fidelity of DNA replication and repair. Escherichia coli class Ia RNR is composed of α and β subunits that form a transient, active α2β2 complex. The E. coli RNR is rate-limited by S/e-dependent conformational change(s) that trigger the radical initiation step through a pathway of 35 Å across the subunit (α/β) interface. The weak subunit affinity and complex nucleotide-dependent quaternary structures have precluded a molecular understanding of the kinetic gating mechanism(s) of the RNR machinery. Using a docking model of α2β2 created from X-ray structures of α and β and conserved residues from a new subclassification of the E. coli Ia RNR (Iag), we identified and investigated four residues at the α/β interface (Glu³⁵⁰ and Glu⁵² in β2 and Arg³²⁹ and Arg⁶³⁹ in α2) of potential interest in kinetic gating. Mutation of each residue resulted in loss of activity and with the exception of E52Q-β2, weakened subunit affinity. An RNR mutant with 2,3,5-trifluorotyrosine radical (F₃Y₁₂₂^•) replacing the stable Tyr₁₂₂^• in WT-β2, a mutation that partly overcomes conformational gating, was placed in the E52Q background. Incubation of this double mutant with His₆-α2/S/e resulted in an RNR capable of catalyzing pathway-radical formation (Tyr^356•-β2), 0.5 eq of dCDP/F₃Y₁₂₂^•, and formation of an α2β2 complex that is isolable in pulldown assays over 2 h. Negative stain EM images with S/e (GDP/TTP) revealed the uniformity of the α2β2 complex formed.

Tyrosine-Nitrated Proteins: Proteomic and Bioanalytical Aspects

SIGNIFICANCE

"Nitroproteomic" is under active development, as 3-nitrotyrosine in proteins constitutes a footprint left by the reactions of nitric oxide-derived oxidants that are usually associated to oxidative stress conditions. Moreover, protein tyrosine nitration can cause structural and functional changes, which may be of pathophysiological relevance for human disease conditions. Biological protein tyrosine nitration is a free radical process involving the intermediacy of tyrosyl radicals; in spite of being a nonenzymatic process, nitration is selectively directed toward a limited subset of tyrosine residues. Precise identification and quantitation of 3-nitrotyrosine in proteins has represented a "tour de force" for researchers. Recent Advances: A small number of proteins are preferential targets of nitration (usually less than 100 proteins per proteome), contrasting with the large number of proteins modified by other post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, acetylation, and, notably, S-nitrosation. Proteomic approaches have revealed key features of tyrosine nitration both in vivo and in vitro, including selectivity, site specificity, and effects in protein structure and function.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Identification of 3-nitrotyrosine-containing proteins and mapping nitrated residues is challenging, due to low abundance of this oxidative modification in biological samples and its unfriendly behavior in mass spectrometry (MS)-based technologies, that is, MALDI, electrospray ionization, and collision-induced dissociation.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The use of (i) classical two-dimensional electrophoresis with immunochemical detection of nitrated proteins followed by protein ID by regular MS/MS in combination with (ii) immuno-enrichment of tyrosine-nitrated peptides and (iii) identification of nitrated peptides by a MIDAS™ experiment is arising as a potent methodology to unambiguously map and quantitate tyrosine-nitrated proteins in vivo. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 313-328.

Formal Reduction Potentials of Difluorotyrosine and Trifluorotyrosine Protein Residues: Defining the Thermodynamics of Multistep Radical Transfer

