1
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Chadwick GL, Dury GA, Nayak DD. Physiological and transcriptomic response to methyl-coenzyme M reductase limitation in Methanosarcina acetivorans. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0222023. [PMID: 38916294 PMCID: PMC11267899 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02220-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR) catalyzes the final step of methanogenesis, the microbial metabolism responsible for nearly all biological methane emissions to the atmosphere. Decades of biochemical and structural research studies have generated detailed insights into MCR function in vitro, yet very little is known about the interplay between MCR and methanogen physiology. For instance, while it is routinely stated that MCR catalyzes the rate-limiting step of methanogenesis, this has not been categorically tested. In this study, to gain a more direct understanding of MCR's control on the growth of Methanosarcina acetivorans, we generate a strain with an inducible mcr operon on the chromosome, allowing for careful control of MCR expression. We show that MCR is not growth rate-limiting in substrate-replete batch cultures. However, through careful titration of MCR expression, growth-limiting state(s) can be obtained. Transcriptomic analysis of M. acetivorans experiencing MCR limitation reveals a global response with hundreds of differentially expressed genes across diverse functional categories. Notably, MCR limitation leads to strong induction of methylsulfide methyltransferases, likely due to insufficient recycling of metabolic intermediates. In addition, the mcr operon is not transcriptionally regulated, i.e., it is constitutively expressed, suggesting that the overabundance of MCR might be beneficial when cells experience nutrient limitation or stressful conditions. Altogether, we show that there is a wide range of cellular MCR concentrations that can sustain optimal growth, suggesting that other factors such as anabolic reactions might be rate-limiting for methanogenic growth. IMPORTANCE Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that has contributed to ca. 25% of global warming in the post-industrial era. Atmospheric methane is primarily of biogenic origin, mostly produced by microorganisms called methanogens. Methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR) catalyzes methane formatio in methanogens. Even though MCR comprises ca. 10% of the cellular proteome, it is hypothesized to be growth-limiting during methanogenesis. In this study, we show that Methanosarcina acetivorans cells grown in substrate-replicate batch cultures produce more MCR than its cellular demand for optimal growth. The tools outlined in this study can be used to refine metabolic models of methanogenesis and assay lesions in MCR in a higher-throughput manner than isolation and biochemical characterization of pure protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grayson L. Chadwick
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Gavin A. Dury
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Dipti D. Nayak
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
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2
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Lee YH, Yeh YC, Fan PH, Zhong A, Ruszczycky MW, Liu HW. Changing Fates of the Substrate Radicals Generated in the Active Sites of the B 12-Dependent Radical SAM Enzymes OxsB and AlsB. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:3656-3664. [PMID: 36719327 PMCID: PMC9940012 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c12953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OxsB is a B12-dependent radical SAM enzyme that catalyzes the oxidative ring contraction of 2'-deoxyadenosine 5'-phosphate to the dehydrogenated, oxetane containing precursor of oxetanocin A phosphate. AlsB is a homologue of OxsB that participates in a similar reaction during the biosynthesis of albucidin. Herein, OxsB and AlsB are shown to also catalyze radical mediated, stereoselective C2'-methylation of 2'-deoxyadenosine monophosphate. This reaction proceeds with inversion of configuration such that the resulting product also possesses a C2' hydrogen atom available for abstraction. However, in contrast to methylation, subsequent rounds of catalysis result in C-C dehydrogenation of the newly added methyl group to yield a 2'-methylidene followed by radical addition of a 5'-deoxyadenosyl moiety to produce a heterodimer. These observations expand the scope of reactions catalyzed by B12-dependent radical SAM enzymes and emphasize the susceptibility of radical intermediates to bifurcation along different reaction pathways even within the highly organized active site of an enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsuan Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Yu-Cheng Yeh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Po-Hsun Fan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Aoshu Zhong
- Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Mark W. Ruszczycky
- Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Hung-wen Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States; Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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3
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Deng WH, Liao RZ. Sequential C-H Methylation Catalyzed by the B 12 -Dependent SAM Enzyme TokK: Comprehensive Theoretical Study of Selectivities. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202202995. [PMID: 36321632 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202202995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
TokK is a B12 -dependent radical SAM enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of the β-lactam antibiotic asparenomycin A. It can catalyze three methylations on different sp3 -hybridized carbon positions to introduce an isopropyl side chain at the β-lactam ring of pantetheinylated carbapenem. Herein, we report a quantum chemical study of the reaction mechanism of TokK. A stepwise ''push-pull'' radical relay mechanism is proposed for each methylation: a 5'-deoxyadenosine radical first abstracts a hydrogen atom from the substrate in the active site, then methylcobalamin directionally donates a methyl group to the substrate. More importantly, calculations were able to uncover the origin of observed chemoselectivity and stereoselectivity for the first methylation and regioselectivity for the following two methylations. Further detailed distortion/interaction analysis can help to unravel the main factors controlling the selectivities. Our findings of sequential methylations by TokK could have profound implications for studying other B12 -dependent radical SAM enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hao Deng
