Crystal structure of the bifunctional proline utilization A flavoenzyme from Bradyrhizobium japonicum

Pyrroline-5-carboxylate metabolism protein complex detected in Arabidopsis thaliana leaf mitochondria

Proline dehydrogenase (ProDH) and pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) dehydrogenase (P5CDH) catalyse the oxidation of proline into glutamate via the intermediates P5C and glutamate-semialdehyde (GSA), which spontaneously interconvert. P5C and GSA are also intermediates in the production of glutamate from ornithine and α-ketoglutarate catalysed by ornithine δ-aminotransferase (OAT). ProDH and P5CDH form a fused bifunctional PutA enzyme in Gram-negative bacteria and are associated in a bifunctional substrate-channelling complex in Thermus thermophilus; however, the physical proximity of ProDH and P5CDH in eukaryotes has not been described. Here, we report evidence of physical proximity and interactions between Arabidopsis ProDH, P5CDH, and OAT in the mitochondria of plants during dark-induced leaf senescence when all three enzymes are expressed. Pairwise interactions and localization of the three enzymes were investigated using bimolecular fluorescence complementation with confocal microscopy in tobacco and sub-mitochondrial fractionation in Arabidopsis. Evidence for a complex composed of ProDH, P5CDH, and OAT was revealed by co-migration of the proteins in native conditions upon gel electrophoresis. Co-immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the presence of the P5C metabolism complex in Arabidopsis. Pull-down assays further demonstrated a direct interaction between ProDH1 and P5CDH. P5C metabolism complexes might channel P5C among the constituent enzymes and directly provide electrons to the respiratory electron chain via ProDH.

Pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase is an essential enzyme for proline dehydrogenase function during dark-induced senescence in Arabidopsis thaliana

During leaf senescence, nitrogen is remobilized and carbon backbones are replenished by amino acid catabolism, with many of the key reactions occurring in mitochondria. The intermediate Δ¹ -pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) is common to some catabolic pathways, thus linking the metabolism of several amino acids, including proline and arginine. Specifically, mitochondrial proline catabolism involves sequential action of proline dehydrogenase (ProDH) and P5C dehydrogenase (P5CDH) to produce P5C and then glutamate. Arginine catabolism produces urea and ornithine, the latter in the presence of α-ketoglutarate being converted by ornithine δ-aminotransferase (OAT) into P5C and glutamate. Metabolic changes during dark-induced leaf senescence (DIS) were studied in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves of Col-0 and in prodh1prodh2, p5cdh and oat mutants. Progression of DIS was followed by measuring chlorophyll and proline contents for 5 days. Metabolomic profiling of 116 compounds revealed similar profiles of Col-0 and oat metabolism, distinct from prodh1prodh2 and p5cdh metabolism. Metabolic dynamics were accelerated in p5cdh by 1 day. Notably, more P5C and proline accumulated in p5cdh than in prodh1prodh2. ProDH1 enzymatic activity and protein amount were significantly down-regulated in p5cdh mutant at Day 4 of DIS. Mitochondrial P5C levels appeared critical in determining the flow through interconnected amino acid remobilization pathways to sustain senescence.

Probing the function of a ligand-modulated dynamic tunnel in bifunctional proline utilization A (PutA)

In many bacteria, the reactions of proline catabolism are catalyzed by the bifunctional enzyme known as proline utilization A (PutA). PutA catalyzes the two-step oxidation of l-proline to l-glutamate using distinct proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and l-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (GSALDH) active sites, which are separated by over 40 Å and connected by a complex tunnel system. The tunnel system consists of a main tunnel that connects the two active sites and functions in substrate channeling, plus six ancillary tunnels whose functions are unknown. Here we used tunnel-blocking mutagenesis to probe the role of a dynamic ancillary tunnel (tunnel 2a) whose shape is modulated by ligand binding to the PRODH active site. The 1.90 Å resolution crystal structure of Geobacter sulfurreducens PutA variant A206W verified that the side chain of Trp206 cleanly blocks tunnel 2a without perturbing the surrounding structure. Steady-state kinetic measurements indicate the mutation impaired PRODH activity without affecting the GSALDH activity. Single-turnover experiments corroborated a severe impairment of PRODH activity with flavin reduction decreased by nearly 600-fold in A206W relative to wild-type. Substrate channeling is also significantly impacted as A206W exhibited a 3000-fold lower catalytic efficiency in coupled PRODH-GSALDH activity assays, which measure NADH formation as a function of proline. The structure suggests that Trp206 inhibits binding of the substrate l-proline by preventing the formation of a conserved glutamate-arginine ion pair and closure of the PRODH active site. Our data are consistent with tunnel 2a serving as an open space through which the glutamate of the ion pair travels during the opening and closing of the active site in response to binding l-proline. These results confirm the essentiality of the conserved ion pair in binding l-proline and support the hypothesis that the ion pair functions as a gate that controls access to the PRODH active site.

Structural analysis of prolines and hydroxyprolines binding to the l-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde dehydrogenase active site of bifunctional proline utilization A

Proline utilization A (PutA) proteins are bifunctional proline catabolic enzymes that catalyze the 4-electron oxidation of l-proline to l-glutamate using spatially-separated proline dehydrogenase and l-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (GSALDH, a.k.a. ALDH4A1) active sites. The observation that l-proline inhibits both the GSALDH activity of PutA and monofunctional GSALDHs motivated us to study the inhibition of PutA by proline stereoisomers and analogs. Here we report five high-resolution crystal structures of PutA with the following ligands bound in the GSALDH active site: d-proline, trans-4-hydroxy-d-proline, cis-4-hydroxy-d-proline, l-proline, and trans-4-hydroxy-l-proline. Three of the structures are of ternary complexes of the enzyme with an inhibitor and either NAD⁺ or NADH. To our knowledge, the NADH complex is the first for any GSALDH. The structures reveal a conserved mode of recognition of the inhibitor carboxylate, which results in the pyrrolidine rings of the d- and l-isomers having different orientations and different hydrogen bonding environments. Activity assays show that the compounds are weak inhibitors with millimolar inhibition constants. Curiously, although the inhibitors occupy the aldehyde binding site, kinetic measurements show the inhibition is uncompetitive. Uncompetitive inhibition may involve proline binding to a remote site or to the enzyme-NADH complex. Together, the structural and kinetic data expand our understanding of how proline-like molecules interact with GSALDH, reveal insight into the relationship between stereochemistry and inhibitor affinity, and demonstrate the pitfalls of inferring the mechanism of inhibition from crystal structures alone.

Redox Modulation of Oligomeric State in Proline Utilization A

Homooligomerization of proline utilization A (PutA) bifunctional flavoenzymes is intimately tied to catalytic function and substrate channeling. PutA from Bradyrhizobium japonicum (BjPutA) is unique among PutAs in that it forms a tetramer in solution. Curiously, a dimeric BjPutA hot spot mutant was previously shown to display wild-type catalytic activity despite lacking the tetrameric structure. These observations raised the question of what is the active oligomeric state of BjPutA. Herein, we investigate the factors that contribute to tetramerization of BjPutA in vitro. Negative-stain electron microscopy indicates that BjPutA is primarily dimeric at nanomolar concentrations, suggesting concentration-dependent tetramerization. Further, sedimentation-velocity analysis of BjPutA at high (micromolar) concentration reveals that although the binding of active-site ligands does not alter oligomeric state, reduction of the flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor results in dimeric protein. Size-exclusion chromatography coupled with multiangle light scattering and small-angle x-ray scattering analysis also reveals that reduced BjPutA is dimeric. Taken together, these results suggest that the BjPutA oligomeric state is dependent upon both enzyme concentration and the redox state of the flavin cofactor. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of redox-linked oligomerization in the PutA family.

l-Proline Alleviates Kidney Injury Caused by AFB1 and AFM1 through Regulating Excessive Apoptosis of Kidney Cells

The toxicity and related mechanisms of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in the mouse kidney were studied, and the role of l-proline in alleviating kidney damage was investigated. In a 28-day toxicity mouse model, thirty mice were divided into six groups: control (without treatment), l-proline group (10 g/kg body weight (b.w.)), AFB1 group (0.5 mg/kg b.w.), AFM1 (3.5 mg/kg b.w.), AFB1 + l-proline group and AFM1 + l-proline group. Kidney index and biochemical indicators were detected, and pathological staining was observed. Using a human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) cell model, cell apoptosis rate and apoptotic proteins expressions were detected. The results showed that AFB1 and AFM1 activated pathways related with oxidative stress and caused kidney injury; l-proline significantly alleviated abnormal expressions of biochemical parameters and pathological kidney damage, as well as excessive cell apoptosis in the AF-treated models. Moreover, proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) was verified to regulate the levels of l-proline and downstream apoptotic factors (Bax, Bcl-2, and cleaved Caspase-3) compared with the control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, l-proline could protect mouse kidneys from AFB1 and AFM1 through alleviating oxidative damage and decreasing downstream apoptosis, which deserves further research and development.

