The ribonucleotide reductase system of Lactococcus lactis. Characterization of an NrdEF enzyme and a new electron transport protein

An endogenous dAMP ligand in Bacillus subtilis class Ib RNR promotes assembly of a noncanonical dimer for regulation by dATP

The high fidelity of DNA replication and repair is attributable, in part, to the allosteric regulation of ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) that maintains proper deoxynucleotide pool sizes and ratios in vivo. In class Ia RNRs, ATP (stimulatory) and dATP (inhibitory) regulate activity by binding to the ATP-cone domain at the N terminus of the large α subunit and altering the enzyme's quaternary structure. Class Ib RNRs, in contrast, have a partial cone domain and have generally been found to be insensitive to dATP inhibition. An exception is the Bacillus subtilis Ib RNR, which we recently reported to be inhibited by physiological concentrations of dATP. Here, we demonstrate that the α subunit of this RNR contains tightly bound deoxyadenosine 5'-monophosphate (dAMP) in its N-terminal domain and that dATP inhibition of CDP reduction is enhanced by its presence. X-ray crystallography reveals a previously unobserved (noncanonical) α2 dimer with its entire interface composed of the partial N-terminal cone domains, each binding a dAMP molecule. Using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), we show that this noncanonical α2 dimer is the predominant form of the dAMP-bound α in solution and further show that addition of dATP leads to the formation of larger oligomers. Based on this information, we propose a model to describe the mechanism by which the noncanonical α2 inhibits the activity of the B. subtilis Ib RNR in a dATP- and dAMP-dependent manner.

Ribonucleotide reductase as a drug target against drug resistance Mycobacterium leprae: A molecular docking study

Leprosy is a chronic infection of skin and nerve caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The treatment is based on standard multi drug therapy consisting of dapsone, rifampicin and clofazamine. The use of rifampicin alone or with dapsone led to the emergence of rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium leprae strains. The emergence of drug-resistant leprosy put a hurdle in the leprosy eradication programme. The present study aimed to predict the molecular model of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), the enzyme responsible for biosynthesis of nucleotides, to screen new drugs for treatment of drug-resistant leprosy. The study was conducted by retrieving RNR of M. leprae from GenBank. A molecular 3D model of M. leprae was predicted using homology modelling and validated. A total of 325 characters were included in the analysis. The predicted 3D model of RNR showed that the ϕ and φ angles of 251 (96.9%) residues were positioned in the most favoured regions. It was also conferred that 18 α-helices, 6 β turns, 2 γ turns and 48 helix-helix interactions contributed to the predicted 3D structure. Virtual screening of Food and Drug Administration approved drug molecules recovered 1829 drugs of which three molecules, viz., lincomycin, novobiocin and telithromycin, were taken for the docking study. It was observed that the selected drug molecules had a strong affinity towards the modelled protein RNR. This was evident from the binding energy of the drug molecules towards the modelled protein RNR (-6.10, -6.25 and -7.10). Three FDA-approved drugs, viz., lincomycin, novobiocin and telithromycin, could be taken for further clinical studies to find their efficacy against drug resistant leprosy.

Ribonucleotide Reductases from Bifidobacteria Contain Multiple Conserved Indels Distinguishing Them from All Other Organisms: In Silico Analysis of the Possible Role of a 43 aa Bifidobacteria-Specific Insert in the Class III RNR Homolog

Bifidobacteria comprises an important group/order of bacteria whose members have widespread usage in the food and health industry due to their health-promoting activity in the human gastrointestinal tract. However, little is known about the underlying molecular properties that are responsible for the probiotic effects of these bacteria. The enzyme ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) plays a key role in all organisms by reducing nucleoside di- or tri- phosphates into corresponding deoxyribose derivatives required for DNA synthesis, and RNR homologs belonging to classes I and III are present in either most or all Bifidobacteriales. Comparative analyses of these RNR homologs have identified several novel sequence features in the forms of conserved signature indels (CSIs) that are exclusively found in bifidobacterial RNRs. Specifically, in the large subunit of the aerobic class Ib RNR, three CSIs have been identified that are uniquely found in the Bifidobacteriales homologs. Similarly, the large subunit of the anaerobic class III RNR contains five CSIs that are also distinctive characteristics of bifidobacteria. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that these CSIs were introduced in a common ancestor of the Bifidobacteriales and retained by all descendants, likely due to their conferring advantageous functional roles. The identified CSIs in the bifidobacterial RNR homologs provide useful tools for further exploration of the novel functional aspects of these important enzymes that are exclusive to these bacteria. We also report here the results of homology modeling studies, which indicate that most of the bifidobacteria-specific CSIs are located within the surface loops of the RNRs, and of these, a large 43 amino acid insert in the class III RNR homolog forms an extension of the allosteric regulatory site known to be essential for protein function. Preliminary docking studies suggest that this large CSI may be playing a role in enhancing the stability of the RNR dimer complex. The possible significances of the identified CSIs, as well as the distribution of RNR homologs in the Bifidobacteriales, are discussed.

A New Type of YumC-Like Ferredoxin (Flavodoxin) Reductase Is Involved in Ribonucleotide Reduction

The trxB2 gene, which is annotated as a thioredoxin reductase, was found to be essential for growth of Lactococcus lactis in the presence of oxygen. The corresponding protein (TrxB2) showed a high similarity with Bacillus subtilis YumC (E value = 4.0E−88), and YumC was able to fully complement the ΔtrxB2 mutant phenotype. YumC represents a novel type of ferredoxin (flavodoxin) reductase (FdR) with hitherto-unknown biological function. We adaptively evolved the ΔtrxB2 mutant under aerobic conditions to find suppressor mutations that could help elucidate the involvement of TrxB2 in aerobic growth. Genome sequencing of two independent isolates, which were able to grow as well as the wild-type strain under aerated conditions, revealed the importance of mutations in nrdI, encoding a flavodoxin involved in aerobic ribonucleotide reduction. We suggest a role for TrxB2 in nucleotide metabolism, where the flavodoxin (NrdI) serves as its redox partner, and we support this hypothesis by showing the beneficial effect of deoxynucleosides on aerobic growth of the ΔtrxB2 mutant. Finally, we demonstrate, by heterologous expression, that the TrxB2 protein functionally can substitute for YumC in B. subtilis but that the addition of deoxynucleosides cannot compensate for the lethal phenotype displayed by the B. subtilisyumC knockout mutant.

Ferredoxin (flavodoxin) reductase (FdR) is involved in many important reactions in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, such as photosynthesis, nitrate reduction, etc. The recently identified bacterial YumC-type FdR belongs to a novel type, the biological function of which still remains elusive. We found that the YumC-like FdR (TrxB2) is essential for aerobic growth of Lactococcus lactis. We suggest that the YumC-type FdR is involved in the ribonucleotide reduction by the class Ib ribonucleotide reductase, which represents the workhorse for the bioconversion of nucleotides to deoxynucleotides in many prokaryotes and eukaryotic pathogens under aerobic conditions. As the partner of the flavodoxin (NrdI), the key FdR is missing in the current model describing the class Ib system in Escherichia coli. With this study, we have established a role for this novel type of FdR and in addition found the missing link needed to explain how ribonucleotide reduction is carried out under aerobic conditions.