Redox-active tyrosines (Ys) play essential roles in enzymes involved in primary metabolism including energy transduction and deoxynucleotide production catalyzed by ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs). Thermodynamic characterization of Ys in solution and in proteins remains a challenge due to the high reduction potentials involved and the reactive nature of the radical state. The structurally characterized α₃Y model protein has allowed the first determination of formal reduction potentials (E°') for a Y residing within a protein (Berry, B. W.; Martı́nez-Rivera, M. C.; Tommos, C. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 2012, 109, 9739-9743). Using Schultz's technology, a series of fluorotyrosines (F_nY, n = 2 or 3) was site-specifically incorporated into α₃Y. The global protein properties of the resulting α₃(3,5)F₂Y, α₃(2,3,5)F₃Y, α₃(2,3)F₂Y and α₃(2,3,6)F₃Y variants are essentially identical to those of α₃Y. A protein film square-wave voltammetry approach was developed to successfully obtain reversible voltammograms and E°'s of the very high-potential α₃F_nY proteins. E°'(pH 5.5; α₃F_nY(O•/OH)) spans a range of 1040 ± 3 mV to 1200 ± 3 mV versus the normal hydrogen electrode. This is comparable to the potentials of the most oxidizing redox cofactors in nature. The F_nY analogues, and the ability to site-specifically incorporate them into any protein of interest, provide new tools for mechanistic studies on redox-active Ys in proteins and on functional and aberrant hole-transfer reactions in metallo-enzymes. The former application is illustrated here by using the determined α₃F_nY ΔE°'s to model the thermodynamics of radical-transfer reactions in F_nY-RNRs and to experimentally test and support the key prediction made.

Glutamate 350 Plays an Essential Role in Conformational Gating of Long-Range Radical Transport in Escherichia coli Class Ia Ribonucleotide Reductase

Escherichia coli class Ia ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is composed of two subunits that form an active α2β2 complex. The nucleoside diphosphate substrates (NDP) are reduced in α2, 35 Å from the essential diferric-tyrosyl radical (Y₁₂₂^•) cofactor in β2. The Y₁₂₂^•-mediated oxidation of C₄₃₉ in α2 occurs by a pathway (Y₁₂₂ ⇆ [W₄₈] ⇆ Y₃₅₆ in β2 to Y₇₃₁ ⇆ Y₇₃₀ ⇆ C₄₃₉ in α2) across the α/β interface. The absence of an α2β2 structure precludes insight into the location of Y₃₅₆ and Y₇₃₁ at the subunit interface. The proximity in the primary sequence of the conserved E₃₅₀ to Y₃₅₆ in β2 suggested its importance in catalysis and/or conformational gating. To study its function, pH-rate profiles of wild-type β2/α2 and mutants in which 3,5-difluorotyrosine (F₂Y) replaces residue 356, 731, or both are reported in the presence of E₃₅₀ or E₃₅₀X (X = A, D, or Q) mutants. With E₃₅₀, activity is maintained at the pH extremes, suggesting that protonated and deprotonated states of F₂Y₃₅₆ and F₂Y₇₃₁ are active and that radical transport (RT) can occur across the interface by proton-coupled electron transfer at low pH or electron transfer at high pH. With E₃₅₀X mutants, all RNRs were inactive, suggesting that E₃₅₀ could be a proton acceptor during oxidation of the interface Ys. To determine if E₃₅₀ plays a role in conformational gating, the strong oxidants, NO₂Y₁₂₂^•-β2 and 2,3,5-F₃Y₁₂₂^•-β2, were reacted with α2, CDP, and ATP in E₃₅₀ and E₃₅₀X backgrounds and the reactions were monitored for pathway radicals by rapid freeze-quench electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Pathway radicals are generated only when E₃₅₀ is present, supporting its essential role in gating the conformational change(s) that initiates RT and masking its role as a proton acceptor.

A >200 meV Uphill Thermodynamic Landscape for Radical Transport in Escherichia coli Ribonucleotide Reductase Determined Using Fluorotyrosine-Substituted Enzymes