Structural Biology of Proline Catabolic Enzymes

SIGNIFICANCE

Proline catabolism refers to the 4-electron oxidation of proline to glutamate catalyzed by the enzymes proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and l-glutamate γ-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (GSALDH, or ALDH4A1). These enzymes and the intermediate metabolites of the pathway have been implicated in tumor growth and suppression, metastasis, hyperprolinemia metabolic disorders, schizophrenia susceptibility, life span extension, and pathogen virulence and survival. In some bacteria, PRODH and GSALDH are combined into a bifunctional enzyme known as proline utilization A (PutA). PutAs are not only virulence factors in some pathogenic bacteria but also fascinating systems for studying the coordination of metabolic enzymes via substrate channeling. Recent Advances: The past decade has seen an explosion of structural data for proline catabolic enzymes. This review surveys these structures, emphasizing protein folds, substrate recognition, oligomerization, kinetic mechanisms, and substrate channeling in PutA.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Major unsolved structural targets include eukaryotic PRODH, the complex between monofunctional PRODH and monofunctional GSALDH, and the largest of all PutAs, trifunctional PutA. The structural basis of PutA-membrane association is poorly understood. Fundamental aspects of substrate channeling in PutA remain unknown, such as the identity of the channeled intermediate, how the tunnel system is activated, and the roles of ancillary tunnels.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

New approaches are needed to study the molecular and in vivo mechanisms of substrate channeling. With the discovery of the proline cycle driving tumor growth and metastasis, the development of inhibitors of proline metabolic enzymes has emerged as an exciting new direction. Structural biology will be important in these endeavors.

Can enzyme proximity accelerate cascade reactions?

The last decade has seen an exponential expansion of interest in conjugating multiple enzymes of cascades in close proximity to each other, with the overarching goal being to accelerate the overall reaction rate. However, some evidence has emerged that there is no effect of proximity channeling on the reaction velocity of the popular GOx-HRP cascade, particularly in the presence of a competing enzyme (catalase). Herein, we rationalize these experimental results quantitatively. We show that, in general, proximity channeling can enhance reaction velocity in the presence of competing enzymes, but in steady state a significant enhancement can only be achieved for diffusion-limited reactions or at high concentrations of competing enzymes. We provide simple equations to estimate the effect of channeling quantitatively and demonstrate that proximity can have a more pronounced effect under crowding conditions in vivo, particularly that crowding can enhance the overall rates of channeled cascade reactions.

Enzymes in Metabolic Anticancer Therapy

Cancer treatment has greatly improved over the last 50 years, but it remains challenging in several cases. Useful therapeutic targets are normally unique peculiarities of cancer cells that distinguish them from normal cells and that can be tackled with appropriate drugs. It is now known that cell metabolism is rewired during tumorigenesis and metastasis as a consequence of oncogene activation and oncosuppressors inactivation, leading to a new cellular homeostasis typically directed towards anabolism. Because of these modifications, cells can become strongly or absolutely dependent on specific substrates, like sugars, lipids or amino acids. Cancer addictions are a relevant target for therapy, as removal of an essential substrate can lead to their selective cell-cycle arrest or even to cell death, leaving normal cells untouched. Enzymes can act as powerful agents in this respect, as demonstrated by asparaginase, which has been included in the treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia for half a century. In this review, a short outline of cancer addictions will be provided, focusing on the main cancer amino acid dependencies described so far. Therapeutic enzymes which have been already experimented at the clinical level will be discussed, along with novel potential candidates that we propose as new promising molecules. The intrinsic limitations of their present molecular forms, along with molecular engineering solutions to explore, will also be presented.

Structural and Biochemical Characterization of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 12, the Last Enzyme of Proline Catabolism in Plants

Heterokonts, Alveolata protists, green algae from Charophyta and Chlorophyta divisions, and all Embryophyta plants possess an aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) gene named ALDH12. Here, we provide a biochemical characterization of two ALDH12 family members from the lower plant Physcomitrella patens and higher plant Zea mays. We show that ALDH12 encodes an NAD⁺-dependent glutamate γ-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (GSALDH), which irreversibly converts glutamate γ-semialdehyde (GSAL), a mitochondrial intermediate of the proline and arginine catabolism, to glutamate. Sedimentation equilibrium and small-angle X-ray scattering analyses reveal that in solution both plant GSALDHs exist as equilibrium between a domain-swapped dimer and the dimer-of-dimers tetramer. Plant GSALDHs share very low-sequence identity with bacterial, fungal, and animal GSALDHs (classified as ALDH4), which are the closest related ALDH superfamily members. Nevertheless, the crystal structure of ZmALDH12 at 2.2-Å resolution  shows that nearly all key residues involved in the recognition of GSAL are identical to those in ALDH4, indicating a close functional relationship with ALDH4. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the transition from ALDH4 to ALDH12 occurred during the evolution of the endosymbiotic plant ancestor, prior to the evolution of green algae and land plants. Finally, ALDH12 expression in maize and moss is downregulated in response to salt and drought stresses, possibly to maintain proline levels. Taken together, these results provide molecular insight into the biological roles of the plant ALDH12 family.

The Toxic Effects of Aflatoxin B1 and Aflatoxin M1 on Kidney through Regulating L-Proline and Downstream Apoptosis

The toxic effects and potential mechanisms of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), and AFB1+AFM1 in the kidney were studied and compared in HEK 293 cells model and CD-1 mice model. The 35-day subacute toxicity mice model was constructed, biochemical indicators and kidney pathological staining were detected, kidney metabonomics detection was performed, and the metabolites were analyzed, and then the related toxicity mechanism was validated. Results showed that AFB1 (0.5 mg/kg), AFM1 (3.5 mg/kg), and AFB1 (0.5 mg/kg)+AFM1 (3.5 mg/kg) activated oxidative stress and caused renal damage. The relative concentration of the metabolite L-proline was found to be lower in aflatoxins treatment groups when compared with the control (P < 0.05). Moreover, with the treatment of aflatoxins, proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and proapoptotic factors (Bax, Caspase-3) were upregulated, while the inhibitor of apoptosis Bcl-2 was downregulated, at both the mRNA and the protein levels, comparing with the control (P < 0.05). In addition, the combined effect of AFB1 and AFM1 was validated, for the toxicity of the combination was stronger than the other two groups. In conclusion, AFB1 and AFM1 caused kidney toxicity by activating oxidative stress through altering expression of PRODH and L-proline levels, which then induced downstream apoptosis.

The Toxic Effects of Aflatoxin B1 and Aflatoxin M1 on Kidney through Regulating L-Proline and Downstream Apoptosis

The toxic effects and potential mechanisms of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), and AFB1+AFM1 in the kidney were studied and compared in HEK 293 cells model and CD-1 mice model. The 35-day subacute toxicity mice model was constructed, biochemical indicators and kidney pathological staining were detected, kidney metabonomics detection was performed, and the metabolites were analyzed, and then the related toxicity mechanism was validated. Results showed that AFB1 (0.5 mg/kg), AFM1 (3.5 mg/kg), and AFB1 (0.5 mg/kg)+AFM1 (3.5 mg/kg) activated oxidative stress and caused renal damage. The relative concentration of the metabolite L-proline was found to be lower in aflatoxins treatment groups when compared with the control (P < 0.05). Moreover, with the treatment of aflatoxins, proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and proapoptotic factors (Bax, Caspase-3) were upregulated, while the inhibitor of apoptosis Bcl-2 was downregulated, at both the mRNA and the protein levels, comparing with the control (P < 0.05). In addition, the combined effect of AFB1 and AFM1 was validated, for the toxicity of the combination was stronger than the other two groups. In conclusion, AFB1 and AFM1 caused kidney toxicity by activating oxidative stress through altering expression of PRODH and L-proline levels, which then induced downstream apoptosis.