Nucleotides, Nucleosides, and Nucleobases

We review literature on the metabolism of ribo- and deoxyribonucleotides, nucleosides, and nucleobases in Escherichia coli and Salmonella,including biosynthesis, degradation, interconversion, and transport. Emphasis is placed on enzymology and regulation of the pathways, at both the level of gene expression and the control of enzyme activity. The paper begins with an overview of the reactions that form and break the N-glycosyl bond, which binds the nucleobase to the ribosyl moiety in nucleotides and nucleosides, and the enzymes involved in the interconversion of the different phosphorylated states of the nucleotides. Next, the de novo pathways for purine and pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis are discussed in detail.Finally, the conversion of nucleosides and nucleobases to nucleotides, i.e.,the salvage reactions, are described. The formation of deoxyribonucleotides is discussed, with emphasis on ribonucleotidereductase and pathways involved in fomation of dUMP. At the end, we discuss transport systems for nucleosides and nucleobases and also pathways for breakdown of the nucleobases.

Lactococcus lactis thioredoxin reductase is sensitive to light inactivation

Thioredoxin, involved in numerous redox pathways, is maintained in the dithiol state by the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent flavoprotein thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). Here, TrxR from Lactococcus lactis is compared with the well-characterized TrxR from Escherichia coli. The two enzymes belong to the same class of low-molecular weight thioredoxin reductases and display similar kcat values (∼25 s(-1)) with their cognate thioredoxin. Remarkably, however, the L. lactis enzyme is inactivated by visible light and furthermore reduces molecular oxygen 10 times faster than E. coli TrxR. The rate of light inactivation under standardized conditions (λmax=460 nm and 4 °C) was reduced at lowered oxygen concentrations and in the presence of iodide. Inactivation was accompanied by a distinct spectral shift of the flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) that remained firmly bound. High-resolution mass spectrometric analysis of heat-extracted FAD from light-damaged TrxR revealed a mass increment of 13.979 Da, relative to that of unmodified FAD, corresponding to the addition of one oxygen atom and the loss of two hydrogen atoms. Tandem mass spectrometry confined the increase in mass of the isoalloxazine ring, and the extracted modified cofactor reacted with dinitrophenyl hydrazine, indicating the presence of an aldehyde. We hypothesize that a methyl group of FAD is oxidized to a formyl group. The significance of this not previously reported oxidation and the exceptionally high rate of oxygen reduction are discussed in relation to other flavin modifications and the possible occurrence of enzymes with similar properties.

Two Lactococcus lactis thioredoxin paralogues play different roles in responses to arsenate and oxidative stress

Thioredoxin (Trx) maintains intracellular thiol groups in a reduced state and is involved in a wide range of cellular processes, including ribonucleotide reduction, sulphur assimilation, oxidative stress responses and arsenate detoxification. The industrially important lactic acid bacterium Lactococcus lactis contains two Trxs. TrxA is similar to the well-characterized Trx homologue from Escherichia coli and contains the common WCGPC active site motif, while TrxD is atypical and contains an aspartate residue in the active site (WCGDC). To elucidate the physiological roles of the two Trx paralogues, deletion mutants ΔtrxA, ΔtrxD and ΔtrxAΔtrxD were constructed. In general, the ΔtrxAΔtrxD strain was significantly more sensitive than either of the ΔtrxA and ΔtrxD mutants. Upon exposure to oxidative stress, growth of the ΔtrxA strain was diminished while that of the ΔtrxD mutant was similar to the wild-type. The lack of TrxA also appears to impair methionine sulphoxide reduction. Both ΔtrxA and ΔtrxD strains displayed growth inhibition after treatment with sodium arsenate and tellurite as compared with the wild-type, suggesting partially overlapping functions of TrxA and TrxD. Overall the phenotype of the ΔtrxA mutant matches established functions of WCGPC-type Trx while TrxD appears to play a more restricted role in stress resistance of Lac. lactis.

Early adaptation to oxygen is key to the industrially important traits of Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris during milk fermentation

Background

Lactococcus lactis is the most used species in the dairy industry. Its ability to adapt to technological stresses, such as oxidative stress encountered during stirring in the first stages of the cheese-making process, is a key factor to measure its technological performance. This study aimed to understand the response to oxidative stress of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris MG1363 at the transcriptional and metabolic levels in relation to acidification kinetics and growth conditions, especially at an early stage of growth. For those purposes, conditions of hyper-oxygenation were initially fixed for the fermentation.

Results

Kinetics of growth and acidification were not affected by the presence of oxygen, indicating a high resistance to oxygen of the L. lactis MG1363 strain. Its resistance was explained by an efficient consumption of oxygen within the first 4 hours of culture, leading to a drop of the redox potential. The efficient consumption of oxygen by the L. lactis MG1363 strain was supported by a coherent and early adaptation to oxygen after 1 hour of culture at both gene expression and metabolic levels. In oxygen metabolism, the over-expression of all the genes of the nrd (ribonucleotide reductases) operon or fhu (ferrichrome ABC transports) genes was particularly significant. In carbon metabolism, the presence of oxygen led to an early shift at the gene level in the pyruvate pathway towards the acetate/2,3-butanediol pathway confirmed by the kinetics of metabolite production. Finally, the MG1363 strain was no longer able to consume oxygen in the stationary growth phase, leading to a drastic loss of culturability as a consequence of cumulative stresses and the absence of gene adaptation at this stage.

Conclusions

Combining metabolic and transcriptomic profiling, together with oxygen consumption kinetics, yielded new insights into the whole genome adaptation of L. lactis to initial oxidative stress. An early and transitional adaptation to oxidative stress was revealed for L. lactis subsp. cremoris MG1363 in the presence of initially high levels of oxygen. This enables the cells to maintain key traits that are of great importance for industry, such as rapid acidification and reduction of the redox potential of the growth media.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-1054) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Lactococcus lactis TrxD represents a subgroup of thioredoxins prevalent in Gram-positive bacteria containing WCXDC active site motifs

Three protein disulfide reductases of the thioredoxin superfamily from the industrially important Gram-positive Lactococcus lactis (LlTrxA, LlTrxD and LlNrdH) are compared to the "classical" thioredoxin from Escherichia coli (EcTrx1). LlTrxA resembles EcTrx1 with a WCGPC active site motif and other key residues conserved. By contrast, LlTrxD is more distantly related and contains a WCGDC motif. Bioinformatics analysis suggests that LlTrxD represents a subgroup of thioredoxins from Gram-positive bacteria. LlNrdH is a glutaredoxin-like electron donor for ribonucleotide reductase class Ib. Based on protein-protein equilibria LlTrxA (E°'=-259mV) and LlNrdH (E°'=-238mV) show approximately 10mV higher standard state redox potentials than the corresponding E. coli homologues, while E°' of LlTrxD is -243mV, more similar to glutaredoxin than "classical" thioredoxin. EcTrx1 and LlTrxA have high capacity to reduce insulin disulfides and their exposed active site thiol is alkylated at a similar rate at pH 7.0. LlTrxD on the other hand, is alkylated by iodoacetamide at almost 100 fold higher rate and shows no activity towards insulin disulfides. LlTrxA, LlTrxD and LlNrdH are all efficiently reduced by NADPH dependent thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) from L. lactis and good cross-reactivity towards E. coli TrxR was observed with LlTrxD as the notable exception.