Escherichia coli class Ia ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) converts ribonucleotides to deoxynucleotides. A diferric-tyrosyl radical (Y₁₂₂•) in one subunit (β2) generates a transient thiyl radical in another subunit (α2) via long-range radical transport (RT) through aromatic amino acid residues (Y₁₂₂ ⇆ [W₄₈] ⇆ Y₃₅₆ in β2 to Y₇₃₁ ⇆ Y₇₃₀ ⇆ C₄₃₉ in α2). Equilibration of Y₃₅₆•, Y₇₃₁•, and Y₇₃₀• was recently observed using site specifically incorporated unnatural tyrosine analogs; however, equilibration between Y₁₂₂• and Y₃₅₆• has not been detected. Our recent report of Y₃₅₆• formation in a kinetically and chemically competent fashion in the reaction of β2 containing 2,3,5-trifluorotyrosine at Y₁₂₂ (F₃Y₁₂₂•-β2) with α2, CDP (substrate), and ATP (effector) has now afforded the opportunity to investigate equilibration of F₃Y₁₂₂• and Y₃₅₆•. Incubation of F₃Y₁₂₂•-β2, Y₇₃₁F-α2 (or Y₇₃₀F-α2), CDP, and ATP at different temperatures (2–37 °C) provides ΔE°′(F₃Y₁₂₂•–Y₃₅₆•) of 20 ± 10 mV at 25 °C. The pH dependence of the F₃Y₁₂₂• ⇆ Y₃₅₆• interconversion (pH 6.8–8.0) reveals that the proton from Y₃₅₆ is in rapid exchange with solvent, in contrast to the proton from Y₁₂₂. Insertion of 3,5-difluorotyrosine (F₂Y) at Y₃₅₆ and rapid freeze-quench EPR analysis of its reaction with Y₇₃₁F-α2, CDP, and ATP at pH 8.2 and 25 °C shows F₂Y₃₅₆• generation by the native Y₁₂₂•. F_nY-RNRs (n = 2 and 3) together provide a model for the thermodynamic landscape of the RT pathway in which the reaction between Y₁₂₂ and C₄₃₉ is ∼200 meV uphill.

At the Interface of Chemical and Biological Synthesis: An Expanded Genetic Code

The ability to site-specifically incorporate noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) with novel structures into proteins in living cells affords a powerful tool to investigate and manipulate protein structure and function. More than 200 ncAAs with diverse biological, chemical, and physical properties have been genetically encoded in response to nonsense or frameshift codons in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms with high fidelity and efficiency. In this review, recent advances in the technology and its application to problems in protein biochemistry, cellular biology, and medicine are highlighted.

Biophysical Characterization of Fluorotyrosine Probes Site-Specifically Incorporated into Enzymes: E. coli Ribonucleotide Reductase As an Example

Fluorinated tyrosines (F_nY’s, n = 2 and 3) have been site-specifically incorporated into E. coli class Ia ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) using the recently evolved M. jannaschii Y-tRNA synthetase/tRNA pair. Class Ia RNRs require four redox active Y’s, a stable Y radical (Y·) in the β subunit (position 122 in E. coli), and three transiently oxidized Y’s (356 in β and 731 and 730 in α) to initiate the radical-dependent nucleotide reduction process. F_nY (3,5; 2,3; 2,3,5; and 2,3,6) incorporation in place of Y₁₂₂-β and the X-ray structures of each resulting β with a diferric cluster are reported and compared with wt-β2 crystallized under the same conditions. The essential diferric-F_nY· cofactor is self-assembled from apo F_nY-β2, Fe²⁺, and O₂ to produce ∼1 Y·/β2 and ∼3 Fe³⁺/β2. The F_nY· are stable and active in nucleotide reduction with activities that vary from 5% to 85% that of wt-β2. Each F_nY·-β2 has been characterized by 9 and 130 GHz electron paramagnetic resonance and high-field electron nuclear double resonance spectroscopies. The hyperfine interactions associated with the ¹⁹F nucleus provide unique signatures of each F_nY· that are readily distinguishable from unlabeled Y·’s. The variability of the abiotic F_nY pK_a’s (6.4 to 7.8) and reduction potentials (−30 to +130 mV relative to Y at pH 7.5) provide probes of enzymatic reactions proposed to involve Y·’s in catalysis and to investigate the importance and identity of hopping Y·’s within redox active proteins proposed to protect them from uncoupled radical chemistry.