The Proline Cycle As a Potential Cancer Therapy Target

Interest in how proline contributes to cancer biology is expanding because of the emerging role of a novel proline metabolic cycle in cancer cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. Proline biosynthesis and degradation involve the shared intermediate Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C), which forms l-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde (GSAL) in a reversible non-enzymatic reaction. Proline is synthesized from glutamate or ornithine through GSAL/P5C, which is reduced to proline by P5C reductase (PYCR) in a NAD(P)H-dependent reaction. The degradation of proline occurs in the mitochondrion and involves two oxidative steps catalyzed by proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and GSAL dehydrogenase (GSALDH). PRODH is a flavin-dependent enzyme that couples proline oxidation with reduction of membrane-bound quinone, while GSALDH catalyzes the NAD+-dependent oxidation of GSAL to glutamate. PRODH and PYCR form a metabolic relationship known as the proline-P5C cycle, a novel pathway that impacts cellular growth and death pathways. The proline-P5C cycle has been implicated in supporting ATP production, protein and nucleotide synthesis, anaplerosis, and redox homeostasis in cancer cells. This Perspective details the structures and reaction mechanisms of PRODH and PYCR and the role of the proline-P5C cycle in cancer metabolism. A major challenge in the field is to discover inhibitors that specifically target PRODH and PYCR isoforms for use as tools for studying proline metabolism and the functions of the proline-P5C cycle in cancer. These molecular probes could also serve as lead compounds in cancer drug discovery targeting the proline-P5C cycle.

Determination of protein oligomeric structure from small-angle X-ray scattering

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is useful for determining the oligomeric states and quaternary structures of proteins in solution. The average molecular mass in solution can be calculated directly from a single SAXS curve collected on an arbitrary scale from a sample of unknown protein concentration without the need for beamline calibration or protein standards. The quaternary structure in solution can be deduced by comparing the experimental SAXS curve to theoretical curves calculated from proposed models of the oligomer. This approach is especially robust when the crystal structure of the target protein is known, and the candidate oligomer models are derived from the crystal lattice. When SAXS data are obtained at multiple protein concentrations, this analysis can provide insight into dynamic self-association equilibria. Herein, we summarize the computational methods that are used to determine protein molecular mass and quaternary structure from SAXS data. These methods are organized into a workflow and demonstrated with four case studies using experimental SAXS data from the published literature.

Functional Impact of the N-terminal Arm of Proline Dehydrogenase from Thermus thermophilus

Proline dehydrogenase (ProDH) is a ubiquitous flavoenzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of proline to Δ¹-pyrroline-5-carboxylate. Thermus thermophilus ProDH (TtProDH) contains in addition to its flavin-binding domain an N-terminal arm, consisting of helices αA, αB, and αC. Here, we report the biochemical properties of the helical arm truncated TtProDH variants ΔA, ΔAB, and ΔABC, produced with maltose-binding protein as solubility tag. All three truncated variants show similar spectral properties as TtProDH, indicative of a conserved flavin-binding pocket. ΔA and ΔAB are highly active tetramers that rapidly react with the suicide inhibitor N-propargylglycine. Removal of the entire N-terminal arm (ΔABC) results in barely active dimers that are incapable of forming a flavin adduct with N-propargylglycine. Characterization of V32D, Y35F, and V36D variants of ΔAB established that a hydrophobic patch between helix αC and helix α8 is critical for TtProDH catalysis and tetramer stabilization.

Structural Basis for the Substrate Inhibition of Proline Utilization A by Proline

Proline utilization A (PutA) is a bifunctional flavoenzyme that catalyzes the two-step oxidation of l-proline to l-glutamate using spatially separated proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and l-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (GSALDH) active sites. Substrate inhibition of the coupled PRODH-GSALDH reaction by proline is a common kinetic feature of PutAs, yet the structural basis for this phenomenon remains unknown. To understand the mechanism of substrate inhibition, we determined the 2.15 Å resolution crystal structure of Bradyrhizobium japonicum PutA complexed with proline. Proline was discovered in five locations remote from the PRODH active site. Most notably, strong electron density indicated that proline bound tightly to the GSAL binding site of the GSALDH active site. The pose and interactions of proline bound in this site are remarkably similar to those of the natural aldehyde substrate, GSAL, implying that proline inhibits the GSALDH reaction of PutA. Kinetic measurements show that proline is a competitive inhibitor of the PutA GSALDH reaction. Together, the structural and kinetic data show that substrate inhibition of the PutA coupled reaction is due to proline binding in the GSAL site.

Discovery of the Membrane Binding Domain in Trifunctional Proline Utilization A

Escherichia coli proline utilization A (EcPutA) is the archetype of trifunctional PutA flavoproteins, which function both as regulators of the proline utilization operon and bifunctional enzymes that catalyze the four-electron oxidation of proline to glutamate. EcPutA shifts from a self-regulating transcriptional repressor to a bifunctional enzyme in a process known as functional switching. The flavin redox state dictates the function of EcPutA. Upon proline oxidation, the flavin becomes reduced, triggering a conformational change that causes EcPutA to dissociate from the put regulon and bind to the cellular membrane. Major structure/function domains of EcPutA have been characterized, including the DNA-binding domain, proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and l-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde dehydrogenase catalytic domains, and an aldehyde dehydrogenase superfamily fold domain. Still lacking is an understanding of the membrane-binding domain, which is essential for EcPutA catalytic turnover and functional switching. Here, we provide evidence for a conserved C-terminal motif (CCM) in EcPutA having a critical role in membrane binding. Deletion of the CCM or replacement of hydrophobic residues with negatively charged residues within the CCM impairs EcPutA functional and physical membrane association. Furthermore, cell-based transcription assays and limited proteolysis indicate that the CCM is essential for functional switching. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer involving dansyl-labeled liposomes, residues in the α-domain are also implicated in membrane binding. Taken together, these experiments suggest that the CCM and α-domain converge to form a membrane-binding interface near the PRODH domain. The discovery of the membrane-binding region will assist efforts to define flavin redox signaling pathways responsible for EcPutA functional switching.

Biophysical investigation of type A PutAs reveals a conserved core oligomeric structure

Many enzymes form homooligomers, yet the functional significance of self-association is seldom obvious. Herein, we examine the connection between oligomerization and catalytic function for proline utilization A (PutA) enzymes. PutAs are bifunctional enzymes that catalyze both reactions of proline catabolism. Type A PutAs are the smallest members of the family, possessing a minimal domain architecture consisting of N-terminal proline dehydrogenase and C-terminal l-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde dehydrogenase modules. Type A PutAs form domain-swapped dimers, and in one case (Bradyrhizobium japonicum PutA), two of the dimers assemble into a ring-shaped tetramer. Whereas the dimer has a clear role in substrate channeling, the functional significance of the tetramer is unknown. To address this question, we performed structural studies of four-type A PutAs from two clades of the PutA tree. The crystal structure of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus PutA covalently inactivated by N-propargylglycine revealed a fold and substrate-channeling tunnel similar to other PutAs. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and analytical ultracentrifugation indicated that Bdellovibrio PutA is dimeric in solution, in contrast to the prediction from crystal packing of a stable tetrameric assembly. SAXS studies of two other type A PutAs from separate clades also suggested that the dimer predominates in solution. To assess whether the tetramer of B. japonicum PutA is necessary for catalytic function, a hot spot disruption mutant that cleanly produces dimeric protein was generated. The dimeric variant exhibited kinetic parameters similar to the wild-type enzyme. These results implicate the domain-swapped dimer as the core structural and functional unit of type A PutAs.

ENZYMES

Proline dehydrogenase (EC 1.5.5.2); l-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.88).

