1
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Wörner S, Rauthe P, Werner J, Afonin S, Ulrich AS, Unterreiner AN, Wagenknecht HA. Flavin-induced charge separation in transmembrane model peptides. Org Biomol Chem 2024; 22:5930-5935. [PMID: 38973494 DOI: 10.1039/d4ob00932k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Hydrophobic peptide models derived from the α-helical transmembrane segment of the epidermal growth factor receptor were synthetically modified with a flavin amino acid as a photo-inducible charge donor and decorated with tryptophans along the helix as charge acceptors. The helical conformation of the peptides was conserved despite the modifications, notably also in lipid vesicles and multibilayers. Their ability to facilitate photo-induced transmembrane charge transport was examined by means of steady-state and time-resolved optical spectroscopy. The first tryptophan next to the flavin donor plays a major role in initiating the charge transport near the N-terminus, while the other tryptophans might promote charge transport along the transmembrane helix. These artificially modified, but still naturally derived helical peptides are important models for studying transmembrane electron transfer and the principles of photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Wörner
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Organic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany.
| | - Pascal Rauthe
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Johannes Werner
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sergii Afonin
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG2), POB 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Anne S Ulrich
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Organic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany.
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG2), POB 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Andreas-Neil Unterreiner
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Hans-Achim Wagenknecht
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Organic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany.
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2
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Zangl R, Soravia S, Saft M, Löffler JG, Schulte J, Rosner CJ, Bredenbeck J, Essen LO, Morgner N. Time-Resolved Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry to Solve Conformational Changes in a Cryptochrome. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:14468-14478. [PMID: 38757172 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c13818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Many biological mechanisms rely on the precise control of conformational changes in proteins. Understanding such dynamic processes requires methods for determining structures and their temporal evolution. In this study, we introduce a novel approach to time-resolved ion mobility mass spectrometry. We validated the method on a simple photoreceptor model and applied it to a more complex system, the animal-like cryptochrome from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CraCRY), to determine the role of specific amino acids affecting the conformational dynamics as reaction to blue light activation. In our setup, using a high-power LED mounted in the source region of an ion mobility mass spectrometer, we allow a time-resolved evaluation of mass and ion mobility spectra. Cryptochromes like CraCRY are a widespread type of blue light photoreceptors and mediate various light-triggered biological functions upon excitation of their inbuilt flavin chromophore. Another hallmark of cryptochromes is their flexible carboxy-terminal extension (CTE), whose structure and function as well as the details of its interaction with the photolyase homology region are not yet fully understood and differ among different cryptochromes types. Here, we addressed the highly conserved C-terminal domain of CraCRY, to study the effects of single mutations on the structural transition of the C-terminal helix α22 and the attached CTE upon lit-state formation. We show that D321, the putative proton acceptor of the terminal proton-coupled electron transfer event from Y373, is essential for triggering the large-scale conformational changes of helix α22 and the CTE in the lit state, while D323 influences the timing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Zangl
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Sejla Soravia
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Martin Saft
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg Hans-Meerwein-Str. 4, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jan Gerrit Löffler
- Institute of Biophysics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 1, 60438 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Jonathan Schulte
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Christian Joshua Rosner
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg Hans-Meerwein-Str. 4, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jens Bredenbeck
- Institute of Biophysics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 1, 60438 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Lars-Oliver Essen
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg Hans-Meerwein-Str. 4, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Nina Morgner
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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3
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Frederiksen A, Aldag M, Solov’yov IA, Gerhards L. Activation of Cryptochrome 4 from Atlantic Herring. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:262. [PMID: 38666874 PMCID: PMC11048568 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Marine fish migrate long distances up to hundreds or even thousands of kilometers for various reasons that include seasonal dependencies, feeding, or reproduction. The ability to perceive the geomagnetic field, called magnetoreception, is one of the many mechanisms allowing some fish to navigate reliably in the aquatic realm. While it is believed that the photoreceptor protein cryptochrome 4 (Cry4) is the key component for the radical pair-based magnetoreception mechanism in night migratory songbirds, the Cry4 mechanism in fish is still largely unexplored. The present study aims to investigate properties of the fish Cry4 protein in order to understand the potential involvement in a radical pair-based magnetoreception. Specifically, a computationally reconstructed atomistic model of Cry4 from the Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) was studied employing classical molecular dynamics (MD) and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) methods to investigate internal electron transfers and the radical pair formation. The QM/MM simulations reveal that electron transfers occur similarly to those found experimentally and computationally in Cry4 from European robin (Erithacus rubecula). It is therefore plausible that the investigated Atlantic herring Cry4 has the physical and chemical properties to form radical pairs that in turn could provide fish with a radical pair-based magnetic field compass sensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Frederiksen
- Institute of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Straße 9-11, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany; (A.F.); (M.A.); (I.A.S.)
| | - Mandus Aldag
- Institute of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Straße 9-11, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany; (A.F.); (M.A.); (I.A.S.)
| | - Ilia A. Solov’yov
- Institute of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Straße 9-11, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany; (A.F.); (M.A.); (I.A.S.)
- Research Centre for Neurosensory Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Straße 9-11, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Dynamics (CENAD), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstr. 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Luca Gerhards
- Institute of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Straße 9-11, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany; (A.F.); (M.A.); (I.A.S.)