Mechanism of the Reaction of Human Manganese Superoxide Dismutase with Peroxynitrite: Nitration of Critical Tyrosine 34

Human Mn-containing superoxide dismutase (hMnSOD) is a mitochondrial enzyme that metabolizes superoxide radical (O2(•-)). O2(•-) reacts at diffusional rates with nitric oxide to yield a potent nitrating species, peroxynitrite anion (ONOO(-)). MnSOD is nitrated and inactivated in vivo, with active site Tyr34 as the key oxidatively modified residue. We previously reported a k of ∼1.0 × 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) for the reaction of hMnSOD with ONOO(-) by direct stopped-flow spectroscopy and the critical role of Mn in the nitration process. In this study, we further established the mechanism of the reaction of hMnSOD with ONOO(-), including the necessary re-examination of the second-order rate constant by an independent method and the delineation of the microscopic steps that lead to the regio-specific nitration of Tyr34. The redetermination of k was performed by competition kinetics utilizing coumarin boronic acid, which reacts with ONOO(-) at a rate of ∼1 × 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) to yield the fluorescence product, 7-hydroxycoumarin. Time-resolved fluorescence studies in the presence of increasing concentrations of hMnSOD provided a k of ∼1.0 × 10(5) M(-1) s(-1), fully consistent with the direct method. Proteomic analysis indicated that ONOO(-), but not other nitrating agents, mediates the selective modification of active site Tyr34. Hybrid quantum-classical (quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics) simulations supported a series of steps that involve the initial reaction of ONOO(-) with Mn(III) to yield Mn(IV) and intermediates that ultimately culminate in 3-nitroTyr34. The data reported herein provide a kinetic and mechanistic basis for rationalizing how MnSOD constitutes an intramitochondrial target for ONOO(-) and the microscopic events, with atomic level resolution, that lead to selective and efficient nitration of critical Tyr34.

Radical transfer in E. coli ribonucleotide reductase: a NH2Y731/R411A-α mutant unmasks a new conformation of the pathway residue 731

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) catalyze the conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides in all living organisms. The catalytic cycle of E. coli RNR involves a long-range proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) from a tyrosyl radical (Y122˙) in subunit β2 to a cysteine (C439) in the active site of subunit α2, which subsequently initiates nucleotide reduction. This oxidation occurs over 35 Å and involves a specific pathway of redox active amino acids (Y122 ↔ [W48?] ↔ Y356 in β2 to Y731 ↔ Y730 ↔ C439 in α2). The mechanisms of the PCET steps at the interface of the α2β2 complex remain puzzling due to a lack of structural information for this region. Recently, DFT calculations on the 3-aminotyrosyl radical (NH2Y731˙)-α2 trapped by incubation of NH2Y731-α2/β2/CDP(substrate)/ATP(allosteric effector) suggested that R411-α2, a residue close to the α2β2 interface, interacts with NH2Y731˙ and accounts in part for its perturbed EPR parameters. To examine its role, we further modified NH2Y731-α2 with a R411A substitution. NH2Y731˙/R411A generated upon incubation of NH2Y731/R411A-α2/β2/CDP/ATP was investigated using multi-frequency (34, 94 and 263 GHz) EPR, 34 GHz pulsed electron-electron double resonance (PELDOR) and electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectroscopies. The data indicate a large conformational change in NH2Y731˙/R411A relative to the NH2Y731˙ single mutant. Particularly, the inter-spin distance from NH2Y731˙/R411A in one αβ pair to Y122˙ in a second αβ pair decreases by 3 Å in the presence of the R411A mutation. This is the first experimental evidence for the flexibility of pathway residue Y731-α2 in an α2β2 complex and suggests a role for R411 in the stacked Y731/Y730 conformation involved in collinear PCET. Furthermore, NH2Y731˙/R411A serves as a probe of the PCET process across the subunit interface.

Charge-Transfer Dynamics at the α/β Subunit Interface of a Photochemical Ribonucleotide Reductase