DATABASES

The atomic coordinates and structure factor amplitudes have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession number 5UR2. The SAXS data have been deposited in the SASBDB under the following accession codes: SASDCP3 (BbPutA), SASDCQ3 (DvPutA 1.5 mg·mL-1 ), SASDCX3 (DvPutA 3.0 mg·mL-1 ), SASDCY3 (DvPutA 4.5 mg·mL-1 ), SASDCR3 (LpPutA 3.0 mg·mL-1 ), SASDCV3 (LpPutA 5.0 mg·mL-1 ), SASDCW3 (LpPutA 8.0 mg·mL-1 ), SASDCS3 (BjPutA 2.3 mg·mL-1 ), SASDCT3 (BjPutA 4.7 mg·mL-1 ), SASDCU3 (BjPutA 7.0 mg·mL-1 ), SASDCZ3 (R51E 2.3 mg·mL-1 ), SASDC24 (R51E 4.7 mg·mL-1 ), SASDC34 (R51E 7.0 mg·mL-1 ).

Structure, function, and mechanism of proline utilization A (PutA)

Proline has important roles in multiple biological processes such as cellular bioenergetics, cell growth, oxidative and osmotic stress response, protein folding and stability, and redox signaling. The proline catabolic pathway, which forms glutamate, enables organisms to utilize proline as a carbon, nitrogen, and energy source. FAD-dependent proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and NAD⁺-dependent glutamate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (GSALDH) convert proline to glutamate in two sequential oxidative steps. Depletion of PRODH and GSALDH in humans leads to hyperprolinemia, which is associated with mental disorders such as schizophrenia. Also, some pathogens require proline catabolism for virulence. A unique aspect of proline catabolism is the multifunctional proline utilization A (PutA) enzyme found in Gram-negative bacteria. PutA is a large (>1000 residues) bifunctional enzyme that combines PRODH and GSALDH activities into one polypeptide chain. In addition, some PutAs function as a DNA-binding transcriptional repressor of proline utilization genes. This review describes several attributes of PutA that make it a remarkable flavoenzyme: (1) diversity of oligomeric state and quaternary structure; (2) substrate channeling and enzyme hysteresis; (3) DNA-binding activity and transcriptional repressor function; and (4) flavin redox dependent changes in subcellular location and function in response to proline (functional switching).

Tying the knot: occurrence and possible significance of gene fusions in plant metabolism and beyond

Gene fusions have recently attracted attention especially in the field of plant specialized metabolism. The occurrence of a gene fusion, in which originally separate gene products are combined into a single polypeptide, often corresponds to the functional association of individual components within a single metabolic pathway. Examples include gene fusions implicated in benzylisoquinoline alkaloid (BIA), terpenoid, and amino acid biosynthetic pathways, in which distinct domains within a fusion catalyze consecutive, yet independent reactions. Both genomic and transcriptional mechanisms result in the fusion of gene products, which can include partial or complete domain repeats and extensive domain shuffling as evident in the BIA biosynthetic enzyme norcoclaurine synthase. Artificial gene fusions are commonly deployed in attempts to engineer new or improved pathways in plants or microorganisms, based on the premise that fusions are advantageous. However, a survey of functionally characterized fusions in microbial systems shows that the functional impact of fused gene products is not straightforward. For example, whereas enzyme fusions might facilitate the metabolic channeling of unstable intermediates, this channeling can also occur between tightly associated independent enzymes. The frequent occurrence of both fused and unfused enzymes in plant and microbial metabolism adds additional complexity, in terms of both pathway functionality and evolution.

Structure and characterization of a class 3B proline utilization A: Ligand-induced dimerization and importance of the C-terminal domain for catalysis

The bifunctional flavoenzyme proline utilization A (PutA) catalyzes the two-step oxidation of proline to glutamate using separate proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and l-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde dehydrogenase active sites. Because PutAs catalyze sequential reactions, they are good systems for studying how metabolic enzymes communicate via substrate channeling. Although mechanistically similar, PutAs vary widely in domain architecture, oligomeric state, and quaternary structure, and these variations represent different structural solutions to the problem of sequestering a reactive metabolite. Here, we studied PutA from Corynebacterium freiburgense (CfPutA), which belongs to the uncharacterized 3B class of PutAs. A 2.7 Å resolution crystal structure showed the canonical arrangement of PRODH, l-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde dehydrogenase, and C-terminal domains, including an extended interdomain tunnel associated with substrate channeling. The structure unexpectedly revealed a novel open conformation of the PRODH active site, which is interpreted to represent the non-activated conformation, an elusive form of PutA that exhibits suboptimal channeling. Nevertheless, CfPutA exhibited normal substrate-channeling activity, indicating that it isomerizes into the active state under assay conditions. Sedimentation-velocity experiments provided insight into the isomerization process, showing that CfPutA dimerizes in the presence of a proline analog and NAD+ These results are consistent with the morpheein model of enzyme hysteresis, in which substrate binding induces conformational changes that promote assembly of a high-activity oligomer. Finally, we used domain deletion analysis to investigate the function of the C-terminal domain. Although this domain contains neither catalytic residues nor substrate sites, its removal impaired both catalytic activities, suggesting that it may be essential for active-site integrity.

Identification of a Conserved Histidine As Being Critical for the Catalytic Mechanism and Functional Switching of the Multifunctional Proline Utilization A Protein

Proline utilization A from Escherichia coli (EcPutA) is a multifunctional flavoenzyme that oxidizes proline to glutamate through proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and Δ¹-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase (P5CDH) activities, while also switching roles as a DNA-bound transcriptional repressor and a membrane-bound catabolic enzyme. This phenomenon, termed functional switching, occurs through a redox-mediated mechanism in which flavin reduction triggers a conformational change that increases EcPutA membrane binding affinity. Structural studies have shown that reduction of the FAD cofactor causes the ribityl moiety to undergo a crankshaft motion, indicating that the orientation of the ribityl chain is a key element of PutA functional switching. Here, we test the role of a conserved histidine that bridges from the FAD pyrophosphate to the backbone amide of a conserved leucine residue in the PRODH active site. An EcPutA mutant (H487A) was characterized by steady-state and rapid-reaction kinetics, and cell-based reporter gene experiments. The catalytic activity of H487A is severely diminished (>50-fold) with membrane vesicles as the electron acceptor, and H487A exhibits impaired lipid binding and in vivo transcriptional repressor activity. Rapid-reaction kinetic experiments demonstrate that H487A is 3-fold slower than wild-type EcPutA in a conformational change step following reduction of the FAD cofactor. Furthermore, the reduction potential (E_m) of H487A is ∼40 mV more positive than that of wild-type EcPutA, and H487A has an attenuated ability to catalyze the reverse PRODH chemical step of reoxidation by P5C. In this process, significant red semiquinone forms in contrast to the same reaction with wild-type EcPutA, in which facile two-electron reoxidation occurs without the formation of a measurable amount of semiquinone. These results indicate that His487 is critically important for the proline/P5C chemical step, conformational change kinetics, and functional switching in EcPutA.

Proline dehydrogenase from Thermus thermophilus does not discriminate between FAD and FMN as cofactor

Flavoenzymes are versatile biocatalysts containing either FAD or FMN as cofactor. FAD often binds to a Rossmann fold, while FMN prefers a TIM-barrel or flavodoxin-like fold. Proline dehydrogenase is denoted as an exception: it possesses a TIM barrel-like fold while binding FAD. Using a riboflavin auxotrophic Escherichia coli strain and maltose-binding protein as solubility tag, we produced the apoprotein of Thermus thermophilus ProDH (MBP-TtProDH). Remarkably, reconstitution with FAD or FMN revealed that MBP-TtProDH has no preference for either of the two prosthetic groups. Kinetic parameters of both holo forms are similar, as are the dissociation constants for FAD and FMN release. Furthermore, we show that the holo form of MBP-TtProDH, as produced in E. coli TOP10 cells, contains about three times more FMN than FAD. In line with this flavin content, the crystal structure of TtProDH variant ΔABC, which lacks helices αA, αB and αC, shows no electron density for an AMP moiety of the cofactor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a flavoenzyme that does not discriminate between FAD and FMN as cofactor. Therefore, classification of TtProDH as an FAD-binding enzyme should be reconsidered.

Does metabolite channeling accelerate enzyme-catalyzed cascade reactions?

Metabolite or substrate channeling is a direct transfer of metabolites from one enzyme to the next enzyme in a cascade. Among many potential advantages of substrate channeling, acceleration of the total reaction rate is considered as one of the most important and self-evident. However, using a simple model, supported by stochastic simulations, we show that it is not always the case; particularly at long times (i.e. in steady state) and high substrate concentrations, a channeled reaction cannot be faster, and can even be slower, than the original non-channeled cascade reaction. In addition we show that increasing the degree of channeling may lead to an increase of the metabolite pool size. We substantiate that the main advantage of channeling likely lies in protecting metabolites from degradation or competing side reactions.