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4
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Zhang Y, Liang H, Qi P, Xu Z, Fei H, Guo C. Deciphering the Roles of Interfacial Amino Acids in Inter-Protein Charge Transport. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:4178-4185. [PMID: 38552164 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00164] [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: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Elucidating charge transport (CT) through proteins is critical for gaining insights into ubiquitous CT chain reactions in biological systems and developing high-performance bioelectronic devices. While intra-protein CT has been extensively studied, crucial knowledge about inter-protein CT via interfacial amino acids is still absent due to the structural complexity. Herein, by loading cytochrome c (Cyt c) on well-defined peptide self-assembled monolayers to mimic the protein-protein interface, we provide a precisely controlled platform for identifying the roles of interfacial amino acids in solid-state CT via peptide-Cyt c junctions. The terminal amino acid of peptides serves as a fine-tuning factor for both the interfacial interaction between peptides and Cyt c and the immobilized Cyt c orientation, resulting in a nearly 10-fold difference in current through peptide-Cyt c junctions with varied asymmetry. This work provides a valuable platform for studying CT across proteins and contributes to the understanding of fundamental principles governing inter-protein CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkang Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, 299 Bayi Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Han Liang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, 299 Bayi Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Pan Qi
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, 299 Bayi Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Zhongchen Xu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, 299 Bayi Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Houguo Fei
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, 299 Bayi Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Cunlan Guo
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, 299 Bayi Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
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5
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Kang XW, Wang K, Zhang X, Zhong D, Ding B. Elementary Reactions in the Functional Triads of the Blue-Light Photoreceptor BLUF Domain. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:2065-2075. [PMID: 38391132 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The blue light using the flavin (BLUF) domain is one of the smallest photoreceptors in nature, which consists of a unique bidirectional electron-coupled proton relay process in its photoactivation reaction cycle. This perspective summarizes our recent efforts in dissecting the photocycle into three elementary processes, including proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET), proton rocking, and proton relay. Using ultrafast spectroscopy, we have determined the temporal sequence, rates, kinetic isotope effects (KIEs), and concertedness of these elementary steps. Our findings provide important implications for illuminating the photoactivation mechanism of the BLUF domain and suggest an engineering platform to characterize intricate reactions involving proton motions that are ubiquitous in nonphotosensitive protein machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Wen Kang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Kailin Wang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaofan Zhang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Dongping Zhong
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Programs of Biophysics, Programs of Chemical Physics, and Programs of Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Bei Ding
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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6
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Saft M, Schneider L, Ho CC, Maiterth E, Menke J, Sendker F, Steinchen W, Essen LO. One More for Light-triggered Conformational Changes in Cryptochromes: CryP from Phaeodactylum tricornutum. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168408. [PMID: 38123123 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Cryptochromes are a ubiquitously occurring class of photoreceptors. Together with photolyases, they form the Photolyase Cryptochrome Superfamily (PCSf) by sharing a common protein architecture and binding mode of the FAD chromophore. Despite these similarities, PCSf members exert different functions. Photolyases repair UV-induced DNA damage by photocatalytically driven electron transfer between FADH¯ and the DNA lesion, whereas cryptochromes are light-dependent signaling molecules and trigger various biological processes by photoconversion of their FAD redox and charge states. Given that most cryptochromes possess a C-terminal extension (CTE) of varying length, the functions of their CTE have not yet been fully elucidated and are hence highly debated. In this study, the role of the CTE was investigated for a novel subclass of the PCSf, the CryP-like cryptochromes, by hydrogen/deuterium exchange and mass-spectrometric analysis. Striking differences in the relative deuterium uptake were observed in different redox states of CryP from the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Based on these measurements we propose a model for light-triggered conformational changes in CryP-like cryptochromes that differs from other known cryptochrome families like the insect or plant cryptochromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Saft
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Leonie Schneider
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Chun-Chih Ho
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Elias Maiterth
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Josephine Menke
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Sendker
- Evolutionary Biochemistry Group, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Wieland Steinchen
- Center of Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Lars-Oliver Essen
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany.
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7
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Zhou Y, Tang S, Chen Z, Zhou Z, Huang J, Kang XW, Zou S, Wang B, Zhang T, Ding B, Zhong D. Origin of the multi-phasic quenching dynamics in the BLUF domains across the species. Nat Commun 2024; 15:623. [PMID: 38245518 PMCID: PMC10799861 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44565-5] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Blue light using flavin (BLUF) photoreceptors respond to light via one of nature's smallest photo-switching domains. Upon photo-activation, the flavin cofactor in the BLUF domain exhibits multi-phasic dynamics, quenched by a proton-coupled electron transfer reaction involving the conserved Tyr and Gln. The dynamic behavior varies drastically across different species, the origin of which remains controversial. Here, we incorporate site-specific fluorinated Trp into three BLUF proteins, i.e., AppA, OaPAC and SyPixD, and characterize the percentages for the Wout, WinNHin and WinNHout conformations using 19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Using femtosecond spectroscopy, we identify that one key WinNHin conformation can introduce a branching one-step proton transfer in AppA and a two-step proton transfer in OaPAC and SyPixD. Correlating the flavin quenching dynamics with the active-site structural heterogeneity, we conclude that the quenching rate is determined by the percentage of WinNHin, which encodes a Tyr-Gln configuration that is not conducive to proton transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Zhou
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Siwei Tang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Zijing Chen
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Zhongneng Zhou
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Jiulong Huang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiu-Wen Kang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Shuhua Zou
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Bingyao Wang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Bei Ding
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Dongping Zhong
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Programs of Biophysics, Chemical Physics, and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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8
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Melčák M, Šebesta F, Heyda J, Gray HB, Záliš S, Vlček A. Tryptophan to Tryptophan Hole Hopping in an Azurin Construct. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:96-108. [PMID: 38145895 PMCID: PMC10788906 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c06568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Electron transfer (ET) between neutral and cationic tryptophan residues in the azurin construct [ReI(H126)(CO)3(dmp)](W124)(W122)CuI (dmp = 4,7-Me2-1,10-phenanthroline) was investigated by Born-Oppenheimer quantum-mechanics/molecular mechanics/molecular dynamics (QM/MM/MD) simulations. We focused on W124•+ ← W122 ET, which is the middle step of the photochemical hole-hopping process *ReII(CO)3(dmp•-) ← W124 ← W122 ← CuI, where sequential hopping amounts to nearly 10,000-fold acceleration over single-step tunneling (ACS Cent. Sci. 2019, 5, 192-200). In accordance with experiments, UKS-DFT QM/MM/MD simulations identified forward and reverse steps of W124•+ ↔ W122 ET equilibrium, as well as back ET ReI(CO)3(dmp•-) → W124•+ that restores *ReII(CO)3(dmp•-). Strong electronic coupling between the two indoles (≥40 meV in the crossing region) makes the productive W124•+ ← W122 ET adiabatic. Energies of the two redox states are driven to degeneracy by fluctuations of the electrostatic potential at the two indoles, mainly caused by water solvation, with contributions from the protein dynamics in the W122 vicinity. ET probability depends on the orientation of Re(CO)3(dmp) relative to W124 and its rotation diminishes the hopping yield. Comparison with hole hopping in natural systems reveals structural and dynamics factors that are important for designing efficient hole-hopping processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Melčák
- J.
Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Dolejškova 3, CZ-182 23 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department
of Physical Chemistry, University of Chemistry
and Technology Prague, Technická 5, CZ-166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Šebesta
- J.
Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Dolejškova 3, CZ-182 23 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department
of Chemical Physics and Optics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 3, CZ-121 16 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Heyda
- J.
Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Dolejškova 3, CZ-182 23 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department
of Physical Chemistry, University of Chemistry
and Technology Prague, Technická 5, CZ-166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Harry B. Gray
- Beckman
Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Stanislav Záliš
- J.
Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Dolejškova 3, CZ-182 23 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Antonín Vlček
- J.
Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Dolejškova 3, CZ-182 23 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department
of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
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9
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Fraikin GY, Belenikina NS, Rubin AB. Molecular Bases of Signaling Processes Regulated by Cryptochrome Sensory Photoreceptors in Plants. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:770-782. [PMID: 37748873 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923060056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The blue-light sensors, cryptochromes, compose the extensive class of flavoprotein photoreceptors, regulating signaling processes in plants underlying their development, growth, and metabolism. In several algae, cryptochromes may act not only as sensory photoreceptors but also as photolyases, catalyzing repair of the UV-induced DNA lesions. Cryptochromes bind FAD as the chromophore at the photolyase homologous region (PHR) domain and contain the cryptochrome C-terminal extension (CCE), which is absent in photolyases. Photosensory process in cryptochrome is initiated by photochemical chromophore conversions, including formation of the FAD redox forms. In the state with the chromophore reduced to neutral radical (FADH×), the photoreceptor protein undergoes phosphorylation, conformational changes, and disengagement from the PHR domain and CCE with subsequent formation of oligomers of cryptochrome molecules. Photooligomerization is a structural basis of the functional activities of cryptochromes, since it ensures formation of their complexes with a variety of signaling proteins, including transcriptional factors and regulators of transcription. Interactions in such complexes change the protein signaling activities, leading to regulation of gene expression and plant photomorphogenesis. In recent years, multiple papers, reporting novel, more detailed information about the molecular mechanisms of above-mentioned processes were published. The present review mainly focuses on analysis of the data contained in these publications, particularly regarding structural aspects of the cryptochrome transitions into photoactivated states and regulatory signaling processes mediated by the cryptochrome photoreceptors in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrey B Rubin
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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10
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Chen Z, Kang XW, Zhou Y, Zhou Z, Tang S, Zou S, Wang K, Huang J, Ding B, Zhong D. Dissecting the Ultrafast Stepwise Bidirectional Proton Relay in a Blue-Light Photoreceptor. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:3394-3400. [PMID: 36722850 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c10206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Proton relays through H-bond networks are essential in realizing the functionality of protein machines such as in photosynthesis and photoreceptors. It has been challenging to dissect the rates and energetics of individual proton-transfer steps during the proton relay. Here, we have designed a proton rocking blue light using a flavin (BLUF) domain with the flavin mononucleotide (FMN)-glutamic acid (E)-tryptophan (W) triad and have resolved the four individual proton-transfer steps kinetically using ultrafast spectroscopy. We have found that after the photo-induced charge separation forming FMN·-/E-COOH/WH·+, the proton first rapidly jumps from the bridging E-COOH to FMN- (τfPT2 = 3.8 ps; KIE = 1.0), followed by a second proton transfer from WH·+ to E-COO- (τfPT1 = 336 ps; KIE = 2.6) which immediately rocks back to W· (τrPT1 = 85 ps; KIE = 6.7), followed by a proton return from FMNH· to E-COO- (τrPT2 = 34 ps; KIE = 3.3) with the final charge recombination between FMN·- and WH·+ to close the reaction cycle. Our results revisited the Grotthuss mechanism on the ultrafast timescale using the BLUF domain as a paradigm protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijing Chen
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Xiu-Wen Kang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Yalin Zhou
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Zhongneng Zhou
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Siwei Tang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Shuhua Zou
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Kailin Wang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Jiulong Huang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Bei Ding
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Dongping Zhong
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China.,Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Programs of Biophysics, Chemical Physics, and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio43210, United States.,School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
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11
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Hong G, Pachter R. Effects of inter-radical interactions and scavenging radicals on magnetosensitivity: spin dynamics simulations of proposed radical pairs. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2023; 52:27-37. [PMID: 36792823 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-023-01630-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Although the magnetosensitivity to weak magnetic fields, such as the geomagnetic field, which was exhibited by radical pairs that are potentially responsible for avian navigation, has been previously investigated by spin dynamics simulations, understanding this behavior for proposed radical pairs in other species is limited. These include, for example, radical pairs formed in the single-cell green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CraCRY) and in Columba livia (ClCRY4). In addition, the radical pair of FADH• with the one-electron reduced cyclobutane thymine dimer that was shown to be sensitive to weak magnetic fields has been of interest. In this work, we investigated the directional magnetosensitivity of these radical pairs to a weak magnetic field by spin dynamics simulations. We find significant reduction in the magnetosensitivity by inclusion of dipolar and exchange interactions, which can be mitigated by a scavenging radical, as demonstrated for the [FAD•- TyrD•] radical pair in CraCRY, but not for the [FADH• T□T•-] radical pair because of the large exchange coupling. The directional magnetosensitivity of the ClCRY4 [FAD•- TyrE•] radical pair can survive this adverse effect even without the scavenging reaction, possibly motivating further experimental exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongyi Hong
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, 45433, USA
| | - Ruth Pachter
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, 45433, USA.
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12
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Rimgard BP, Tao Z, Parada GA, Cotter LF, Hammes-Schiffer S, Mayer JM, Hammarström L. Proton-coupled energy transfer in molecular triads. Science 2022; 377:742-747. [PMID: 35862490 PMCID: PMC9597948 DOI: 10.1126/science.abq5173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
We experimentally discovered and theoretically analyzed a photochemical mechanism, which we term proton-coupled energy transfer (PCEnT). A series of anthracene-phenol-pyridine triads formed a local excited anthracene state after light excitation at a wavelength of ~400 nanometers (nm), which led to fluorescence around 550 nm from the phenol-pyridine unit. Direct excitation of phenol-pyridine would have required ~330-nm light, but the coupled proton transfer within the phenol-pyridine unit lowered its excited-state energy so that it could accept excitation energy from anthracene. Singlet-singlet energy transfer thus occurred despite the lack of spectral overlap between the anthracene fluorescence and the phenol-pyridine absorption. Moreover, theoretical calculations indicated negligible charge transfer between the anthracene and phenol-pyridine units. We construe PCEnT as an elementary reaction of possible relevance to biological systems and future photonic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhen Tao
- Yale University, Department of Chemistry, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Giovanny A. Parada
- Yale University, Department of Chemistry, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
- The College of New Jersey, Department of Chemistry, Ewing, NJ 08628, USA
| | - Laura F. Cotter
- Yale University, Department of Chemistry, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | | | - James M. Mayer
- Yale University, Department of Chemistry, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Leif Hammarström
- Uppsala University, Department of Chemistry, Ångström laboratory, Uppsala, Box 523, SE75120, Sweden
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13
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Abstract
Some oxidoreductase enzymes use redox-active tyrosine, tryptophan, cysteine, and/or glycine residues as one-electron, high-potential redox (radical) cofactors. Amino-acid radical cofactors typically perform one of four tasks-they work in concert with a metallocofactor to carry out a multielectron redox process, serve as storage sites for oxidizing equivalents, activate the substrate molecules, or move oxidizing equivalents over long distances. It is challenging to experimentally resolve the thermodynamic and kinetic redox properties of a single-amino-acid residue. The inherently reactive and highly oxidizing properties of amino-acid radicals increase the experimental barriers further still. This review describes a family of stable and well-structured model proteins that was made specifically to study tyrosine and tryptophan oxidation-reduction. The so-called α3X model protein system was combined with very-high-potential protein film voltammetry, transient absorption spectroscopy, and theoretical methods to gain a comprehensive description of the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of protein tyrosine and tryptophan radicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Tommos
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA;
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14
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Limited solvation of an electron donating tryptophan stabilizes a photoinduced charge-separated state in plant (6-4) photolyase. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5084. [PMID: 35332186 PMCID: PMC8948257 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08928-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
(6-4) Photolyases ((6-4) PLs) are ubiquitous photoenzymes that use the energy of sunlight to catalyze the repair of carcinogenic UV-induced DNA lesions, pyrimidine(6-4)pyrimidone photoproducts. To repair DNA, (6-4) PLs must first undergo so-called photoactivation, in which their excited flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor is reduced in one or two steps to catalytically active FADH- via a chain of three or four conserved tryptophan residues, transiently forming FAD•-/FADH- ⋯ TrpH•+ pairs separated by distances of 15 to 20 Å. Photolyases and related photoreceptors cryptochromes use a plethora of tricks to prevent charge recombination of photoinduced donor-acceptor pairs, such as chain branching and elongation, rapid deprotonation of TrpH•+ or protonation of FAD•-. Here, we address Arabidopsis thaliana (6-4) PL (At64) photoactivation by combining molecular biology, in vivo survival assays, static and time-resolved spectroscopy and computational methods. We conclude that At64 photoactivation is astonishingly efficient compared to related proteins-due to two factors: exceptionally low losses of photoinduced radical pairs through ultrafast recombination and prevention of solvent access to the terminal Trp3H•+, which significantly extends its lifetime. We propose that a highly conserved histidine residue adjacent to the 3rd Trp plays a key role in Trp3H•+ stabilization.