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) catalyzes the conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides to provide the monomeric building blocks for DNA replication and repair. Nucleotide reduction occurs by way of multistep proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) over a pathway of redox active amino acids spanning ∼35 Å and two subunits (α2 and β2). Despite the fact that PCET in RNR is rapid, slow conformational changes mask examination of the kinetics of these steps. As such, we have pioneered methodology in which site-specific incorporation of a [Re(I)] photooxidant on the surface of the β2 subunit (photoβ2) allows photochemical oxidation of the adjacent PCET pathway residue β-Y356 and time-resolved spectroscopic observation of the ensuing reactivity. A series of photoβ2s capable of performing photoinitiated substrate turnover have been prepared in which four different fluorotyrosines (FnYs) are incorporated in place of β-Y356. The FnYs are deprotonated under biological conditions, undergo oxidation by electron transfer (ET), and provide a means by which to vary the ET driving force (ΔG°) with minimal additional perturbations across the series. We have used these features to map the correlation between ΔG° and kET both with and without the fully assembled photoRNR complex. The photooxidation of FnY356 within the α/β subunit interface occurs within the Marcus inverted region with a reorganization energy of λ ≈ 1 eV. We also observe enhanced electronic coupling between donor and acceptor (HDA) in the presence of an intact PCET pathway. Additionally, we have investigated the dynamics of proton transfer (PT) by a variety of methods including dependencies on solvent isotopic composition, buffer concentration, and pH. We present evidence for the role of α2 in facilitating PT during β-Y356 photooxidation; PT occurs by way of readily exchangeable positions and within a relatively "tight" subunit interface. These findings show that RNR controls ET by lowering λ, raising HDA, and directing PT both within and between individual polypeptide subunits.

Direct Interfacial Y731 Oxidation in α2 by a Photoβ2 Subunit of E. coli Class Ia Ribonucleotide Reductase

Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) is a fundamental mechanism important in a wide range of biological processes including the universal reaction catalysed by ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) in making de novo, the building blocks required for DNA replication and repair. These enzymes catalyse the conversion of nucleoside diphosphates (NDPs) to deoxynucleoside diphosphates (dNDPs). In the class Ia RNRs, NDP reduction involves a tyrosyl radical mediated oxidation occurring over 35 Å across the interface of the two required subunits (β2 and α2) involving multiple PCET steps and the conserved tyrosine triad [Y356(β2)-Y731(α2)-Y730(α2)]. We report the synthesis of an active photochemical RNR (photoRNR) complex in which a Re(I)-tricarbonyl phenanthroline ([Re]) photooxidant is attached site-specifically to the Cys in the Y356C-(β2) subunit and an ionizable, 2,3,5-trifluorotyrosine (2,3,5-F3Y) is incorporated in place of Y731 in α2. This intersubunit PCET pathway is investigated by ns laser spectroscopy on [Re356]-β2:2,3,5-F3Y731-α2 in the presence of substrate, CDP, and effector, ATP. This experiment has allowed analysis of the photoinjection of a radical into α2 from β2 in the absence of the interfacial Y356 residue. The system is competent for light-dependent substrate turnover. Time-resolved emission experiments reveal an intimate dependence of the rate of radical injection on the protonation state at position Y731(α2), which in turn highlights the importance of a well-coordinated proton exit channel involving the key residues, Y356 and Y731, at the subunit interface.

Photogeneration and Quenching of Tryptophan Radical in Azurin

Tryptophan and tyrosine can form radical intermediates that enable long-range, multistep electron transfer (ET) reactions in proteins. This report describes the mechanisms of formation and quenching of a neutral tryptophan radical in azurin, a blue-copper protein that contains native tyrosine (Y108 and Y72) and tryptophan (W48) residues. A long-lived neutral tryptophan radical W48• is formed upon UV-photoexcitation of a zinc(II)-substituted azurin mutant in the presence of an external electron acceptor. The quantum yield of W48• formation (Φ) depends upon the tyrosine residues in the protein. A tyrosine-deficient mutant, Zn(II)Az48W, exhibited a value of Φ = 0.080 with a Co(III) electron acceptor. A nearly identical quantum yield was observed when the electron acceptor was the analogous tyrosine-free, copper(II) mutant; this result for the Zn(II)Az48W:Cu(II)Az48W mixture suggests there is an interprotein ET path. A single tyrosine residue at one of the native positions reduced the quantum yield to 0.062 (Y108) or 0.067 (Y72). Wild-type azurin with two tyrosine residues exhibited a quantum yield of Φ = 0.045. These data indicate that tyrosine is able to quench the tryptophan radical in azurin.