Choosing the right metal: case studies of class I ribonucleotide reductases

Over one-third of all proteins require metallation for function (Waldron, K. J., Rutherford, J. C., Ford, D., and Robinson, N.J. (2009) Nature 460, 823-830). As biochemical studies of most proteins depend on their isolation subsequent to recombinant expression (i.e. they are seldom purified from their host organism), there is no gold standard to assess faithful metallocofactor assembly and associated function. The biosynthetic machinery for metallocofactor formation in the recombinant expression system may be absent, inadequately expressed, or incompatible with a heterologously expressed protein. A combination of biochemical and genetic studies has led to the identification of key proteins involved in biosynthesis and likely repair of the metallocofactor of ribonucleotide reductases in both bacteria and the budding yeast. In this minireview, we will discuss the recent progress in understanding controlled delivery of metal, oxidants, and reducing equivalents for cofactor assembly in ribonucleotide reductases and highlight issues associated with controlling Fe/Mn metallation and avoidance of mismetallation.

Bacillus subtilis class Ib ribonucleotide reductase: high activity and dynamic subunit interactions

The class Ib ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) isolated from Bacillus subtilis was recently purified as a 1:1 ratio of NrdE (α) and NrdF (β) subunits and determined to have a dimanganic-tyrosyl radical (Mn(III)2-Y·) cofactor. The activity of this RNR and the one reconstituted from recombinantly expressed NrdE and reconstituted Mn(III)2-Y· NrdF using dithiothreitol as the reductant, however, was low (160 nmol min(-1) mg(-1)). The apparent tight affinity between the two subunits, distinct from all class Ia RNRs, suggested that B. subtilis RNR might be the protein that yields to the elusive X-ray crystallographic characterization of an "active" RNR complex. We now report our efforts to optimize the activity of B. subtilis RNR by (1) isolation of NrdF with a homogeneous cofactor, and (2) identification and purification of the endogenous reductant(s). Goal one was achieved using anion exchange chromatography to separate apo-/mismetalated-NrdFs from Mn(III)2-Y· NrdF, yielding enzyme containing 4 Mn and 1 Y·/β2. Goal two was achieved by cloning, expressing, and purifying TrxA (thioredoxin), YosR (a glutaredoxin-like thioredoxin), and TrxB (thioredoxin reductase). The success of both goals increased the specific activity to ~1250 nmol min(-1) mg(-1) using a 1:1 mixture of NrdE:Mn(III)2-Y· NrdF and either TrxA or YosR and TrxB. The quaternary structures of NrdE, NrdF, and NrdE:NrdF (1:1) were characterized by size exclusion chromatography and analytical ultracentrifugation. At physiological concentrations (~1 μM), NrdE is a monomer (α) and Mn(III)2-Y· NrdF is a dimer (β2). A 1:1 mixture of NrdE:NrdF, however, is composed of a complex mixture of structures in contrast to expectations.

Streptococcus sanguinis class Ib ribonucleotide reductase: high activity with both iron and manganese cofactors and structural insights

Streptococcus sanguinis is a causative agent of infective endocarditis. Deletion of SsaB, a manganese transporter, drastically reduces S. sanguinis virulence. Many pathogenic organisms require class Ib ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) to catalyze the conversion of nucleotides to deoxynucleotides under aerobic conditions, and recent studies demonstrate that this enzyme uses a dimanganese-tyrosyl radical (Mn(III)2-Y(•)) cofactor in vivo. The proteins required for S. sanguinis ribonucleotide reduction (NrdE and NrdF, α and β subunits of RNR; NrdH and TrxR, a glutaredoxin-like thioredoxin and a thioredoxin reductase; and NrdI, a flavodoxin essential for assembly of the RNR metallo-cofactor) have been identified and characterized. Apo-NrdF with Fe(II) and O2 can self-assemble a diferric-tyrosyl radical (Fe(III)2-Y(•)) cofactor (1.2 Y(•)/β2) and with the help of NrdI can assemble a Mn(III)2-Y(•) cofactor (0.9 Y(•)/β2). The activity of RNR with its endogenous reductants, NrdH and TrxR, is 5,000 and 1,500 units/mg for the Mn- and Fe-NrdFs (Fe-loaded NrdF), respectively. X-ray structures of S. sanguinis NrdIox and Mn(II)2-NrdF are reported and provide a possible rationale for the weak affinity (2.9 μM) between them. These streptococcal proteins form a structurally distinct subclass relative to other Ib proteins with unique features likely important in cluster assembly, including a long and negatively charged loop near the NrdI flavin and a bulky residue (Thr) at a constriction in the oxidant channel to the NrdI interface. These studies set the stage for identifying the active form of S. sanguinis class Ib RNR in an animal model for infective endocarditis and establishing whether the manganese requirement for pathogenesis is associated with RNR.

NrdH Redoxin enhances resistance to multiple oxidative stresses by acting as a peroxidase cofactor in Corynebacterium glutamicum

NrdH redoxins are small protein disulfide oxidoreductases behaving like thioredoxins but sharing a high amino acid sequence similarity to glutaredoxins. Although NrdH redoxins are supposed to be another candidate in the antioxidant system, their physiological roles in oxidative stress remain unclear. In this study, we confirmed that the Corynebacterium glutamicum NrdH redoxin catalytically reduces the disulfides in the class Ib ribonucleotide reductases (RNR), insulin and 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB), by exclusively receiving electrons from thioredoxin reductase. Overexpression of NrdH increased the resistance of C. glutamicum to multiple oxidative stresses by reducing ROS accumulation. Accordingly, elevated expression of the nrdH gene was observed when the C. glutamicum wild-type strain was exposed to oxidative stress conditions. It was discovered that the NrdH-mediated resistance to oxidative stresses was largely dependent on the presence of the thiol peroxidase Prx, as the increased resistance to oxidative stresses mediated by overexpression of NrdH was largely abrogated in the prx mutant. Furthermore, we showed that NrdH facilitated the hydroperoxide reduction activity of Prx by directly targeting and serving as its electron donor. Thus, we present evidence that the NrdH redoxin can protect against the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by various exogenous oxidative stresses by acting as a peroxidase cofactor.

Lytic infection of Lactococcus lactis by bacteriophages Tuc2009 and c2 triggers alternative transcriptional host responses

Here we present an entire temporal transcriptional profile of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris UC509.9 undergoing lytic infection with two distinct bacteriophages, Tuc2009 and c2. Furthermore, corresponding high-resolution whole-phage genome tiling arrays of both bacteriophages were performed throughout lytic infection. Whole-genome microarrays performed at various time points postinfection demonstrated a rather modest impact on host transcription. The majority of changes in the host transcriptome occur during late infection stages; few changes in host gene transcription occur during the immediate and early infection stages. Alterations in the L. lactis UC509.9 transcriptome during lytic infection appear to be phage specific, with relatively few differentially transcribed genes shared between cells infected with Tuc2009 and those infected with c2. Despite the apparent lack of a coordinated general phage response, three themes common to both infections were noted: alternative transcription of genes involved in catabolic flux and energy production, differential transcription of genes involved in cell wall modification, and differential transcription of genes involved in the conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides. The transcriptional profiles of both bacteriophages during lytic infection generally correlated with the findings of previous studies and allowed the confirmation of previously predicted promoter sequences. In addition, the host transcriptional response to lysogenization with Tuc2009 was monitored along with tiling array analysis of Tuc2009 in the lysogenic state. Analysis identified 44 host genes with altered transcription during lysogeny, 36 of which displayed levels of transcription significantly reduced from those for uninfected cells.