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15
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Ultrafast photooxidation of protein-bound anionic flavin radicals. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2118924119. [PMID: 35181610 PMCID: PMC8872763 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2118924119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Flavoproteins are colored proteins involved in a large variety of biochemical reactions. They can perform photochemical reactions, which are increasingly exploited for bioengineering new protein-derived photocatalysts. In particular, light-induced reduction of the resting oxidized state of the flavin by close-lying amino acids or substrates is extensively studied. Here, we demonstrate that the reverse and previously unknown reaction photooxidation of the anionic semireduced flavin radical, a short-lived reaction intermediate in many biochemical reactions, efficiently occurs in flavoprotein oxidases. We anticipate that this finding will allow photoreduction of external reactants and lead to exploration of novel photocatalytic pathways. The photophysical properties of anionic semireduced flavin radicals are largely unknown despite their importance in numerous biochemical reactions. Here, we studied the photoproducts of these intrinsically unstable species in five different flavoprotein oxidases where they can be stabilized, including the well-characterized glucose oxidase. Using ultrafast absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, we unexpectedly found that photoexcitation systematically results in the oxidation of protein-bound anionic flavin radicals on a time scale of less than ∼100 fs. The thus generated photoproducts decay back in the remarkably narrow 10- to 20-ps time range. Based on molecular dynamics and quantum mechanics computations, positively charged active-site histidine and arginine residues are proposed to be the electron acceptor candidates. Altogether, we established that, in addition to the commonly known and extensively studied photoreduction of oxidized flavins in flavoproteins, the reverse process (i.e., the photooxidation of anionic flavin radicals) can also occur. We propose that this process may constitute an excited-state deactivation pathway for protein-bound anionic flavin radicals in general. This hitherto undocumented photochemical reaction in flavoproteins further extends the family of flavin photocycles.
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16
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Mathis P, Sage E, Byrdin M. Pushing the limits of flash photolysis to unravel the secrets of biological electron and proton transfer. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2022; 21:1533-1544. [DOI: 10.1007/s43630-021-00134-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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17
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Kang X, Chen Z, Zhou Z, Zhou Y, Tang S, Zhang Y, Zhang T, Ding B, Zhong D. Direct Observation of Ultrafast Proton Rocking in the BLUF Domain. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202114423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiu‐Wen Kang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Zijing Chen
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Zhongneng Zhou
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Yalin Zhou
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Siwei Tang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Yifei Zhang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Bei Ding
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Dongping Zhong
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
- Department of Physics Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Programs of Biophysics Chemical Physics, and Biochemistry The Ohio State University Columbus OH 43210 USA
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18
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Ding B, Kang XW, Chen Z, Zhou Z, Zhou Y, Tang S, Zhang Y, Zhang T, Zhong D. Direct Observation of Ultrafast Proton Rocking in the BLUF Domain. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 61:e202114423. [PMID: 34927328 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202114423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
We present direct observation of ultrafast proton rocking in the central motif of a BLUF domain protein scaffold. The mutant design has taken considerations of modulating the proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) driving forces by replacing Tyr in the original motif with Trp, as well as of removing the interference of a competing electron transfer pathway. Using femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy and detailed kinetics analysis, we resolved an electron-transfer-coupled Grotthuss-type forward and reversed proton rocking along the FMN-Gln-Trp proton relay chain. The rates of forward and reversed proton transfer are determined to be very close, namely 51 ps vs 52 ps. The kinetic isotope effect (KIE) constants associated with the forward and reversed proton transfer are 3.9 and 5.3, respectively. The observation of ultrafast proton rocking is not only a crucial step towards revealing the nature of proton relay in BLUF domain, but also provides a new paradigm of proton transfer in proteins for theoretical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Ding
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, 800 Dongchuan Road, 200240, Shanghai, CHINA
| | - Xiu-Wen Kang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Zijing Chen
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Zhongneng Zhou
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Yalin Zhou
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Siwei Tang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Yifei Zhang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Dongping Zhong
- The Ohio State University, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, CHINA
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19
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Goett-Zink L, Kottke T. Plant Cryptochromes Illuminated: A Spectroscopic Perspective on the Mechanism. Front Chem 2021; 9:780199. [PMID: 34900940 PMCID: PMC8653763 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.780199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant cryptochromes are central blue light receptors for the control of land plant and algal development including the circadian clock and the cell cycle. Cryptochromes share a photolyase homology region with about 500 amino acids and bind the chromophore flavin adenine dinucleotide. Characteristic for plant cryptochromes is a conserved aspartic acid close to flavin and an exceptionally long C-terminal extension. The mechanism of activation by excitation and reduction of the chromophore flavin adenine dinucleotide has been controversially discussed for many years. Various spectroscopic techniques have contributed to our understanding of plant cryptochromes by providing high time resolution, ambient conditions and even in-cell approaches. As a result, unifying and differing aspects of photoreaction and signal propagation have been revealed in comparison to members from other cryptochrome subfamilies. Here, we review the insight from spectroscopy on the flavin photoreaction in plant cryptochromes and present the current models on the signal propagation from flavin reduction to dissociation of the C-terminal extension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Goett-Zink
- Department of Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Tilman Kottke
- Department of Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.,Biophysical Chemistry and Diagnostics, Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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20
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Wong SY, Wei Y, Mouritsen H, Solov'yov IA, Hore PJ. Cryptochrome magnetoreception: four tryptophans could be better than three. J R Soc Interface 2021; 18:20210601. [PMID: 34753309 PMCID: PMC8580466 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The biophysical mechanism of the magnetic compass sensor in migratory songbirds is thought to involve photo-induced radical pairs formed in cryptochrome (Cry) flavoproteins located in photoreceptor cells in the eyes. In Cry4a-the most likely of the six known avian Crys to have a magnetic sensing function-four radical pair states are formed sequentially by the stepwise transfer of an electron along a chain of four tryptophan residues to the photo-excited flavin. In purified Cry4a from the migratory European robin, the third of these flavin-tryptophan radical pairs is more magnetically sensitive than the fourth, consistent with the smaller separation of the radicals in the former. Here, we explore the idea that these two radical pair states of Cry4a could exist in rapid dynamic equilibrium such that the key magnetic and kinetic properties are weighted averages. Spin dynamics simulations suggest that the third radical pair is largely responsible for magnetic sensing while the fourth may be better placed to initiate magnetic signalling particularly if the terminal tryptophan radical can be reduced by a nearby tyrosine. Such an arrangement could have allowed independent optimization of the essential sensing and signalling functions of the protein. It might also rationalize why avian Cry4a has four tryptophans while Crys from plants have only three.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siu Ying Wong