Engineering a trifunctional proline utilization A chimaera by fusing a DNA-binding domain to a bifunctional PutA

Proline utilization A (PutA) is a bifunctional flavoenzyme with proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) dehydrogenase (P5CDH) domains that catalyses the two-step oxidation of proline to glutamate. Trifunctional PutAs also have an N-terminal ribbon-helix-helix (RHH) DNA-binding domain and moonlight as autogenous transcriptional repressors of the put regulon. A unique property of trifunctional PutA is the ability to switch functions from DNA-bound repressor to membrane-associated enzyme in response to cellular nutritional needs and proline availability. In the present study, we attempt to construct a trifunctional PutA by fusing the RHH domain of Escherichia coli PutA (EcRHH) to the bifunctional Rhodobacter capsulatus PutA (RcPutA) in order to explore the modular design of functional switching in trifunctional PutAs. The EcRHH-RcPutA chimaera retains the catalytic properties of RcPutA while acquiring the oligomeric state, quaternary structure and DNA-binding properties of EcPutA. Furthermore, the EcRHH-RcPutA chimaera exhibits proline-induced lipid association, which is a fundamental characteristic of functional switching. Unexpectedly, RcPutA lipid binding is also activated by proline, which shows for the first time that bifunctional PutAs exhibit a limited form of functional switching. Altogether, these results suggest that the C-terminal domain (CTD), which is conserved by trifunctional PutAs and certain bifunctional PutAs, is essential for functional switching in trifunctional PutAs.

Empirical power laws for the radii of gyration of protein oligomers

The radius of gyration is a fundamental structural parameter that is particularly useful for describing polymers. It has been known since Flory's seminal work in the mid-20th century that polymers show a power-law dependence, where the radius of gyration is proportional to the number of residues raised to a power. The power-law exponent has been measured experimentally for denatured proteins and derived empirically for folded monomeric proteins using crystal structures. Here, the biological assemblies in the Protein Data Bank are surveyed to derive the power-law parameters for protein oligomers having degrees of oligomerization of 2-6 and 8. The power-law exponents for oligomers span a narrow range of 0.38-0.41, which is close to the value of 0.40 obtained for monomers. This result shows that protein oligomers exhibit essentially the same power-law behavior as monomers. A simple power-law formula is provided for estimating the oligomeric state from an experimental measurement of the radius of gyration. Several proteins in the Protein Data Bank are found to deviate substantially from power-law behavior by having an atypically large radius of gyration. Some of the outliers have highly elongated structures, such as coiled coils. For coiled coils, the radius of gyration does not follow a power law and instead scales linearly with the number of residues in the oligomer. Other outliers are proteins whose oligomeric state or quaternary structure is incorrectly annotated in the Protein Data Bank. The power laws could be used to identify such errors and help prevent them in future depositions.

Structures of Proline Utilization A (PutA) Reveal the Fold and Functions of the Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Superfamily Domain of Unknown Function

Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) catalyze the NAD(P)⁺-dependent oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids and are important for metabolism and detoxification. Although the ALDH superfamily fold is well established, some ALDHs contain an uncharacterized domain of unknown function (DUF) near the C terminus of the polypeptide chain. Herein, we report the first structure of a protein containing the ALDH superfamily DUF. Proline utilization A from Sinorhizobium meliloti (SmPutA) is a 1233-residue bifunctional enzyme that contains the DUF in addition to proline dehydrogenase and l-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde dehydrogenase catalytic modules. Structures of SmPutA with a proline analog bound to the proline dehydrogenase site and NAD⁺ bound to the ALDH site were determined in two space groups at 1.7-1.9 Å resolution. The DUF consists of a Rossmann dinucleotide-binding fold fused to a three-stranded β-flap. The Rossmann domain resembles the classic ALDH superfamily NAD⁺-binding domain, whereas the flap is strikingly similar to the ALDH superfamily dimerization domain. Paradoxically, neither structural element performs its implied function. Electron density maps show that NAD⁺ does not bind to the DUF Rossmann fold, and small-angle X-ray scattering reveals a novel dimer that has never been seen in the ALDH superfamily. The structure suggests that the DUF is an adapter domain that stabilizes the aldehyde substrate binding loop and seals the substrate-channeling tunnel via tertiary structural interactions that mimic the quaternary structural interactions found in non-DUF PutAs. Kinetic data for SmPutA indicate a substrate-channeling mechanism, in agreement with previous studies of other PutAs.

Proline dehydrogenase 2 (PRODH2) is a hydroxyproline dehydrogenase (HYPDH) and molecular target for treating primary hyperoxaluria

The primary hyperoxalurias (PH), types 1-3, are disorders of glyoxylate metabolism that result in increased oxalate production and calcium oxalate stone formation. The breakdown of trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline (Hyp) from endogenous and dietary sources of collagen makes a significant contribution to the cellular glyoxylate pool. Proline dehydrogenase 2 (PRODH2), historically known as hydroxyproline oxidase, is the first step in the hydroxyproline catabolic pathway and represents a drug target to reduce the glyoxylate and oxalate burden of PH patients. This study is the first report of the expression, purification, and biochemical characterization of human PRODH2. Evaluation of a panel of N-terminal and C-terminal truncation variants indicated that residues 157-515 contain the catalytic core with one FAD molecule. The 12-fold higher k(cat)/K(m) value of 0.93 M⁻¹·s⁻¹ for Hyp over Pro demonstrates the preference for Hyp as substrate. Moreover, an anaerobic titration determined a K(d) value of 125 μM for Hyp, a value ~1600-fold lower than the K(m) value. A survey of ubiquinone analogues revealed that menadione, duroquinone, and CoQ₁ reacted more efficiently than oxygen as the terminal electron acceptor during catalysis. Taken together, these data and the slow reactivity with sodium sulfite support that PRODH2 functions as a dehydrogenase and most likely utilizes CoQ₁₀ as the terminal electron acceptor in vivo. Thus, we propose that the name of PRODH2 be changed to hydroxyproline dehydrogenase (HYPDH). Three Hyp analogues were also identified to inhibit the activity of HYPDH, representing the first steps toward the development of a novel approach to treat all forms of PH.

Role of Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase supports mitochondrial metabolism and host-cell invasion of Trypanosoma cruzi

Proline is crucial for energizing critical events throughout the life cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. The proline breakdown pathway consists of two oxidation steps, both of which produce reducing equivalents as follows: the conversion of proline to Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C), and the subsequent conversion of P5C to glutamate. We have identified and characterized the Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase from T. cruzi (TcP5CDH) and report here on how this enzyme contributes to a central metabolic pathway in this parasite. Size-exclusion chromatography, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and small angle x-ray scattering analysis of TcP5CDH revealed an oligomeric state composed of two subunits of six protomers. TcP5CDH was found to complement a yeast strain deficient in PUT2 activity, confirming the enzyme's functional role; and the biochemical parameters (Km, kcat, and kcat/Km) of the recombinant TcP5CDH were determined, exhibiting values comparable with those from T. cruzi lysates. In addition, TcP5CDH exhibited mitochondrial staining during the main stages of the T. cruzi life cycle. mRNA and enzymatic activity levels indicated the up-regulation (6-fold change) of TcP5CDH during the infective stages of the parasite. The participation of P5C as an energy source was also demonstrated. Overall, we propose that this enzymatic step is crucial for the viability of both replicative and infective forms of T. cruzi.