Transcriptional responses of Escherichia coli K-12 and O157:H7 associated with lettuce leaves

An increasing number of outbreaks of gastroenteritis recently caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7 have been linked to the consumption of leafy green vegetables. Although it is known that E. coli survives and grows in the phyllosphere of lettuce plants, the molecular mechanisms by which this bacterium associates with plants are largely unknown. The goal of this study was to identify E. coli genes relevant to its interaction, survival, or attachment to lettuce leaf surfaces, comparing E. coli K-12, a model system, and E. coli O157:H7, a pathogen associated with a large number of outbreaks. Using microarrays, we found that upon interaction with intact leaves, 10.1% and 8.7% of the 3,798 shared genes were differentially expressed in K-12 and O157:H7, respectively, whereas 3.1% changed transcript levels in both. The largest group of genes downregulated consisted of those involved in energy metabolism, including tnaA (33-fold change), encoding a tryptophanase that converts tryptophan into indole. Genes involved in biofilm modulation (bhsA and ybiM) and curli production (csgA and csgB) were significantly upregulated in E. coli K-12 and O157:H7. Both csgA and bhsA (ycfR) mutants were impaired in the long-term colonization of the leaf surface, but only csgA mutants had diminished ability in short-term attachment experiments. Our data suggested that the interaction of E. coli K-12 and O157:H7 with undamaged lettuce leaves likely is initiated via attachment to the leaf surface using curli fibers, a downward shift in their metabolism, and the suppression of biofilm formation.

Complete nucleotide sequence of plasmid pST-III from Lactobacillus plantarum ST-III

The complete nucleotide sequence of the 53,560-bp plasmid pST-III from Lactobacillus plantarum ST-III has been determined. The plasmid contains 42 predicted protein-coding sequences, and the functions of 34 coding sequences could be assigned. Homology analysis for the replication protein and the typical features of the origin of replication suggested that pST-III replicates via the theta-type mechanism. Among the predicted genes, we identified a kdp gene cluster (a high-affinity K(+)-transport system) for the first time in the Lactobacillus genus and a system for osmolyte transport. Analysis of the plasmid-encoded functions and the plasmid-cured experiment showed that the genes of pST-III could serve for the niche adaptations of L. plantarum ST-III and make significant contributions to its viability under hyperosmotic conditions. Furthermore, the relative copy number of pST-III was determined to be 6.79±1.55 copies per cell.

Class I ribonucleotide reductases: metallocofactor assembly and repair in vitro and in vivo

Incorporation of metallocofactors essential for the activity of many enyzmes is a major mechanism of posttranslational modification. The cellular machinery required for these processes in the case of mono- and dinuclear nonheme iron and manganese cofactors has remained largely elusive. In addition, many metallocofactors can be converted to inactive forms, and pathways for their repair have recently come to light. The class I ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) catalyze the conversion of nucleotides to deoxynucleotides and require dinuclear metal clusters for activity: an Fe(III)Fe(III)-tyrosyl radical (Y•) cofactor (class Ia), a Mn(III)Mn(III)-Y• cofactor (class Ib), and a Mn(IV)Fe(III) cofactor (class Ic). The class Ia, Ib, and Ic RNRs are structurally homologous and contain almost identical metal coordination sites. Recent progress in our understanding of the mechanisms by which the cofactor of each of these RNRs is generated in vitro and in vivo and by which the damaged cofactors are repaired is providing insight into how nature prevents mismetallation and orchestrates active cluster formation in high yields.

Genetic response to bacteriophage infection in Lactococcus lactis reveals a four-strand approach involving induction of membrane stress proteins, D-alanylation of the cell wall, maintenance of proton motive force, and energy conservation

In this study, whole-genome microarrays were used to gain insights into the global molecular response of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis IL1403 at an early stage of infection with the lytic phage c2. The bacterium differentially regulated the expression of 61 genes belonging to 14 functional categories, including cell envelope processes (12 genes), regulatory functions (11 genes), and carbohydrate metabolism (7 genes). The nature of these genes suggests a complex response involving four main mechanisms: (i) induction of membrane stress proteins, (ii) d-alanylation of cell wall lipoteichoic acids (LTAs), (iii) maintenance of the proton motive force (PMF), and (iv) energy conservation. The phage presence is sensed as a membrane stress in L. lactis subsp. lactis IL1403, which activated a cell wall-targeted response probably orchestrated by the concerted action of membrane phage shock protein C-like homologues, the global regulator SpxB, and the two-component system CesSR. The bacterium upregulated genes (ddl and dltABCD) responsible for incorporation of d-alanine esters into LTAs, an event associated with increased resistance to phage attack in Gram-positive bacteria. The expression of genes (yshC, citE, citF) affecting both PMF components was also regulated to restore the physiological PMF, which was disrupted following phage infection. While mobilizing the response to the phage-mediated stress, the bacterium activated an energy-saving program by repressing growth-related functions and switching to anaerobic respiration, probably to sustain the PMF and the overall cell response to phage. To our knowledge, this represents the first detailed description in L. lactis of the molecular mechanisms involved in the host response to the membrane perturbations mediated by phage infection.

NrdH-redoxin protein mediates high enzyme activity in manganese-reconstituted ribonucleotide reductase from Bacillus anthracis

Bacillus anthracis is a severe mammalian pathogen encoding a class Ib ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). RNR is a universal enzyme that provides the four essential deoxyribonucleotides needed for DNA replication and repair. Almost all Bacillus spp. encode both class Ib and class III RNR operons, but the B. anthracis class III operon was reported to encode a pseudogene, and conceivably class Ib RNR is necessary for spore germination and proliferation of B. anthracis upon infection. The class Ib RNR operon in B. anthracis encodes genes for the catalytic NrdE protein, the tyrosyl radical metalloprotein NrdF, and the flavodoxin protein NrdI. The tyrosyl radical in NrdF is stabilized by an adjacent Mn(2)(III) site (Mn-NrdF) formed by the action of the NrdI protein or by a Fe(2)(III) site (Fe-NrdF) formed spontaneously from Fe(2+) and O(2). In this study, we show that the properties of B. anthracis Mn-NrdF and Fe-NrdF are in general similar for interaction with NrdE and NrdI. Intriguingly, the enzyme activity of Mn-NrdF was approximately an order of magnitude higher than that of Fe-NrdF in the presence of the class Ib-specific physiological reductant NrdH, strongly suggesting that the Mn-NrdF form is important in the life cycle of B. anthracis. Whether the Fe-NrdF form only exists in vitro or whether the NrdF protein in B. anthracis is a true cambialistic enzyme that can work with either manganese or iron remains to be established.

Bacillus subtilis class Ib ribonucleotide reductase is a dimanganese(III)-tyrosyl radical enzyme

Bacillus subtilis class Ib ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) catalyzes the conversion of nucleotides to deoxynucleotides, providing the building blocks for DNA replication and repair. It is composed of two proteins: α (NrdE) and β (NrdF). β contains the metallo-cofactor, essential for the initiation of the reduction process. The RNR genes are organized within the nrdI-nrdE-nrdF-ymaB operon. Each protein has been cloned, expressed, and purified from Escherichia coli. As isolated, recombinant NrdF (rNrdF) contained a diferric-tyrosyl radical [Fe(III)(2)-Y(•)] cofactor. Alternatively, this cluster could be self-assembled from apo-rNrdF, Fe(II), and O(2). Apo-rNrdF loaded using 4 Mn(II)/β(2), O(2), and reduced NrdI (a flavodoxin) can form a dimanganese(III)-Y(•) [Mn(III)(2)-Y(•)] cofactor. In the presence of rNrdE, ATP, and CDP, Mn(III)(2)-Y(•) and Fe(III)(2)-Y(•) rNrdF generate dCDP at rates of 132 and 10 nmol min(-1) mg(-1), respectively (both normalized for 1 Y(•)/β(2)). To determine the endogenous cofactor of NrdF in B. subtilis, the entire operon was placed behind a Pspank(hy) promoter and integrated into the B. subtilis genome at the amyE site. All four genes were induced in cells grown in Luria-Bertani medium, with levels of NrdE and NrdF elevated 35-fold relative to that of the wild-type strain. NrdE and NrdF were copurified in a 1:1 ratio from this engineered B. subtilis. The visible, EPR, and atomic absorption spectra of the purified NrdENrdF complex (eNrdF) exhibited characteristics of a Mn(III)(2)-Y(•) center with 2 Mn/β(2) and 0.5 Y(•)/β(2) and an activity of 318-363 nmol min(-1) mg(-1) (normalized for 1 Y(•)/β(2)). These data strongly suggest that the B. subtilis class Ib RNR is a Mn(III)(2)-Y(•) enzyme.