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage Ministry of Education Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medica Hubei Key Laboratory of Materials Chemistry and Service Failure School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Rong-Zhen Liao
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage Ministry of Education Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medica Hubei Key Laboratory of Materials Chemistry and Service Failure School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
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4
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Adam PS, Kolyfetis GE, Bornemann TLV, Vorgias CE, Probst AJ. Genomic remnants of ancestral methanogenesis and hydrogenotrophy in Archaea drive anaerobic carbon cycling. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm9651. [PMID: 36332026 PMCID: PMC9635834 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm9651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic methane metabolism is among the hallmarks of Archaea, originating very early in their evolution. Here, we show that the ancestor of methane metabolizers was an autotrophic CO2-reducing hydrogenotrophic methanogen that possessed the two main complexes, methyl-CoM reductase (Mcr) and tetrahydromethanopterin-CoM methyltransferase (Mtr), the anaplerotic hydrogenases Eha and Ehb, and a set of other genes collectively called "methanogenesis markers" but could not oxidize alkanes. Overturning recent inferences, we demonstrate that methyl-dependent hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis has emerged multiple times independently, either due to a loss of Mtr while Mcr is inherited vertically or from an ancient lateral acquisition of Mcr. Even if Mcr is lost, Mtr, Eha, Ehb, and the markers can persist, resulting in mixotrophic metabolisms centered around the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. Through their methanogenesis remnants, Thorarchaeia and two newly reconstructed order-level lineages in Archaeoglobi and Bathyarchaeia act as metabolically versatile players in carbon cycling of anoxic environments across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis S. Adam
- Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 5, 45141 Essen, Germany
- Corresponding author.
| | - George E. Kolyfetis
- Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 5, 45141 Essen, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Till L. V. Bornemann
- Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 5, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Constantinos E. Vorgias
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexander J. Probst
- Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 5, 45141 Essen, Germany
- Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 5, 45141 Essen, Germany
- Research Center One Health Ruhr, Research Alliance Ruhr, Environmental Metagenomics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 5, 45141 Essen, Germany
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5
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Nguyen TQ, Nicolet Y. Structure and Catalytic Mechanism of Radical SAM Methylases. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:1732. [PMID: 36362886 PMCID: PMC9692996 DOI: 10.3390/life12111732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Methyl transfer is essential in myriad biological pathways found across all domains of life. Unlike conventional methyltransferases that catalyze this reaction through nucleophilic substitution, many members of the radical S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) enzyme superfamily use radical-based chemistry to methylate unreactive carbon centers. These radical SAM methylases reductively cleave SAM to generate a highly reactive 5'-deoxyadenosyl radical, which initiates a broad range of transformations. Recently, crystal structures of several radical SAM methylases have been determined, shedding light on the unprecedented catalytic mechanisms used by these enzymes to overcome the substantial activation energy barrier of weakly nucleophilic substrates. Here, we review some of the discoveries on this topic over the last decade, focusing on enzymes for which three-dimensional structures are available to identify the key players in the mechanisms, highlighting the dual function of SAM as a methyl donor and a 5'-deoxyadenosyl radical or deprotonating base source. We also describe the role of the protein matrix in orchestrating the reaction through different strategies to catalyze such challenging methylations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yvain Nicolet
- Metalloproteins Unit, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IBS, F-38000 Grenoble, France
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6
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Highlighting the Unique Roles of Radical S-Adenosylmethionine Enzymes in Methanogenic Archaea. J Bacteriol 2022; 204:e0019722. [PMID: 35880875 PMCID: PMC9380564 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00197-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzymes catalyze an impressive variety of difficult biochemical reactions in various pathways across all domains of life. These metalloenzymes employ a reduced [4Fe-4S] cluster and SAM to generate a highly reactive 5'-deoxyadenosyl radical that is capable of initiating catalysis on otherwise unreactive substrates. Interestingly, the genomes of methanogenic archaea encode many unique radical SAM enzymes with underexplored or completely unknown functions. These organisms are responsible for the yearly production of nearly 1 billion tons of methane, a potent greenhouse gas as well as a valuable energy source. Thus, understanding the details of methanogenic metabolism and elucidating the functions of essential enzymes in these organisms can provide insights into strategies to decrease greenhouse gas emissions as well as inform advances in bioenergy production processes. This minireview provides an overview of the current state of the field regarding the functions of radical SAM enzymes in methanogens and discusses gaps in knowledge that should be addressed.