- Institut für Physik, Carl-von-Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26111, Germany
| | - Yujing Wei
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QZ, UK
| | - Henrik Mouritsen
- Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften, Carl-von-Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26111, Germany
- Research Centre for Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26111, Germany
| | - Ilia A. Solov'yov
- Institut für Physik, Carl-von-Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26111, Germany
| | - P. J. Hore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QZ, UK
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21
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Petersen J, Rredhi A, Szyttenholm J, Oldemeyer S, Kottke T, Mittag M. The World of Algae Reveals a Broad Variety of Cryptochrome Properties and Functions. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:766509. [PMID: 34790217 PMCID: PMC8591175 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.766509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Algae are photosynthetic eukaryotic (micro-)organisms, lacking roots, leaves, and other organs that are typical for land plants. They live in freshwater, marine, or terrestrial habitats. Together with the cyanobacteria they contribute to about half of global carbon fixation. As primary producers, they are at the basis of many food webs and they are involved in biogeochemical processes. Algae are evolutionarily distinct and are derived either by primary (e.g., green and red algae) or secondary endosymbiosis (e.g., diatoms, dinoflagellates, and brown algae). Light is a key abiotic factor needed to maintain the fitness of algae as it delivers energy for photosynthesis, regulates algal cell- and life cycles, and entrains their biological clocks. However, excess light can also be harmful, especially in the ultraviolet range. Among the variety of receptors perceiving light information, the cryptochromes originally evolved as UV-A and blue-light receptors and have been found in all studied algal genomes so far. Yet, the classification, biophysical properties, wavelength range of absorbance, and biological functions of cryptochromes are remarkably diverse among algal species, especially when compared to cryptochromes from land plants or animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Petersen
- Matthias Schleiden Institute of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Molecular Botany, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Anxhela Rredhi
- Matthias Schleiden Institute of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Molecular Botany, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Julie Szyttenholm
- Matthias Schleiden Institute of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Molecular Botany, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Sabine Oldemeyer
- Experimental Molecular Biophysics, Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tilman Kottke
- Department of Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
- Biophysical Chemistry and Diagnostics, Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Maria Mittag
- Matthias Schleiden Institute of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Molecular Botany, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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22
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Hamada M, Iwata T, Fuki M, Kandori H, Weber S, Kobori Y. Orientations and water dynamics of photoinduced secondary charge-separated states for magnetoreception by cryptochrome. Commun Chem 2021; 4:141. [PMID: 36697801 PMCID: PMC9814139 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-021-00573-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In the biological magnetic compass, blue-light photoreceptor protein of cryptochrome is thought to conduct the sensing of the Earth's magnetic field by photoinduced sequential long-range charge-separation (CS) through a cascade of tryptophan residues, WA(H), WB(H) and WC(H). Mechanism of generating the weak-field sensitive radical pair (RP) is poorly understood because geometries, electronic couplings and their modulations by molecular motion have not been investigated in the secondary CS states generated prior to the terminal RP states. In this study, water dynamics control of the electronic coupling is revealed to be a key concept for sensing the direction of weak magnetic field. Geometry and exchange coupling (singlet-triplet energy gap: 2J) of photoinduced secondary CS states composed of flavin adenine dinucleotide radical anion (FAD-•) and radical cation WB(H)+• in the cryptochrome DASH from Xenopus laevis were clarified by time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance. We found a time-dependent energetic disorder in 2J and was interpreted by a trap CS state capturing one reorientated water molecule at 120 K. Enhanced electron-tunneling by water-libration was revealed for the terminal charge-separation event at elevated temperature. This highlights importance of optimizing the electronic coupling for regulation of the anisotropic RP yield on the possible magnetic compass senses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misato Hamada
- grid.31432.370000 0001 1092 3077Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, 1‒1 Rokkodai‒cho, Nada‒ku, Kobe, 657‒8501 Japan
| | - Tatsuya Iwata
- grid.265050.40000 0000 9290 9879Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Funabashi, Chiba 274‒8510 Japan
| | - Masaaki Fuki
- grid.31432.370000 0001 1092 3077Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, 1‒1 Rokkodai‒cho, Nada‒ku, Kobe, 657‒8501 Japan ,grid.31432.370000 0001 1092 3077Molecular Photoscience Research Center, Kobe University, 1‒1 Rokkodai‒cho, Nada‒ku, Kobe, 657‒8501 Japan
| | - Hideki Kandori
- grid.47716.330000 0001 0656 7591Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555 Japan ,grid.47716.330000 0001 0656 7591OptoBioTechnology Research Center, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555 Japan
| | - Stefan Weber
- grid.5963.9Institute of Physical Chemistry, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yasuhiro Kobori
- grid.31432.370000 0001 1092 3077Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, 1‒1 Rokkodai‒cho, Nada‒ku, Kobe, 657‒8501 Japan ,grid.31432.370000 0001 1092 3077Molecular Photoscience Research Center, Kobe University, 1‒1 Rokkodai‒cho, Nada‒ku, Kobe, 657‒8501 Japan
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23
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Abstract
Hole hopping through tryptophan/tyrosine chains enables rapid unidirectional charge transport over long distances. We have elucidated structural and dynamical factors controlling hopping speed and efficiency in two modified azurin constructs that include a rhenium(I) sensitizer, Re(His)(CO)3(dmp)+, and one or two tryptophans (W1, W2). Experimental kinetics investigations showed that the two closely spaced (3 to 4 Å) intervening tryptophans dramatically accelerated long-range electron transfer (ET) from CuI to the photoexcited sensitizer. In our theoretical work, we found that time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT) quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics/molecular dynamics (QM/MM/MD) trajectories of low-lying triplet excited states of ReI(His)(CO)3(dmp)+-W1(-W2) exhibited crossings between sensitizer-localized (*Re) and charge-separated [ReI(His)(CO)3(dmp•-)/(W1 •+ or W2 •+)] (CS1 or CS2) states. Our analysis revealed that the distances, angles, and mutual orientations of ET-active cofactors fluctuate in a relatively narrow range in which the cofactors are strongly coupled, enabling adiabatic ET. Water-dominated electrostatic field fluctuations bring *Re and CS1 states to a crossing where *Re(CO)3(dmp)+←W1 ET occurs, and CS1 becomes the lowest triplet state. ET is promoted by solvation dynamics around *Re(CO)3(dmp)+(W1); and CS1 is stabilized by Re(dmp•-)/W1 •+ electron/hole interaction and enhanced W1 •+ solvation. The second hop, W1 •+←W2, is facilitated by water fluctuations near the W1/W2 unit, taking place when the electrostatic potential at W2 drops well below that at W1 •+ Insufficient solvation and reorganization around W2 make W1 •+←W2 ET endergonic, shifting the equilibrium toward W1 •+ and decreasing the charge-separation yield. We suggest that multiscale TDDFT/MM/MD is a suitable technique to model the simultaneous evolution of photogenerated excited-state manifolds.