Implications of the inability of Listeria monocytogenes EGD-e to grow anaerobically due to a deletion in the class III NrdD ribonucleotide reductase for its use as a model laboratory strain

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive facultative intracellular bacterium that causes life-threatening diseases in humans. It grows and survives in environments of low oxygen tension and under conditions of strict anaerobiosis. Oxygen-limiting conditions may be an important factor in determining its pathogenicity. L. monocytogenes serovar 1/2a strain EGD-e has been employed intensively to elucidate the mechanisms of intracellular multiplication and virulence. Listeria possesses genes encoding class I aerobic and class III anaerobic ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs). The class III RNR consists of a catalytic subunit NrdD and an activase NrdG. Surprisingly, L. monocytogenes EGD-e, but not other L. monocytogenes strains or other listerial species, is unable to grow under strict anaerobic conditions. Inspection of listerial NrdD amino acid sequences revealed a six-amino acid deletion in the C-terminal portion of the EGD-e protein, next to the essential glycyl radical domain. Nevertheless, L. monocytogenes EGD-e can grow under microaerophilic conditions due to the recruitment of residual class Ia RNR activity. A three-dimensional (3D) model based on the structure of bacteriophage T4 NrdD identified the location of the deletion, which appears in a highly conserved part of the NrdD RNR structure, in the α/β barrel domain near the glycyl radical domain. The deleted KITPFE region is essential either for interactions with the NrdG activase or, indirectly, for the stability of the glycyl radical loop. Given that L. monocytogenes EGD-e lacks a functional anaerobic RNR, the present findings are relevant to the interpretation of studies of pathogenesis with this strain specifically, in particular under conditions of low oxygen tension.

Characterization of the Streptococcus sobrinus acid-stress response by interspecies microarrays and proteomics

Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are considered the primary organisms responsible for human dental caries. The ability to generate acids and to adapt to low pH conditions is directly associated with the cariogenic potential of these bacteria. To survive acidic conditions, both species have been shown to mount an acid-tolerance response (ATR). However, previous characterization of the S. sobrinus ATR identified critical differences in the mechanisms of acid adaptation between S. mutans and S. sobrinus. Here, interspecies microarray and proteomic approaches were used to identify novel, previously unrecognized genes and pathways that participate in the S. sobrinus acid-stress response. The results revealed that, among other things, metabolic alterations that enhance energy generation and upregulation of the malolactic fermentation enzyme activity constitute important acid-resistance properties in S. sobrinus. Some of these acid adaptive traits are shared by S. mutans and might be considered optimal targets for therapeutic treatments designed to control dental caries.

High-resolution crystal structures of the flavoprotein NrdI in oxidized and reduced states--an unusual flavodoxin. Structural biology

The small flavoprotein NrdI is an essential component of the class Ib ribonucleotide reductase system in many bacteria. NrdI interacts with the class Ib radical generating protein NrdF. It is suggested to be involved in the rescue of inactivated diferric centres or generation of active dimanganese centres in NrdF. Although NrdI bears a superficial resemblance to flavodoxin, its redox properties have been demonstrated to be strikingly different. In particular, NrdI is capable of two-electron reduction, whereas flavodoxins are exclusively one-electron reductants. This has been suggested to depend on a lesser destabilization of the negatively-charged hydroquinone state than in flavodoxins. We have determined the crystal structures of NrdI from Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, in the oxidized and semiquinone forms, at resolutions of 0.96 and 1.4 Å, respectively. These structures, coupled with analysis of all curated NrdI sequences, suggest that NrdI defines a new structural family within the flavodoxin superfamily. The conformational behaviour of NrdI in response to FMN reduction is very similar to that of flavodoxins, involving a peptide flip in a loop near the N5 atom of the flavin ring. However, NrdI is much less negatively charged than flavodoxins, which is expected to affect its redox properties significantly. Indeed, sequence analysis shows a remarkable spread in the predicted isoelectric points of NrdIs, from approximately pH 4-10. The implications of these observations for class Ib ribonucleotide reductase function are discussed.

Staphylococcus aureus NrdH redoxin is a reductant of the class Ib ribonucleotide reductase

Staphylococci contain a class Ib NrdEF ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) that is responsible, under aerobic conditions, for the synthesis of deoxyribonucleotide precursors for DNA synthesis and repair. The genes encoding that RNR are contained in an operon consisting of three genes, nrdIEF, whereas many other class Ib RNR operons contain a fourth gene, nrdH, that determines a thiol redoxin protein, NrdH. We identified a 77-amino-acid open reading frame in Staphylococcus aureus that resembles NrdH proteins. However, S. aureus NrdH differs significantly from the canonical NrdH both in its redox-active site, C-P-P-C instead of C-M/V-Q-C, and in the absence of the C-terminal [WF]SGFRP[DE] structural motif. We show that S. aureus NrdH is a thiol redox protein. It is not essential for aerobic or anaerobic growth and appears to have a marginal role in protection against oxidative stress. In vitro, S. aureus NrdH was found to be an efficient reductant of disulfide bonds in low-molecular-weight substrates and proteins using dithiothreitol as the source of reducing power and an effective reductant for the homologous class Ib RNR employing thioredoxin reductase and NADPH as the source of the reducing power. Its ability to reduce NrdEF is comparable to that of thioredoxin-thioredoxin reductase. Hence, S. aureus contains two alternative thiol redox proteins, NrdH and thioredoxin, with both proteins being able to function in vitro with thioredoxin reductase as the immediate hydrogen donors for the class Ib RNR. It remains to be clarified under which in vivo physiological conditions the two systems are used.

Protein targets for structure-based anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug discovery

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which belongs to the genus Mycobacterium, is the pathogenic agent for most tuberculosis (TB). As TB remains one of the most rampant infectious diseases, causing morbidity and death with emergence of multi-drug-resistant and extensively-drug-resistant forms, it is urgent to identify new drugs with novel targets to ensure future therapeutic success. In this regards, the structural genomics of M. tuberculosis provides important information to identify potential targets, perform biochemical assays, determine crystal structures in complex with potential inhibitor(s), reveal the key sites/residues for biological activity, and thus validate drug targets and discover novel drugs. In this review, we will discuss the recent progress on novel targets for structure-based anti-M. tuberculosis drug discovery.