First evidence for substrate channeling between proline catabolic enzymes: a validation of domain fusion analysis for predicting protein-protein interactions

Proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) dehydrogenase (P5CDH) catalyze the four-electron oxidation of proline to glutamate via the intermediates P5C and l-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde (GSA). In Gram-negative bacteria, PRODH and P5CDH are fused together in the bifunctional enzyme proline utilization A (PutA) whereas in other organisms PRODH and P5CDH are expressed as separate monofunctional enzymes. Substrate channeling has previously been shown for bifunctional PutAs, but whether the monofunctional enzymes utilize an analogous channeling mechanism has not been examined. Here, we report the first evidence of substrate channeling in a PRODH-P5CDH two-enzyme pair. Kinetic data for the coupled reaction of PRODH and P5CDH from Thermus thermophilus are consistent with a substrate channeling mechanism, as the approach to steady-state formation of NADH does not fit a non-channeling two-enzyme model. Furthermore, inactive P5CDH and PRODH mutants inhibit NADH production and increase trapping of the P5C intermediate in coupled assays of wild-type PRODH-P5CDH enzyme pairs, indicating that the mutants disrupt PRODH-P5CDH channeling interactions. A dissociation constant of 3 μm was estimated for a putative PRODH-P5CDH complex by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Interestingly, P5CDH binding to PRODH was only observed when PRODH was immobilized with the top face of its (βα)8 barrel exposed. Using the known x-ray crystal structures of PRODH and P5CDH from T. thermophilus, a model was built for a proposed PRODH-P5CDH enzyme channeling complex. The structural model predicts that the core channeling pathway of bifunctional PutA enzymes is conserved in monofunctional PRODH-P5CDH enzyme pairs.

Proline metabolism increases katG expression and oxidative stress resistance in Escherichia coli

The oxidation of l-proline to glutamate in Gram-negative bacteria is catalyzed by the proline utilization A (PutA) flavoenzyme, which contains proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) dehydrogenase domains in a single polypeptide. Previous studies have suggested that aside from providing energy, proline metabolism influences oxidative stress resistance in different organisms. To explore this potential role and the mechanism, we characterized the oxidative stress resistance of wild-type and putA mutant strains of Escherichia coli. Initial stress assays revealed that the putA mutant strain was significantly more sensitive to oxidative stress than the parental wild-type strain. Expression of PutA in the putA mutant strain restored oxidative stress resistance, confirming that depletion of PutA was responsible for the oxidative stress phenotype. Treatment of wild-type cells with proline significantly increased hydroperoxidase I (encoded by katG) expression and activity. Furthermore, the ΔkatG strain failed to respond to proline, indicating a critical role for hydroperoxidase I in the mechanism of proline protection. The global regulator OxyR activates the expression of katG along with several other genes involved in oxidative stress defense. In addition to katG, proline increased the expression of grxA (glutaredoxin 1) and trxC (thioredoxin 2) of the OxyR regulon, implicating OxyR in proline protection. Proline oxidative metabolism was shown to generate hydrogen peroxide, indicating that proline increases oxidative stress tolerance in E. coli via a preadaptive effect involving endogenous hydrogen peroxide production and enhanced catalase-peroxidase activity.

Evidence that the C-terminal domain of a type B PutA protein contributes to aldehyde dehydrogenase activity and substrate channeling

Proline utilization A (PutA) is a bifunctional enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of proline to glutamate. Structures of type A PutAs have revealed the catalytic core consisting of proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and Δ¹-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase (P5CDH) modules connected by a substrate-channeling tunnel. Type B PutAs also have a C-terminal domain of unknown function (CTDUF) that is absent in type A PutAs. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), mutagenesis, and kinetics are used to determine the contributions of this domain to PutA structure and function. The 1127-residue Rhodobacter capsulatus PutA (RcPutA) is used as a representative CTDUF-containing type B PutA. The reaction progress curve for the coupled PRODH–P5CDH activity of RcPutA does not exhibit a time lag, implying a substrate channeling mechanism. RcPutA is monomeric in solution, which is unprecedented for PutAs. SAXS rigid body modeling with target–decoy validation is used to build a model of RcPutA. On the basis of homology to aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs), the CTDUF is predicted to consist of a β-hairpin fused to a noncatalytic Rossmann fold domain. The predicted tertiary structural interactions of the CTDUF resemble the quaternary structural interactions in the type A PutA dimer interface. The model is tested by mutagenesis of the dimerization hairpin of a type A PutA and the CTDUF hairpin of RcPutA. Similar functional phenotypes are observed in the two sets of variants, supporting the hypothesis that the CTDUF mimics the type A PutA dimer interface. These results suggest annotation of the CTDUF as an ALDH superfamily domain that facilitates P5CDH activity and substrate channeling by stabilizing the aldehyde-binding site and sealing the substrate-channeling tunnel from the bulk medium.

Kinetic and structural characterization of tunnel-perturbing mutants in Bradyrhizobium japonicum proline utilization A

Proline utilization A from Bradyrhizobium japonicum (BjPutA) is a bifunctional flavoenzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of proline to glutamate using fused proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase (P5CDH) domains. Recent crystal structures and kinetic data suggest an intramolecular channel connects the two active sites, promoting substrate channeling of the intermediate Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate/glutamate-γ-semialdehyde (P5C/GSA). In this work, the structure of the channel was explored by inserting large side chain residues at four positions along the channel in BjPutA. Kinetic analysis of the different mutants revealed replacement of D779 with Tyr (D779Y) or Trp (D779W) significantly decreased the overall rate of the PRODH-P5CDH channeling reaction. X-ray crystal structures of D779Y and D779W revealed that the large side chains caused a constriction in the central section of the tunnel, thus likely impeding the travel of P5C/GSA in the channel. The D779Y and D779W mutants have PRODH activity similar to that of wild-type BjPutA but exhibit significantly lower P5CDH activity, suggesting that exogenous P5C/GSA enters the channel upstream of Asp779. Replacement of nearby Asp778 with Tyr (D778Y) did not impact BjPutA channeling activity. Consistent with the kinetic results, the X-ray crystal structure of D778Y shows that the main channel pathway is not impacted; however, an off-cavity pathway is closed off from the channel. These findings provide evidence that the off-cavity pathway is not essential for substrate channeling in BjPutA.

Characterization of the proline-utilization pathway in Mycobacterium tuberculosis through structural and functional studies

The proline-utilization pathway in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has recently been identified as an important factor in Mtb persistence in vivo, suggesting that this pathway could be a valuable therapeutic target against tuberculosis (TB). In Mtb, two distinct enzymes perform the conversion of proline into glutamate: the first step is the oxidation of proline into Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid (P5C) by the flavoenzyme proline dehydrogenase (PruB), and the second reaction involves converting the tautomeric form of P5C (glutamate-γ-semialdehyde) into glutamate using the NAD(+)-dependent Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylic dehydrogenase (PruA). Here, the three-dimensional structures of Mtb-PruA, determined by X-ray crystallography, in the apo state and in complex with NAD(+) are described at 2.5 and 2.1 Å resolution, respectively. The structure reveals a conserved NAD(+)-binding mode, common to other related enzymes. Species-specific conformational differences in the active site, however, linked to changes in the dimer interface, suggest possibilities for selective inhibition of Mtb-PruA despite its reasonably high sequence identity to other PruA enzymes. Using recombinant PruA and PruB, the proline-utilization pathway in Mtb has also been reconstituted in vitro. Functional validation using a novel NMR approach has demonstrated that the PruA and PruB enzymes are together sufficient to convert proline to glutamate, the first such demonstration for monofunctional proline-utilization enzymes.

Structures of the PutA peripheral membrane flavoenzyme reveal a dynamic substrate-channeling tunnel and the quinone-binding site

Proline utilization A (PutA) proteins are bifunctional peripheral membrane flavoenzymes that catalyze the oxidation of L-proline to L-glutamate by the sequential activities of proline dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase domains. Located at the inner membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, PutAs play a major role in energy metabolism by coupling the oxidation of proline imported from the environment to the reduction of membrane-associated quinones. Here, we report seven crystal structures of the 1,004-residue PutA from Geobacter sulfurreducens, along with determination of the protein oligomeric state by small-angle X-ray scattering and kinetic characterization of substrate channeling and quinone reduction. The structures reveal an elaborate and dynamic tunnel system featuring a 75-Å-long tunnel that links the two active sites and six smaller tunnels that connect the main tunnel to the bulk medium. The locations of these tunnels and their responses to ligand binding and flavin reduction suggest hypotheses about how proline, water, and quinones enter the tunnel system and where L-glutamate exits. Kinetic measurements show that glutamate production from proline occurs without a lag phase, consistent with substrate channeling and implying that the observed tunnel is functionally relevant. Furthermore, the structure of reduced PutA complexed with menadione bisulfite reveals the elusive quinone-binding site. The benzoquinone binds within 4.0 Å of the flavin si face, consistent with direct electron transfer. The location of the quinone site implies that the concave surface of the PutA dimer approaches the membrane. Altogether, these results provide insight into how PutAs couple proline oxidation to quinone reduction.