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24
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Bin Mohd Yusof MS, Lim YL, Loh ZH. Ultrafast vibrational wave packet dynamics of the aqueous tyrosyl radical anion induced by photodetachment. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:18525-18534. [PMID: 34581329 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp02975d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The ultrafast dynamics triggered by the photodetachment of the tyrosinate dianion in aqueous environment shed light on the elementary processes that accompany the interaction of ionizing radiation with biological matter. Photodetachment of the tryosinate dianion yields the tyrosyl radical anion, an important intermediate in biological redox reactions, although the study of its ultrafast dynamics is limited. Here, we utilize femtosecond optical pump-probe spectroscopy to investigate the ultrafast structural reorganization dynamics that follow the photodetachment of the tyrosinate dianion in aqueous solution. Photodetachment of the tyrosinate dianion leads to vibrational wave packet motion along seven vibrational modes that are coupled to the photodetachment process. The vibrational modes are assigned with the aid of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our results offer a glimpse of the elementary dynamics of ionized biomolecules and suggest the possibility of extending this approach to investigate the ionization-induced structural rearrangement of other aromatic amino acids and larger biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shafiq Bin Mohd Yusof
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore 637371, Singapore.
| | - Yong Liang Lim
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore 637371, Singapore.
| | - Zhi-Heng Loh
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore 637371, Singapore.
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25
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Cellini A, Yuan Wahlgren W, Henry L, Pandey S, Ghosh S, Castillon L, Claesson E, Takala H, Kübel J, Nimmrich A, Kuznetsova V, Nango E, Iwata S, Owada S, Stojković EA, Schmidt M, Ihalainen JA, Westenhoff S. The three-dimensional structure of Drosophila melanogaster (6-4) photolyase at room temperature. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2021; 77:1001-1009. [PMID: 34342273 PMCID: PMC8329860 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798321005830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
(6-4) photolyases are flavoproteins that belong to the photolyase/cryptochrome family. Their function is to repair DNA lesions using visible light. Here, crystal structures of Drosophila melanogaster (6-4) photolyase [Dm(6-4)photolyase] at room and cryogenic temperatures are reported. The room-temperature structure was solved to 2.27 Å resolution and was obtained by serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) using an X-ray free-electron laser. The crystallization and preparation conditions are also reported. The cryogenic structure was solved to 1.79 Å resolution using conventional X-ray crystallography. The structures agree with each other, indicating that the structural information obtained from crystallography at cryogenic temperature also applies at room temperature. Furthermore, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy confirms that Dm(6-4)photolyase is photoactive in the crystals, giving a green light to time-resolved SFX studies on the protein, which can reveal the structural mechanism of the photoactivated protein in DNA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cellini
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Weixiao Yuan Wahlgren
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Léocadie Henry
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Suraj Pandey
- Physics Department, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 3135 North Maryland Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
| | - Swagatha Ghosh
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Leticia Castillon
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elin Claesson
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Heikki Takala
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyvaskyla, 40014 Jyvaskyla, Finland
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Box 63, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joachim Kübel
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Amke Nimmrich
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Valentyna Kuznetsova
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyvaskyla, 40014 Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Eriko Nango
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5198, Japan
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - So Iwata
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5198, Japan
| | - Shigeki Owada
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5198, Japan
| | - Emina A. Stojković
- Department of Biology, Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 North St Louis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625, USA
| | - Marius Schmidt
- Physics Department, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 3135 North Maryland Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
| | - Janne A. Ihalainen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyvaskyla, 40014 Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Sebastian Westenhoff
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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26
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Karki N, Vergish S, Zoltowski BD. Cryptochromes: Photochemical and structural insight into magnetoreception. Protein Sci 2021; 30:1521-1534. [PMID: 33993574 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cryptochromes (CRYs) function as blue light photoreceptors in diverse physiological processes in nearly all kingdoms of life. Over the past several decades, they have emerged as the most likely candidates for light-dependent magnetoreception in animals, however, a long history of conflicts between in vitro photochemistry and in vivo behavioral data complicate validation of CRYs as a magnetosensor. In this review, we highlight the origins of conflicts regarding CRY photochemistry and signal transduction, and identify recent data that provides clarity on potential mechanisms of signal transduction in magnetoreception. The review primarily focuses on examining differences in photochemistry and signal transduction in plant and animal CRYs, and identifies potential modes of convergent evolution within these independent lineages that may identify conserved signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nischal Karki
- Department of Chemistry, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Satyam Vergish
- Department of Chemistry, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Brian D Zoltowski
- Department of Chemistry, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
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27
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Photochemical processes in flavo-enzymes as a probe for active site dynamics: TrmFO of Thermus thermophilus. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2021; 20:663-670. [PMID: 33977512 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-021-00052-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Quenching of flavin fluorescence by electron transfer from neighboring aromatic residues is ubiquitous in flavoproteins. Apart from constituting a functional process in specific light-active systems, time-resolved spectral characterization of the process can more generally be employed as a probe for the active site configuration and dynamics. In the C51A variant of the bacterial RNA-transforming flavoenzyme TrmFO from the bacterium Thermus thermophilus, fluorescence is very short-lived (~ 1 ps), and close-by Tyr343 is known to act as the main quencher, as confirmed here by the very similar dynamics observed in protein variants with modified other potential quenchers, Trp283 and Trp214. When Tyr343 is modified to redox-inactive phenylalanine, slower and highly multiphasic kinetics are observed on the picosecond-nanosecond timescale, reflecting heterogeneous electron donor-acceptor configurations. We demonstrate that Trp214, which is located on a potentially functional flexible loop, contributes to electron donor quenching in this variant. Contrasting with observations in other nucleic acid-transforming enzymes, these kinetics are strikingly temperature-independent. This indicates (a) near-barrierless electron transfer reactions and (b) no exchange between different configurations on the timescale up to at least 2 ns, despite the presumed flexibility of Trp214. Results of extensive molecular dynamics simulations are presented to explain this unexpected finding in terms of slowly exchanging protein configurations.
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28
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Lacombat F, Espagne A, Dozova N, Plaza P, Müller P, Emmerich HJ, Saft M, Essen LO. Ultrafast photoreduction dynamics of a new class of CPD photolyases. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2021; 20:733-746. [PMID: 33977513 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-021-00048-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
NewPHL is a recently discovered subgroup of ancestral DNA photolyases. Its domain architecture displays pronounced differences from that of canonical photolyases, in particular at the level of the characteristic electron transfer chain, which is limited to merely two tryptophans, instead of the "classical" three or four. Using transient absorption spectroscopy, we show that the dynamics of photoreduction of the oxidized FAD cofactor in the NewPHL begins similarly as that in canonical photolyases, i.e., with a sub-ps primary reduction of the excited FAD cofactor by an adjacent tryptophan, followed by migration of the electron hole towards the second tryptophan in the tens of ps regime. However, the resulting tryptophanyl radical then undergoes an unprecedentedly fast deprotonation in less than 100 ps in the NewPHL. In spite of the stabilization effect of this deprotonation, almost complete charge recombination follows in two phases of ~ 950 ps and ~ 50 ns. Such a rapid recombination of the radical pair implies that the first FAD photoreduction step, i.e., conversion of the fully oxidized to the semi-quinone state, should be rather difficult in vivo. We hence suggest that the flavin chromophore likely switches only between its semi-reduced and fully reduced form in NewPHL under physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Lacombat
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Agathe Espagne
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Nadia Dozova
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Pascal Plaza
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Pavel Müller
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| | - Hans-Joachim Emmerich
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Martin Saft
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Lars-Oliver Essen
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University, 35032, Marburg, Germany.