Function and regulation of class I ribonucleotide reductase-encoding genes in mycobacteria

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) are crucial to all living cells, since they provide deoxyribonucleotides (dNTPs) for DNA synthesis and repair. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a class Ib RNR comprising nrdE- and nrdF2-encoded subunits is essential for growth in vitro. Interestingly, the genome of this obligate human pathogen also contains the nrdF1 (Rv1981c) and nrdB (Rv0233) genes, encoding an alternate class Ib RNR small (R2) subunit and a putative class Ic RNR R2 subunit, respectively. However, the role(s) of these subunits in dNTP provision during M. tuberculosis pathogenesis is unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that nrdF1 and nrdB are dispensable for the growth and survival of M. tuberculosis after exposure to various stresses in vitro and, further, that neither gene is required for growth and survival in mice. These observations argue against a specialist role for the alternate R2 subunits under the conditions tested. Through the construction of nrdR-deficient mutants of M. tuberculosis and Mycobacterium smegmatis, we establish that the genes encoding the essential class Ib RNR subunits are specifically regulated by an NrdR-type repressor. Moreover, a strain of M. smegmatis mc(2)155 lacking the 56-kb chromosomal region, which includes duplicates of nrdHIE and nrdF2, and a mutant retaining only one copy of nrdF2 are shown to be hypersensitive to the class I RNR inhibitor hydroxyurea as a result of depleted levels of the target. Together, our observations identify a potential vulnerability in dNTP provision in mycobacteria and thereby offer a compelling rationale for pursuing the class Ib RNR as a target for drug discovery.

Oligomerization status directs overall activity regulation of the Escherichia coli class Ia ribonucleotide reductase

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is a key enzyme for the synthesis of the four DNA building blocks. Class Ia RNRs contain two subunits, denoted R1 (alpha) and R2 (beta). These enzymes are regulated via two nucleotide-binding allosteric sites on the R1 subunit, termed the specificity and overall activity sites. The specificity site binds ATP, dATP, dTTP, or dGTP and determines the substrate to be reduced, whereas the overall activity site binds dATP (inhibitor) or ATP. By using gas-phase electrophoretic mobility macromolecule analysis and enzyme assays, we found that the Escherichia coli class Ia RNR formed an inhibited alpha(4)beta(4) complex in the presence of dATP and an active alpha(2)beta(2) complex in the presence of ATP (main substrate: CDP), dTTP (substrate: GDP) or dGTP (substrate: ADP). The R1-R2 interaction was 30-50 times stronger in the alpha(4)beta(4) complex than in the alpha(2)beta(2) complex, which was in equilibrium with free alpha(2) and beta(2) subunits. Studies of a known E. coli R1 mutant (H59A) showed that deficient dATP inhibition correlated with reduced ability to form alpha(4)beta(4) complexes. ATP could also induce the formation of a generally inhibited alpha(4)beta(4) complex in the E. coli RNR but only when used in combination with high concentrations of the specificity site effectors, dTTP/dGTP. Both allosteric sites are therefore important for alpha(4)beta(4) formation and overall activity regulation. The E. coli RNR differs from the mammalian enzyme, which is stimulated by ATP also in combination with dGTP/dTTP and forms active and inactive alpha(6)beta(2) complexes.

Circular dichroism and magnetic circular dichroism studies of the biferrous site of the class Ib ribonucleotide reductase from Bacillus cereus: comparison to the class Ia enzymes

The rate limiting step in DNA biosynthesis is the reduction of ribonucleotides to form the corresponding deoxyribonucleotides. This reaction is catalyzed by ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) and is an attractive target against rapidly proliferating pathogens. Class I RNRs are binuclear non-heme iron enzymes and can be further divided into subclasses. Class Ia is found in many organisms, including humans, while class Ib has only been found in bacteria, notably some pathogens. Both Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus cereus encode class Ib RNRs with over 98% sequence identity. The geometric and electronic structure of the B. cereus diiron containing subunit (R2F) has been characterized by a combination of circular dichroism, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and variable temperature variable field MCD and is compared to class Ia RNRs. While crystallography has given several possible descriptions for the class Ib RNR biferrous site, the spectroscopically defined active site contains a 4-coordinate and a 5-coordinate Fe(II), weakly antiferromagnetically coupled via mu-1,3-carboxylate bridges. Class Ia biferrous sites are also antiferromagnetically coupled 4-coordinate and 5-coordinate Fe(II), however quantitatively differ from class Ib in bridging carboxylate conformation and tyrosine radical positioning relative to the diiron site. Additionally, the iron binding affinity in B. cereus RNR R2F is greater than class Ia RNR and provides the pathogen with a competitive advantage relative to host in physiological, iron-limited environments. These structural differences have potential for the development of selective drugs.

NrdI essentiality for class Ib ribonucleotide reduction in Streptococcus pyogenes

The Streptococcus pyogenes genome harbors two clusters of class Ib ribonucleotide reductase genes, nrdHEF and nrdF*I*E*, and a second stand-alone nrdI gene, designated nrdI2. We show that both clusters are expressed simultaneously as two independent operons. The NrdEF enzyme is functionally active in vitro, while the NrdE*F* enzyme is not. The NrdF* protein lacks three of the six highly conserved iron-liganding side chains and cannot form a dinuclear iron site or a tyrosyl radical. In vivo, on the other hand, both operons are functional in heterologous complementation in Escherichia coli. The nrdF*I*E* operon requires the presence of the nrdI* gene, and the nrdHEF operon gained activity upon cotranscription of the heterologous nrdI gene from Streptococcus pneumoniae, while neither nrdI* nor nrdI2 from S. pyogenes rendered it active. Our results highlight the essential role of the flavodoxin NrdI protein in vivo, and we suggest that it is needed to reduce met-NrdF, thereby enabling the spontaneous reformation of the tyrosyl radical. The NrdI* flavodoxin may play a more direct role in ribonucleotide reduction by the NrdF*I*E* system. We discuss the possibility that the nrdF*I*E* operon has been horizontally transferred to S. pyogenes from Mycoplasma spp.

The multiple functions of the thiol-based electron flow pathways of Escherichia coli: Eternal concepts revisited

Electron flow via thiols is a theme with many variations in all kingdoms of life. The favourable physichochemical properties of the redox active couple of two cysteines placed in the optimised environment of the thioredoxin fold allow for two electron transfers in between top biological reductants and ultimate oxidants. The reduction of ribonucleotide reductases by thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase of Escherichia coli (E. coli) was one of the first pathways to be elucidated. Diverse functions such as protein folding in the periplasm, maturation of respiratory enzymes, detoxification of hydrogen peroxide and prevention of oxidative damage may be based on two electron transfers via thiols. A growing field is the relation of thiol reducing pathways and the interaction of E. coli with different organisms. This concept combined with the sequencing of the genomes of different bacteria may allow for the identification of fine differences in the systems employing thiols for electron flow between pathogens and their corresponding mammalian hosts. The emerging possibility is the development of novel antibiotics.

Comparative transcriptomics in Yersinia pestis: a global view of environmental modulation of gene expression

Background

Environmental modulation of gene expression in Yersinia pestis is critical for its life style and pathogenesis. Using cDNA microarray technology, we have analyzed the global gene expression of this deadly pathogen when grown under different stress conditions in vitro.

Results

To provide us with a comprehensive view of environmental modulation of global gene expression in Y. pestis, we have analyzed the gene expression profiles of 25 different stress conditions. Almost all known virulence genes of Y. pestis were differentially regulated under multiple environmental perturbations. Clustering enabled us to functionally classify co-expressed genes, including some uncharacterized genes. Collections of operons were predicted from the microarray data, and some of these were confirmed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Several regulatory DNA motifs, probably recognized by the regulatory protein Fur, PurR, or Fnr, were predicted from the clustered genes, and a Fur binding site in the corresponding promoter regions was verified by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA).