Evidence for hysteretic substrate channeling in the proline dehydrogenase and Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase coupled reaction of proline utilization A (PutA)

PutA (proline utilization A) is a large bifunctional flavoenzyme with proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase (P5CDH) domains that catalyze the oxidation of l-proline to l-glutamate in two successive reactions. In the PRODH active site, proline undergoes a two-electron oxidation to Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxlylate, and the FAD cofactor is reduced. In the P5CDH active site, l-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde (the hydrolyzed form of Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate) undergoes a two-electron oxidation in which a hydride is transferred to NAD(+)-producing NADH and glutamate. Here we report the first kinetic model for the overall PRODH-P5CDH reaction of a PutA enzyme. Global analysis of steady-state and transient kinetic data for the PRODH, P5CDH, and coupled PRODH-P5CDH reactions was used to test various models describing the conversion of proline to glutamate by Escherichia coli PutA. The coupled PRODH-P5CDH activity of PutA is best described by a mechanism in which the intermediate is not released into the bulk medium, i.e., substrate channeling. Unexpectedly, single-turnover kinetic experiments of the coupled PRODH-P5CDH reaction revealed that the rate of NADH formation is 20-fold slower than the steady-state turnover number for the overall reaction, implying that catalytic cycling speeds up throughput. We show that the limiting rate constant observed for NADH formation in the first turnover increases by almost 40-fold after multiple turnovers, achieving half of the steady-state value after 15 turnovers. These results suggest that EcPutA achieves an activated channeling state during the approach to steady state and is thus a new example of a hysteretic enzyme. Potential underlying causes of activation of channeling are discussed.

Structural determinants of oligomerization of δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase: identification of a hexamerization hot spot

The aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) superfamily member Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase (P5CDH) catalyzes the NAD(+)-dependent oxidation of glutamate semialdehyde to glutamate, which is the final step of proline catabolism. Defects in P5CDH activity lead to the metabolic disorder type II hyperprolinemia, P5CDH is essential for virulence of the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, and bacterial P5CDHs have been targeted for vaccine development. Although the enzyme oligomeric state is known to be important for ALDH function, the oligomerization of P5CDH has remained relatively unstudied. Here we determine the oligomeric states and quaternary structures of four bacterial P5CDHs using a combination of small-angle X-ray scattering, X-ray crystallography, and dynamic light scattering. The P5CDHs from Thermus thermophilus and Deinococcus radiodurans form trimer-of-dimers hexamers in solution, which is the first observation of a hexameric ALDH in solution. In contrast, two Bacillus P5CDHs form dimers in solution but do not assemble into a higher-order oligomer. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to identify a hexamerization hot spot that is centered on an arginine residue in the NAD(+)-binding domain. Mutation of this critical Arg residue to Ala in either of the hexameric enzymes prevents hexamer formation in solution. Paradoxically, the dimeric Arg-to-Ala T. thermophilus mutant enzyme packs as a hexamer in the crystal state, which illustrates the challenges associated with predicting the biological assembly in solution from crystal structures. The observation of different oligomeric states among P5CDHs suggests potential differences in cooperativity and protein-protein interactions.

Structural basis for hypermodification of the wobble uridine in tRNA by bifunctional enzyme MnmC

Background

Methylaminomethyl modification of uridine or 2-thiouridine (mnm5U34 or mnm5s2U34) at the wobble position of tRNAs specific for glutamate, lysine and arginine are observed in Escherichia coli and allow for specific recognition of codons ending in A or G. In the biosynthetic pathway responsible for this post-transcriptional modification, the bifunctional enzyme MnmC catalyzes the conversion of its hypermodified substrate carboxymethylaminomethyl uridine (cmnm5U34) to mnm5U34. MnmC catalyzes the flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent oxidative cleavage of carboxymethyl group from cmnm5U34 via an imine intermediate to generate aminomethyl uridine (nm5U34), which is subsequently methylated by S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) to yield methylaminomethyl uridine (mnm5U34).

Results

The X-ray crystal structures of SAM/FAD-bound bifunctional MnmC from Escherichia coli and Yersinia pestis, and FAD-bound bifunctional MnmC from Yersinia pestis were determined and the catalytic functions verified in an in vitro assay.

Conclusion

The crystal structures of MnmC from two Gram negative bacteria reveal the overall architecture of the enzyme and the relative disposition of the two independent catalytic domains: a Rossmann-fold domain containing the SAM binding site and an FAD containing domain structurally homologous to glycine oxidase from Bacillus subtilis. The structures of MnmC also reveal the detailed atomic interactions at the interdomain interface and provide spatial restraints relevant to the overall catalytic mechanism.

Crystal structures and kinetics of monofunctional proline dehydrogenase provide insight into substrate recognition and conformational changes associated with flavin reduction and product release

Proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) catalyzes the FAD-dependent oxidation of proline to Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate, which is the first step of proline catabolism. Here, we report the structures of proline dehydrogenase from Deinococcus radiodurans in the oxidized state complexed with the proline analogue L-tetrahydrofuroic acid and in the reduced state with the proline site vacant. The analogue binds against the si face of the FAD isoalloxazine and is protected from bulk solvent by helix α8 and the β1-α1 loop. The FAD ribityl chain adopts two conformations in the E-S complex, which is unprecedented for flavoenzymes. One of the conformations is novel for the PRODH superfamily and may contribute to the low substrate affinity of Deinococcus PRODH. Reduction of the crystalline enzyme-inhibitor complex causes profound structural changes, including 20° butterfly bending of the isoalloxazine, crankshaft rotation of the ribityl, shifting of α8 by 1.7 Å, reconfiguration of the β1-α1 loop, and rupture of the Arg291-Glu64 ion pair. These changes dramatically open the active site to facilitate product release and allow electron acceptors access to the reduced flavin. The structures suggest that the ion pair, which is conserved in the PRODH superfamily, functions as the active site gate. Mutagenesis of Glu64 to Ala decreases the catalytic efficiency 27-fold, which demonstrates the importance of the gate. Mutation of Gly63 decreases the efficiency 140-fold, which suggests that flexibility of the β1-α1 loop is essential for optimal catalysis. The large conformational changes that are required to form the E-S complex suggest that conformational selection plays a role in substrate recognition.

Identification and characterization of D-hydroxyproline dehydrogenase and Delta1-pyrroline-4-hydroxy-2-carboxylate deaminase involved in novel L-hydroxyproline metabolism of bacteria: metabolic convergent evolution

L-hydroxyproline (4-hydroxyproline) mainly exists in collagen, and most bacteria cannot metabolize this hydroxyamino acid. Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas aeruginosa convert L-hydroxyproline to α-ketoglutarate via four hypothetical enzymatic steps different from known mammalian pathways, but the molecular background is rather unclear. Here, we identified and characterized for the first time two novel enzymes, D-hydroxyproline dehydrogenase and Δ(1)-pyrroline-4-hydroxy-2-carboxylate (Pyr4H2C) deaminase, involved in this hypothetical pathway. These genes were clustered together with genes encoding other catalytic enzymes on the bacterial genomes. D-hydroxyproline dehydrogenases from P. putida and P. aeruginosa were completely different from known bacterial proline dehydrogenases and showed similar high specificity for substrate (D-hydroxyproline) and some artificial electron acceptor(s). On the other hand, the former is a homomeric enzyme only containing FAD as a prosthetic group, whereas the latter is a novel heterododecameric structure consisting of three different subunits (α(4)β(4)γ(4)), and two FADs, FMN, and [2Fe-2S] iron-sulfur cluster were contained in αβγ of the heterotrimeric unit. These results suggested that the L-hydroxyproline pathway clearly evolved convergently in P. putida and P. aeruginosa. Pyr4H2C deaminase is a unique member of the dihydrodipicolinate synthase/N-acetylneuraminate lyase protein family, and its activity was competitively inhibited by pyruvate, a common substrate for other dihydrodipicolinate synthase/N-acetylneuraminate lyase proteins. Furthermore, disruption of Pyr4H2C deaminase genes led to loss of growth on L-hydroxyproline (as well as D-hydroxyproline) but not L- and D-proline, indicating that this pathway is related only to L-hydroxyproline degradation, which is not linked to proline metabolism.