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29
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Zhuang B, Seo D, Aleksandrov A, Vos MH. Characterization of Light-Induced, Short-Lived Interacting Radicals in the Active Site of Flavoprotein Ferredoxin-NADP + Oxidoreductase. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:2757-2768. [PMID: 33591179 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c09627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Radicals of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), as well as tyrosine and tryptophan, are widely involved as key reactive intermediates during electron-transfer (ET) reactions in flavoproteins. Due to the high reactivity of these species and their corresponding short lifetime, characterization of these intermediates in functional processes of flavoproteins is usually challenging but can be achieved by ultrafast spectroscopic studies of light-activatable flavoproteins. In ferredoxin-NADP+ oxidoreductase from Bacillus subtilis (BsFNR), fluorescence of the FAD cofactor that very closely interacts with a neighboring tyrosine residue (Tyr50) is strongly quenched. Here we study short-lived photoproducts of this enzyme and its variants, with Tyr50 replaced by tryptophan or glycine. Using time-resolved fluorescence and absorption spectroscopies, we show that, upon the excitation of WT BsFNR, ultrafast ET from Tyr50 to the excited FAD cofactor occurs in ∼260 fs, an order of magnitude faster than the decay by charge recombination, facilitating the characterization of the reaction intermediates in the charge-separated state with respect to other recently studied systems. These studies are corroborated by experiments on the Y50W mutant protein, which yield photoproducts qualitatively similar to those observed in other tryptophan-bearing flavoproteins. By combining the experimental results with molecular dynamics simulations and quantum mechanics calculations, we investigate in detail the effects of protein environment and relaxations on the spectral properties of those radical intermediates and demonstrate that the spectral features of radical anionic FAD are highly sensitive to its environment, and in particular to the dynamics and nature of the counterions formed in the photoproducts. Altogether, comprehensive characterizations are provided for important radical intermediates that are generally involved in functional processes of flavoproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhuang
- LOB, CNRS, INSERM, École Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Daisuke Seo
- Division of Material Science, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, 920-1192 Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Alexey Aleksandrov
- LOB, CNRS, INSERM, École Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Marten H Vos
- LOB, CNRS, INSERM, École Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
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30
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Wörner S, Leier J, Michenfelder NC, Unterreiner A, Wagenknecht H. Directed Electron Transfer in Flavin Peptides with Oligoproline-Type Helical Conformation as Models for Flavin-Functional Proteins. ChemistryOpen 2020; 9:1264-1269. [PMID: 33318882 PMCID: PMC7729625 DOI: 10.1002/open.202000199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
To mimic the charge separation in functional proteins we studied flavin-modified peptides as models. They were synthesized as oligoprolines that typically form a polyproline type-II helix, because this secondary structure supports the electron transfer properties. We placed the flavin as photoexcitable chromophore and electron acceptor at the N-terminus. Tryptophans were placed as electron donors to direct the electron transfer over 0-3 intervening prolines. Spectroscopic studies revealed competitive photophysical pathways. The reference peptide without tryptophan shows dominant non-specific ET dynamics, leading to an ion pair formation, whereas peptides with tryptophans have weak non-specific ET and intensified directed electron transfer. By different excitation wavelengths, we can conclude that the corresponding ion pair state of flavin within the peptide environment has to be energetically located between the S1 and S4 states, whereas the directed electron transfer to tryptophan occurs directly from the S1 state. These photochemical results have fundamental significance for proteins with flavin as redoxactive cofactor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Wörner
- Institute of Organic ChemistryKarlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)Fritz-Haber-Weg 676131KarlsruheGermany
| | - Julia Leier
- Institute of Physical ChemistryKarlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)Fritz-Haber-Weg 276131KarlsruheGermany
| | - Nadine C. Michenfelder
- Institute of Physical ChemistryKarlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)Fritz-Haber-Weg 276131KarlsruheGermany
| | - Andreas‐Neil Unterreiner
- Institute of Physical ChemistryKarlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)Fritz-Haber-Weg 276131KarlsruheGermany
| | - Hans‐Achim Wagenknecht
- Institute of Organic ChemistryKarlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)Fritz-Haber-Weg 676131KarlsruheGermany
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31
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Schwinn K, Ferré N, Huix-Rotllant M. UV-visible absorption spectrum of FAD and its reduced forms embedded in a cryptochrome protein. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:12447-12455. [PMID: 32458897 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp01714k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cryptochromes are a class of flavoproteins proposed as candidates to explain magnetoreception of animals, plants and bacteria. The main hypothesis is that a biradical is formed upon blue-light absorption by flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). In a protein milieu, the oxidized form of FAD can be reduced, leading to four redox derivative forms: anionic and neutral semi-reduced radicals, and anionic and neutral fully reduced forms. All these forms have a characteristic electronic absorption spectrum, with a strong vibrational resolution. Here, we carried out a normal mode analysis at the electrostatic embedding QM/MM level of theory to compute the vibrationally resolved absorption spectra of the five redox forms of FAD embedded in a plant cryptochrome. We show that explicitly accounting for vibrational broadening contributions to electronic transitions is essential to reproduce the experimental spectra. In the case of the neutral radical form of FAD, the absorption spectrum is reproduced only if the presence of a tryptophan radical is considered.