Conclusion

The comparative transcriptomics analysis we present here not only benefits our understanding of the molecular determinants of pathogenesis and cellular regulatory circuits in Y. pestis, it also serves as a basis for integrating increasing volumes of microarray data using existing methods.

Why metabolic enzymes are essential or nonessential for growth of Escherichia coli K12 on glucose

The genes encoding metabolic enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, the TCA cycle, and biosynthesis of amino acids, purines, pyrimidines, and cofactors would be expected to be essential for growth of Escherichia coli on glucose because the cells must synthesize all of the building blocks for cellular macromolecules. Surprisingly, 80 of 227 of these genes are not essential. Analysis of why these genes are not essential provides insights into the metabolic sophistication of E. coli and into the evolutionary pressures that have shaped its physiology. Alternative routes enabled by interconnecting pathways can allow a defective step to be bypassed. Isozymes, alternative enzymes, broad-specificity enzymes, and multifunctional enzymes can often substitute for a missing enzyme. We expect that the apparent redundancy in these metabolic pathways has arisen due to the need for E. coli to survive in a variety of habitats and therefore to have a metabolism that allows optimal exploitation of varying environmental resources and synthesis of small molecules when they cannot be obtained from the environment.

NrdR controls differential expression of the Escherichia coli ribonucleotide reductase genes

Escherichia coli possesses class Ia, class Ib, and class III ribonucleotide reductases (RNR). Under standard laboratory conditions, the aerobic class Ia nrdAB RNR genes are well expressed, whereas the aerobic class Ib nrdEF RNR genes are poorly expressed. The class III RNR is normally expressed under microaerophilic and anaerobic conditions. In this paper, we show that the E. coli YbaD protein differentially regulates the expression of the three sets of genes. YbaD is a homolog of the Streptomyces NrdR protein. It is not essential for growth and has been renamed NrdR. Previously, Streptomyces NrdR was shown to transcriptionally regulate RNR genes by binding to specific 16-bp sequence motifs, NrdR boxes, located in the regulatory regions of its RNR operons. All three E. coli RNR operons contain two such NrdR box motifs positioned in their regulatory regions. The NrdR boxes are located near to or overlap with the promoter elements. DNA binding experiments showed that NrdR binds to each of the upstream regulatory regions. We constructed deletions in nrdR (ybaD) and showed that they caused high-level induction of transcription of the class Ib RNR genes but had a much smaller effect on induction of transcription of the class Ia and class III RNR genes. We propose a model for differential regulation of the RNR genes based on binding of NrdR to the regulatory regions. The model assumes that differences in the positions of the NrdR binding sites, and in the sequences of the motifs themselves, determine the extent to which NrdR represses the transcription of each RNR operon.

Regulation of the ribonucleotide reductases in Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris

Lactococcus lactis has two essential ribonucleotide reductases for DNA biosynthesis and repair which are affected in the presence or absence of oxygen. Expression of glutaredoxin like protein (NrdH), the hydrogen donor for ribonucleotide reductase, was found to be regulated by the FNR like proteins (FlpA and FlpB). Proteomics study demonstrated that expression level of NrdH significantly decreased in the flpA and flpAB deletion mutants. The nrdH gene is located in an nrdHIEF operon and encoding the NrdEF ribonucleotide reductase, which is active under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Regulation of expression of the nrdHIEF operons was investigated using beta-galactosidase as a reporter gene. The 588 bp fragment containing the nrdH promoter and gene cloned into the pORI vector immediately upstream of a promoterless lacZ gene. Constructed plasmid was transferred into wild type (MG1363), single mutant (flpA orflpB) and double mutant (flpAB). Aerobically, nrdH promoter activity is 15-fold higher than anaerobic expression.

The Bacillus subtilis nrdEF genes, encoding a class Ib ribonucleotide reductase, are essential for aerobic and anaerobic growth

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) are essential for the biosynthesis of the deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates of DNA. Recently, it was proposed that externally supplied deoxyribonucleosides or DNA is required for the growth of Bacillus subtilis under strict anaerobic conditions (M. J. Folmsbee, M. J. McInerney, and D. P. Nagle, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 70:5252-5257, 2004). Cultivation of B. subtilis on minimal medium in the presence of oxygen indicators in combination with oxygen electrode measurements and viable cell counting demonstrated that growth occurred under strict anaerobic conditions in the absence of externally supplied deoxyribonucleosides. The nrdEF genes encode the only obvious RNR in B. subtilis. A temperature-sensitive nrdE mutant failed to grow under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, indicating that this oxygen-dependent class I RNR has an essential role under both growth conditions. Aerobic growth and anaerobic growth of the nrdE mutant were rescued by addition of deoxynucleotides. The nrd locus consists of an nrdI-nrdE-nrdF-ymaB operon. The 5' end of the corresponding mRNA revealed transcriptional start sites 45 and 48 bp upstream of the translational start of nrdI. Anaerobic transcription of the operon was found to be dependent on the presence of intact genes for the ResDE two-component redox regulatory system. Two potential ResD binding sites were identified approximately 62 bp (site A) and 50 bp (site B) upstream of the transcriptional start sites by a bioinformatic approach. Only mutation of site B eliminated nrd expression. Aerobic transcription was ResDE independent but required additional promoter elements localized between 88 and 275 bp upstream of the transcriptional start.

Detection of operons

Operons are clusters of genes that are transcribed as a single message, and regulated by the same gene expression machinery. They are found primarily in prokaryotic genomes. Because genes in the same operon are likely to have related functions, identification of the operon structure is potentially useful for assigning gene function. We report the development and benchmarking of two different methods for detecting operons, based on an analysis of 42 fully sequenced prokaryotic organisms. The Gene Neighbor method (GNM) utilizes the relatively high conservation of gene order in operons, compared with genes in general. The Gene Gap Method (GGM) makes use of the relatively short gap between genes in operons compared with that otherwise found between adjacent genes. The methods have been benchmarked using KEGG pathway data and RegulonDB Escherichia coli operon data. With optimum parameters, the specificity of the GNM is 93% and the sensitivity is 70%. For the GGM, the specificity is 95% and the sensitivity is 68%. Together, the two methods have a sensitivity of 87.2%, while joint predictions have a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 98%. The methods are used to infer possible functions for some hypothetical genes in prokaryotic genomes. The methods have proven a useful addition to structure information in deriving protein function in a structural genomics project.

Orientation of the tyrosyl radical in Salmonella typhimurium class Ib ribonucleotide reductase determined by high field EPR of R2F single crystals

The R2 protein of class I ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) generates and stores a tyrosyl radical, located next to a diferric iron center, which is essential for ribonucleotide reduction and thus DNA synthesis. X-ray structures of class Ia and Ib proteins from various organisms served as bases for detailed mechanistic suggestions. The active site tyrosine in R2F of class Ib RNR of Salmonella typhimurium is located at larger distance to the diiron site, and shows a different side chain orientation, as compared with the tyrosine in R2 of class Ia RNR from Escherichia coli. No structural information has been available for the active tyrosyl radical in R2F. Here we report on high field EPR experiments of single crystals of R2F from S. typhimurium, containing the radical Tyr-105*. Full rotational pattern of the spectra were recorded, and the orientation of the g-tensor axes were determined, which directly reflect the orientation of the radical Tyr-105* in the crystal frame. Comparison with the orientation of the reduced tyrosine Tyr-105-OH from the x-ray structure reveals a rotation of the tyrosyl side chain, which reduces the distance between the tyrosyl radical and the nearest iron ligands toward similar values as observed earlier for Tyr-122* in E. coli R2. Presence of the substrate binding subunit R1E did not change the EPR spectra of Tyr-105*, indicating that binding of R2E alone induces no structural change of the diiron site. The present study demonstrates that structural and functional information about active radical states can be obtained by combining x-ray and high-field-EPR crystallography.