Moving protons and electrons in biomimetic systems

An enormous variety of biological redox reactions are accompanied by changes in proton content at enzyme active sites, in their associated cofactors, in substrates and/or products, and between protein interfaces. Understanding this breadth of reactivity is an ongoing chemical challenge. A great many workers have developed and investigated biomimetic model complexes to build new ways of thinking about the mechanistic underpinnings of such complex biological proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions. Of particular importance are those model reactions that involve transfer of one proton (H(+)) and one electron (e(-)), which is equivalent to transfer of a hydrogen atom (H(•)). In this Current Topic, we review key concepts in PCET reactivity and describe important advances in biomimetic PCET chemistry, with a special emphasis on research that has enhanced efforts to understand biological PCET reactions.

Hydrogen bond network between amino acid radical intermediates on the proton-coupled electron transfer pathway of E. coli α2 ribonucleotide reductase

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) catalyze the conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides in all organisms. In all Class Ia RNRs, initiation of nucleotide diphosphate (NDP) reduction requires a reversible oxidation over 35 Å by a tyrosyl radical (Y122•, Escherichia coli) in subunit β of a cysteine (C439) in the active site of subunit α. This radical transfer (RT) occurs by a specific pathway involving redox active tyrosines (Y122 ⇆ Y356 in β to Y731 ⇆ Y730 ⇆ C439 in α); each oxidation necessitates loss of a proton coupled to loss of an electron (PCET). To study these steps, 3-aminotyrosine was site-specifically incorporated in place of Y356-β, Y731- and Y730-α, and each protein was incubated with the appropriate second subunit β(α), CDP and effector ATP to trap an amino tyrosyl radical (NH2Y•) in the active α2β2 complex. High-frequency (263 GHz) pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) of the NH2Y•s reported the gx values with unprecedented resolution and revealed strong electrostatic effects caused by the protein environment. (2)H electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectroscopy accompanied by quantum chemical calculations provided spectroscopic evidence for hydrogen bond interactions at the radical sites, i.e., two exchangeable H bonds to NH2Y730•, one to NH2Y731• and none to NH2Y356•. Similar experiments with double mutants α-NH2Y730/C439A and α-NH2Y731/Y730F allowed assignment of the H bonding partner(s) to a pathway residue(s) providing direct evidence for colinear PCET within α. The implications of these observations for the PCET process within α and at the interface are discussed.

Kinetics of hydrogen atom abstraction from substrate by an active site thiyl radical in ribonucleotide reductase

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) catalyze the conversion of nucleotides to deoxynucleotides in all organisms. Active E. coli class Ia RNR is an α₂β₂ complex that undergoes reversible, long-range proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) over a pathway of redox active amino acids (β-Y₁₂₂ → [β-W₄₈] → β-Y₃₅₆ → α-Y₇₃₁ → α-Y₇₃₀ → α-C₄₃₉) that spans ∼35 Å. To unmask PCET kinetics from rate-limiting conformational changes, we prepared a photochemical RNR containing a [Re^I] photooxidant site-specifically incorporated at position 355 ([Re]-β₂), adjacent to PCET pathway residue Y₃₅₆ in β. [Re]-β₂ was further modified by replacing Y₃₅₆ with 2,3,5-trifluorotyrosine to enable photochemical generation and spectroscopic observation of chemically competent tyrosyl radical(s). Using transient absorption spectroscopy, we compare the kinetics of Y· decay in the presence of substrate and wt-α₂, Y₇₃₁F-α₂ ,or C₄₃₉S-α₂, as well as with 3′-[²H]-substrate and wt-α₂. We find that only in the presence of wt-α₂ and the unlabeled substrate do we observe an enhanced rate of radical decay indicative of forward radical propagation. This observation reveals that cleavage of the 3′-C–H bond of substrate by the transiently formed C₄₃₉· thiyl radical is rate-limiting in forward PCET through α and has allowed calculation of a lower bound for the rate constant associated with this step of (1.4 ± 0.4) × 10⁴ s^–1. Prompting radical propagation with light has enabled observation of PCET events heretofore inaccessible, revealing active site chemistry at the heart of RNR catalysis.