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32
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Hong G, Pachter R, Essen LO, Ritz T. Electron transfer and spin dynamics of the radical-pair in the cryptochrome from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by computational analysis. J Chem Phys 2020; 152:065101. [PMID: 32061221 DOI: 10.1063/1.5133019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In an effort to elucidate the origin of avian magnetoreception, it was postulated that a radical-pair formed in a cryptochrome upon light activation provided the basis for the mechanism that enables an inclination compass sensitive to the geomagnetic field. Photoreduction in this case involves formation of a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-tryptophan (TRP) radical-pair, following electron transfer within a conserved TRP triad in the cryptochrome. Recently, an animal-like cryptochrome from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CraCRY) was analyzed, demonstrating the role of a fourth aromatic residue, which serves as a terminal electron donor in the photoreduction pathway, resulting in the creation of a more distal radical-pair and exhibiting fast electron transfer. In this work, we investigated the electron transfer in CraCRY with a combination of free energy molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, frozen density functional theory, and QM/MM MD simulations, supporting the suggestion of a proton coupled electron transfer mechanism. Spin dynamics simulations discerned details on the dependence of the singlet yield on the direction of the external magnetic field for the [FAD•- TYRH•+] and [FAD•- TYR•] radical-pairs in CraCRY, in comparison with the previously modeled [FAD•- TRPH•+] radical-pair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongyi Hong
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433, USA
| | - Ruth Pachter
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433, USA
| | - Lars-Oliver Essen
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University, Marburg 35032, Germany
| | - Thorsten Ritz
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, USA
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33
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Otsuka H, Mitsui H, Miura K, Okano K, Imamoto Y, Okano T. Rapid Oxidation Following Photoreduction in the Avian Cryptochrome4 Photocycle. Biochemistry 2020; 59:3615-3625. [PMID: 32915550 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Avian magnetoreception is assumed to occur in the retina. Although its molecular mechanism is unclear, magnetic field-dependent formation and the stability of radical-containing photointermediate(s) are suggested to play key roles in a hypothesis called the radical pair mechanism. Chicken cryptochrome4 (cCRY4) has been identified as a candidate magnetoreceptive molecule due to its expression in the retina and its ability to form stable flavin neutral radicals (FADH●) upon blue light absorption. Herein, we used millisecond flash photolysis to investigate the cCRY4 photocycle, in both the presence and absence of dithiothreitol (DTT); detecting the anion radical form of FAD (FAD●-) under both conditions. Using spectral data obtained during flash photolysis and UV-visible photospectroscopy, we estimated the absolute absorbance spectra of the photointermediates, thus allowing us to decompose each spectrum into its individual components. Notably, in the absence of DTT, approximately 37% and 63% of FAD●- was oxidized to FADOX and protonated to form FADH●, respectively. Singular value decomposition analysis suggested the presence of two FAD●- molecular species, each of which was destined to be oxidized to FADOX or protonated to FADH●. A tyrosine neutral radical was also detected; however, it likely decayed concomitantly with the oxidation of FAD●-. On the basis of these results, we considered the occurrence of bifurcation prior to FAD●- generation, or during FAD●- oxidization, and discussed the potential role played by the tyrosine radical in the radical pair mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Otsuka
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Bioscience, Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, Wakamatsucho 2-2, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Mitsui
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Bioscience, Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, Wakamatsucho 2-2, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Kota Miura
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Bioscience, Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, Wakamatsucho 2-2, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Keiko Okano
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Bioscience, Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, Wakamatsucho 2-2, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Yasushi Imamoto
- Department of Biophysics, Division of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwakecho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Okano
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Bioscience, Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, Wakamatsucho 2-2, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
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34
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Ouyang X, Li X, Liu J, Liu Y, Xie Y, Du Z, Xie H, Chen B, Lu W, Chen D. Structure–activity relationship and mechanism of four monostilbenes with respect to ferroptosis inhibition. RSC Adv 2020; 10:31171-31179. [PMID: 35520676 PMCID: PMC9056428 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra04896h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Erastin-treated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (bmMSCs) were prepared and used to compare the ferroptosis inhibitory bioactivities of four monostilbenes, including rhapontigenin (1a), isorhapontigenin (1b), piceatannol-3′-O-glucoside (1c), and rhapontin (1d). Their relative levels were 1c ≈ 1b > 1a ≈ 1d in 4,4-difluoro-5-(4-phenyl-1,3-butadienyl)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene-3-undecanoic acid (C11-BODIPY), 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), and flow cytometric assays. The comparison highlighted two 4′-OH-containing monostilbenes (1c and 1b) in ferroptosis inhibitory bioactivity. Similar structure–activity relationships were also observed in antioxidant assays, including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazl radical (DPPH˙)-trapping, 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-oxide radical (PTIO˙)-trapping, and Fe3+-reducing assays. UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS analysis of the DPPH˙-trapping reaction of the monostilbenes revealed that they can inhibit ferroptosis in erastin-treated bmMSCs through a hydrogen donation-based antioxidant pathway. After hydrogen donation, these monostilbenes usually produce the corresponding stable dimers; additionally, the hydrogen donation potential was enhanced by the 4′-OH. The enhancement by 4′-OH can be attributed to the transannular resonance effect. This effect can be used to predict the inhibition potential of other π–π conjugative phenolics. Erastin-treated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (bmMSCs) were prepared and used to compare the ferroptosis inhibitory bioactivities of four monostilbenes, including rhapontigenin (1a), isorhapontigenin (1b), piceatannol-3′-O-glucoside (1c), and rhapontin (1d).![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojian Ouyang
- School of Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
- Guangzhou 510006
- China
| | - Xican Li
- School of Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
- Guangzhou 510006
- China
| | - Jie Liu
- School of Basic Medical Science
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
- Guangzhou 510006
- China
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine
| | - Yangping Liu
- School of Basic Medical Science
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
- Guangzhou 510006
- China
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine
| | - Yulu Xie
- School of Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
- Guangzhou 510006
- China
| | - Zhongcun Du
- School of Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
- Guangzhou 510006
- China
| | - Hong Xie
- School of Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
- Guangzhou 510006
- China
| | - Ban Chen
- School of Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
- Guangzhou 510006
- China
| | - Wenbiao Lu
- School of Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
- Guangzhou 510006
- China
| | - Dongfeng Chen
- School of Basic Medical Science
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
- Guangzhou 510006
- China
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine
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35
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Oldemeyer S, Haddad AZ, Fleming GR. Interconnection of the Antenna Pigment 8-HDF and Flavin Facilitates Red-Light Reception in a Bifunctional Animal-like Cryptochrome. Biochemistry 2019; 59:594-604. [PMID: 31846308 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cryptochromes are ubiquitous flavin-binding light sensors closely related to DNA-repairing photolyases. The animal-like cryptochrome CraCRY from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii challenges the paradigm of cryptochromes as pure blue-light receptors by acting as a (6-4) photolyase, using 8-hydroxy-5-deazaflavin (8-HDF) as a light-harvesting antenna with a 17.4 Å distance to flavin and showing spectral sensitivity up to 680 nm. The expanded action spectrum is attributed to the presence of the flavin neutral radical (FADH•) in the dark, despite a rapid FADH• decay observed in vitro in samples exclusively carrying flavin. Herein, the red-light response of CraCRY carrying flavin and 8-HDF was studied, revealing a 3-fold prolongation of the FADH• lifetime in the presence of 8-HDF. Millisecond time-resolved ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy showed the red-light-induced formation and decay of an absorbance band at 458 nm concomitant with flavin reduction. Time-resolved Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and density functional theory attributed these changes to the deprotonation of 8-HDF, challenging the paradigm of 8-HDF being permanently deprotonated in photolyases. FTIR spectra showed changes in the hydrogen bonding network of asparagine 395, a residue suggested to indirectly control flavin protonation, indicating the involvement of N395 in the stabilization of FADH•. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed a decrease in the energy transfer efficiency of 8-HDF upon flavin reduction, possibly linked to 8-HDF deprotonation. The discovery of the interdependence of flavin and 8-HDF beyond energy transfer processes highlights the essential role of the antenna, introducing a new concept enabling CraCRY and possibly other bifunctional cryptochromes to fulfill their dual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Oldemeyer
- Department of Chemistry , University of California , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States.,Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division , Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States
| | - Andrew Z Haddad
- Energy Technologies Area , Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States
| | - Graham R Fleming
- Department of Chemistry , University of California , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States.,Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division , Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States.,Kavli Energy Nanoscience Institute , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States
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