The first holocomplex structure of ribonucleotide reductase gives new insight into its mechanism of action

Ribonucleotide reductase is an indispensable enzyme for all cells, since it catalyses the biosynthesis of the precursors necessary for both building and repairing DNA. The ribonucleotide reductase class I enzymes, present in all mammals as well as in many prokaryotes and DNA viruses, are composed mostly of two homodimeric proteins, R1 and R2. The reaction involves long-range radical transfer between the two proteins. Here, we present the first crystal structure of a ribonucleotide reductase R1/R2 holocomplex. The biological relevance of this complex is based on the binding of the R2 C terminus in the hydrophobic cleft of R1, an interaction proven to be crucial for enzyme activity, and by the fact that all conserved amino acid residues in R2 are facing the R1 active sites. We suggest that the asymmetric R1/R2 complex observed in the 4A crystal structure of Salmonella typhimurium ribonucleotide reductase represents an intermediate stage in the reaction cycle, and at the moment of reaction the homodimers transiently form a tight symmetric complex.

Heterologous leaky production of transglutaminase in Lactococcus lactis significantly enhances the growth performance of the host

This study describes a novel strategy to improve the growth performance of Lactococcus lactis by heterologous production of food-grade transglutaminase. The mtg gene from Streptoverticillium mobaraense that encodes the transglutaminase mature protein was cloned into a nisin-inducible expression vector and transformed into L. lactis subsp. cremoris NZ9000. The leaky expression of the mtg gene from the nisA promoter resulted in ammonia formation and carbon flux redistribution at the pyruvate branch. As a consequence, medium acidification was lessened and energy utilization was improved. This led to significantly higher biomass production under aerobic conditions and particularly under non-pH-controlled conditions (up to a 12-fold increase). The results presented here provide a novel way to enhance the growth yield of L. lactis, which is an important step for the purposes of producing proteins of commercial interest using L. lactis as a host.

Crystal structure of the biologically active form of class Ib ribonucleotide reductase small subunit from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Two nrdF genes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis code for different R2 subunits of the class Ib ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). The proteins are denoted R2F-1 and R2F-2 having 71% sequence identity. The R2F-2 subunit forms the biologically active RNR complex with the catalytic R1E-subunit. We present the structure of the reduced R2F-2 subunit to 2.2 A resolution. Comparison of the R2F-2 structure with a model of R2F-1 suggests that the important differences are located at the C-terminus. We found that within class Ib, the E-helix close to the iron diiron centre has two preferred conformations, which cannot be explained by the redox-state of the diiron centre. In the R2F-2 structure, we also could see a mobility of alphaE in between the two conformations.

NrdH-redoxin of Corynebacterium ammoniagenes forms a domain-swapped dimer

NrdH-redoxins constitute a family of small redox proteins, which contain a conserved CXXC sequence motif, and are characterized by a glutaredoxin-like amino acid sequence but a thioredoxin-like activity profile. Here we report the structure of Corynebacterium ammoniagenes NrdH at 2.7 A resolution, determined by molecular replacement using E. coli NrdH as model. The structure is the first example of a domain-swapped dimer from the thioredoxin family. The domain-swapped structure is formed by an inter-chain two-stranded anti-parallel beta-sheet and is stabilized by electrostatic interactions at the dimer interface. Size exclusion chromatography, and MALDI-ESI experiments revealed however, that the protein exists as a monomer in solution. Similar to E. coli NrdH-redoxin and thioredoxin, C. ammoniagenes NrdH-redoxin has a wide hydrophobic pocket at the surface that could be involved in binding to thioredoxin reductase. However, the loop between alpha2 and beta3, which is complementary to a crevice in the reductase in the thioredoxin-thioredoxin reductase complex, is the hinge for formation of the swapped dimer in C. ammoniagenes NrdH-redoxin. C. ammoniagenes NrdH-redoxin has the highly conserved sequence motif W61-S-G-F-R-P-[DE]67 which is unique to the NrdH-redoxins and which determines the orientation of helix alpha3. An extended hydrogen-bond network, similar to that in E. coli NrdH-redoxin, determines the conformation of the loop formed by the conserved motif.

Ribonucleotide reduction in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: function and expression of genes encoding class Ib and class II ribonucleotide reductases

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, possesses a class Ib ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), encoded by the nrdE and nrdF2 genes, in addition to a putative class II RNR, encoded by nrdZ. In this study we probed the relative contributions of these RNRs to the growth and persistence of M. tuberculosis. We found that targeted knockout of the nrdF2 gene could be achieved only in the presence of a complementing allele, confirming that this gene is essential under normal, in vitro growth conditions. This observation also implied that the alternate class Ib small subunit encoded by the nrdF1 gene is unable to substitute for nrdF2 and that the class II RNR, NrdZ, cannot substitute for the class Ib enzyme, NrdEF2. Conversely, a DeltanrdZ null mutant of M. tuberculosis was readily obtained by allelic exchange mutagenesis. Quantification of levels of nrdE, nrdF2, nrdF1, and nrdZ gene expression by real-time, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR with molecular beacons by using mRNA from aerobic and O(2)-limited cultures showed that nrdZ was significantly induced under microaerophilic conditions, in contrast to the other genes, whose expression was reduced by O(2) restriction. However, survival of the DeltanrdZ mutant strain was not impaired under hypoxic conditions in vitro. Moreover, the lungs of B6D2/F(1) mice infected with the DeltanrdZ mutant had bacterial loads comparable to those of lungs infected with the parental wild-type strain, which argues against the hypothesis that nrdZ plays a significant role in the virulence of M. tuberculosis in this mouse model.

Structural and functional characterization of a thioredoxin-like protein (Mt0807) from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum

Mt0807 is an 85-residue thiol-redox protein from the anaerobic archaebacterium Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum. Its small size, its participation in certain redox reactions, and the presence of a "classic" glutareodoxin active-site sequence have led to the suggestion that it might be a glutaredoxin. However, studies by previous workers indicated that it exhibited neither glutaredoxin-like nor thioredoxin-like properties. To clarify the true role of this protein and its structure/functional relationship with a paralogous thioredoxin (Mt0895, 28% sequence identity) and a recently characterized orthologous protein (Mj0307, 51% sequence identity), we undertook a series of biochemical and biophysical studies. Comparative enzymatic assays and thiol titration experiments were combined with NMR structural studies and detailed 3D structure comparisons. Structurally, our results show that Mt0807 has a glutaredoxin-like fold (central four-stranded beta-sheet core surrounded by two helices on one side and a third on the other). However, more detailed comparisons with other members of the thioredoxin superfamily indicate that Mt0807 actually has several key structural and active-site characteristics more common to a thioredoxin. Furthermore, biochemical tests show that Mt0807 actually behaves as true thioredoxin. Comparisons between Mt0807 and its paralogue, Mt0895, indicate these two archaebacterial thioredoxins share very similar folds, but exhibit very different activities and likely serve somewhat different roles. On the basis of its greater relative abundance and significantly stronger redox activity, we believe that Mt0807 is the primary thioredoxin for M. thermoautotrophicum, while Mt0895 plays a minor or supportive role. We also suggest that these two molecules (Mt0807 and Mt0895) may represent a group of ancient proteins that were ancestral to both thioredoxins and glutaredoxins.