Substrate channeling in proline metabolism

Proline metabolism is an important pathway that has relevance in several cellular functions such as redox balance, apoptosis, and cell survival. Results from different groups have indicated that substrate channeling of proline metabolic intermediates may be a critical mechanism. One intermediate is pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C), which upon hydrolysis opens to glutamic semialdehyde (GSA). Recent structural and kinetic evidence indicate substrate channeling of P5C/GSA occurs in the proline catabolic pathway between the proline dehydrogenase and P5C dehydrogenase active sites of bifunctional proline utilization A (PutA). Substrate channeling in PutA is proposed to facilitate the hydrolysis of P5C to GSA which is unfavorable at physiological pH. The second intermediate, gamma-glutamyl phosphate, is part of the proline biosynthetic pathway and is extremely labile. Substrate channeling of gamma-glutamyl phosphate is thought to be necessary to protect it from bulk solvent. Because of the unfavorable equilibrium of P5C/GSA and the reactivity of gamma-glutamyl phosphate, substrate channeling likely improves the efficiency of proline metabolism. Here, we outline general strategies for testing substrate channeling and review the evidence for channeling in proline metabolism.

Unique structural features and sequence motifs of proline utilization A (PutA)

Proline utilization A proteins (PutAs) are bifunctional enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of proline to glutamate using spatially separated proline dehydrogenase and pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase active sites. Here we use the crystal structure of the minimalist PutA from Bradyrhizobium japonicum (BjPutA) along with sequence analysis to identify unique structural features of PutAs. This analysis shows that PutAs have secondary structural elements and domains not found in the related monofunctional enzymes. Some of these extra features are predicted to be important for substrate channeling in BjPutA. Multiple sequence alignment analysis shows that some PutAs have a 17-residue conserved motif in the C-terminal 20-30 residues of the polypeptide chain. The BjPutA structure shows that this motif helps seal the internal substrate-channeling cavity from the bulk medium. Finally, it is shown that some PutAs have a 100-200 residue domain of unknown function in the C-terminus that is not found in minimalist PutAs. Remote homology detection suggests that this domain is homologous to the oligomerization beta-hairpin and Rossmann fold domain of BjPutA.

Rapid reaction kinetics of proline dehydrogenase in the multifunctional proline utilization A protein

The multifunctional proline utilization A (PutA) flavoenzyme from Escherichia coli catalyzes the oxidation of proline to glutamate in two reaction steps using separate proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) dehydrogenase domains. Here, the kinetic mechanism of PRODH in PutA is studied by stopped-flow kinetics to determine microscopic rate constants for the proline:ubiquinone oxidoreductase mechanism. Stopped-flow data for proline reduction of the flavin cofactor (reductive half-reaction) and oxidation of reduced flavin by CoQ(1) (oxidative half-reaction) were best-fit by a double exponential from which maximum observable rate constants and apparent equilibrium dissociation constants were determined. Flavin semiquinone was not observed in the reductive or oxidative reactions. Microscopic rate constants for steps in the reductive and oxidative half-reactions were obtained by globally fitting the stopped-flow data to a simulated mechanism that includes a chemical step followed by an isomerization event. A microscopic rate constant of 27.5 s(-1) was determined for proline reduction of the flavin cofactor followed by an isomerization step of 2.2 s(-1). The isomerization step is proposed to report on a previously identified flavin-dependent conformational change [Zhang, W. et al. (2007) Biochemistry 46, 483-491] that is important for PutA functional switching but is not kinetically relevant to the in vitro mechanism. Using CoQ(1), a soluble analogue of ubiquinone, a rate constant of 5.4 s(-1) was obtained for the oxidation of flavin, thus indicating that this oxidative step is rate-limiting for k(cat) during catalytic turnover. Steady-state kinetic constants calculated from the microscopic rate constants agree with the experimental k(cat) and k(cat)/K(m) parameters.

Proline utilization by Bacillus subtilis: uptake and catabolism

L-Proline can be used by Bacillus subtilis as a sole source of carbon or nitrogen. We traced L-proline utilization genetically to the putBCP (ycgMNO) locus. The putBCP gene cluster encodes a high-affinity proline transporter (PutP) and two enzymes, the proline dehydrogenase PutB and the Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase PutC, which jointly catabolize L-proline to L-glutamate. Northern blotting, primer extension, and putB-treA reporter gene fusion analysis showed that the putBCP locus is transcribed as an L-proline-inducible operon. Its expression was mediated by a SigA-type promoter and was dependent on the proline-responsive PutR activator protein. Induction of putBCP expression was triggered by the presence of submillimolar concentrations of L-proline in the growth medium. However, the very large quantities of L-proline (up to several hundred millimolar) synthesized by B. subtilis as a stress protectant against high osmolarity did not induce putBCP transcription. Induction of putBCP transcription by external L-proline was not dependent on L-proline uptake via the substrate-inducible PutP or the osmotically inducible OpuE transporter. It was also not dependent on the chemoreceptor protein McpC required for chemotaxis toward L-proline. Our findings imply that B. subtilis can distinguish externally supplied L-proline from internal L-proline pools generated through de novo synthesis. The molecular basis of this regulatory phenomenon is not understood. However, it provides the B. subtilis cell with a means to avoid a futile cycle of de novo L-proline synthesis and consumption by not triggering the expression of the putBCP L-proline catabolic genes in response to the osmoadaptive production of the compatible solute L-proline.

Steady-state kinetic mechanism of the proline:ubiquinone oxidoreductase activity of proline utilization A (PutA) from Escherichia coli

The multifunctional proline utilization A (PutA) flavoenzyme from Escherichia coli performs the oxidation of proline to glutamate in two catalytic steps using separate proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) dehydrogenase domains. In the first reaction, the oxidation of proline is coupled to the reduction of ubiquinone (CoQ) by the PRODH domain, which has a β(8)α(8)-barrel structure that is conserved in bacterial and eukaryotic PRODH enzymes. The structural requirements of the benzoquinone moiety were examined by steady-state kinetics using CoQ analogs. PutA displayed activity with all the analogs tested; the highest k(cat)/K(m) was obtained with CoQ(2). The kinetic mechanism of the PRODH reaction was investigated use a variety of steady-state approaches. Initial velocity patterns measured using proline and CoQ(1), combined with dead-end and product inhibition studies, suggested a two-site ping-pong mechanism for PutA. The kinetic parameters for PutA were not strongly influenced by solvent viscosity suggesting that diffusive steps do not significantly limit the overall reaction rate. In summary, the kinetic data reported here, along with analysis of the crystal structure data for the PRODH domain, suggest that the proline:ubiquinone oxidoreductase reaction of PutA occurs via a rapid equilibrium ping-pong mechanism with proline and ubiquinone binding at two distinct sites.

Small-angle X-ray scattering studies of the oligomeric state and quaternary structure of the trifunctional proline utilization A (PutA) flavoprotein from Escherichia coli

The trifunctional flavoprotein proline utilization A (PutA) links metabolism and gene regulation in Gram-negative bacteria by catalyzing the two-step oxidation of proline to glutamate and repressing transcription of the proline utilization regulon. Small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and domain deletion analysis were used to obtain solution structural information for the 1320-residue PutA from Escherichia coli. Shape reconstructions show that PutA is a symmetric V-shaped dimer having dimensions of 205 × 85 × 55 Å. The particle consists of two large lobes connected by a 30-Å diameter cylinder. Domain deletion analysis shows that the N-terminal DNA-binding domain mediates dimerization. Rigid body modeling was performed using the crystal structure of the DNA-binding domain and a hybrid x-ray/homology model of residues 87-1113. The calculations suggest that the DNA-binding domain is located in the connecting cylinder, whereas residues 87-1113, which contain the two catalytic active sites, reside in the large lobes. The SAXS data and amino acid sequence analysis suggest that the Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase domains lack the conventional oligomerization flap, which is unprecedented for the aldehyde dehydrogenase superfamily. The data also provide insight into the function of the 200-residue C-terminal domain. It is proposed that this domain serves as a lid that covers the internal substrate channeling cavity, thus preventing escape of the catalytic intermediate into the bulk medium. Finally, the SAXS model is consistent with a cloaking mechanism of gene regulation whereby interaction of PutA with the membrane hides the DNA-binding surface from the put regulon thereby activating transcription.