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7
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Gagsteiger J, Jahn S, Heidinger L, Gericke L, Andexer JN, Friedrich T, Loenarz C, Layer G. A Cobalamin-Dependent Radical SAM Enzyme Catalyzes the Unique C α -Methylation of Glutamine in Methyl-Coenzyme M Reductase. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202204198. [PMID: 35638156 PMCID: PMC9401015 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202204198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Methyl‐coenzyme M reductase, which is responsible for the production of the greenhouse gas methane during biological methane formation, carries several unique posttranslational amino acid modifications, including a 2‐(S)‐methylglutamine. The enzyme responsible for the Cα‐methylation of this glutamine is not known. Herein, we identify and characterize a cobalamin‐dependent radical SAM enzyme as the glutamine C‐methyltransferase. The recombinant protein from Methanoculleus thermophilus binds cobalamin in a base‐off, His‐off conformation and contains a single [4Fe‐4S] cluster. The cobalamin cofactor cycles between the methyl‐cob(III)alamin, cob(II)alamin and cob(I)alamin states during catalysis and produces methylated substrate, 5′‐deoxyadenosine and S‐adenosyl‐l‐homocysteine in a 1 : 1 : 1 ratio. The newly identified glutamine C‐methyltransferase belongs to the class B radical SAM methyltransferases known to catalyze challenging methylation reactions of sp3‐hybridized carbon atoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Gagsteiger
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Pharmazeutische Biologie, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 19, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sören Jahn
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lorenz Heidinger
- Institut für Biochemie, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstr. 21, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Gericke
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jennifer N Andexer
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Friedrich
- Institut für Biochemie, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstr. 21, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Loenarz
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gunhild Layer
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Pharmazeutische Biologie, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 19, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
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8
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Lichstrahl MS, Townsend CA, Sinner EK. Stereochemical course of cobalamin-dependent radical SAM methylation by TokK and ThnK. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:1028-1034. [PMID: 36042702 PMCID: PMC9358933 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00113f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex carbapenems are important clinical antibiotics for difficult-to-treat infections. An essential step in the biosyntheses of these natural products is stereospecific methylation at C6 and subsequent alkylations by cobalamin-dependent radical SAM methylases such as TokK and ThnK. We have prepared isotopically labeled substrates in a stereospecific manner and found that both homologous enzymes selectively abstract the 6-pro-S hydrogen, followed by methyl transfer to the opposite face to give the (6R)-methyl carbapenam product proceeding, therefore, by inversion of absolute configuration at C6. These data clarify an unexpected ambiguity in the recently solved substrate-bound crystal structure of TokK and have led to a stereochemically complete mechanistic proposal for both TokK and ThnK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Lichstrahl
- Department of Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University 3400 N Charles St Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Craig A Townsend
- Department of Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University 3400 N Charles St Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Erica K Sinner
- Department of Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University 3400 N Charles St Baltimore Maryland USA
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9
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Garcia PS, Gribaldo S, Borrel G. Diversity and Evolution of Methane-Related Pathways in Archaea. Annu Rev Microbiol 2022; 76:727-755. [PMID: 35759872 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-041020-024935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Methane is one of the most important greenhouse gases on Earth and holds an important place in the global carbon cycle. Archaea are the only organisms that use methanogenesis to produce energy and rely on the methyl-coenzyme M reductase (Mcr) complex. Over the last decade, new results have significantly reshaped our view of the diversity of methane-related pathways in the Archaea. Many new lineages that synthesize or use methane have been identified across the whole archaeal tree, leading to a greatly expanded diversity of substrates and mechanisms. In this review, we present the state of the art of these advances and how they challenge established scenarios of the origin and evolution of methanogenesis, and we discuss the potential trajectories that may have led to this strikingly wide range of metabolisms.Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 76 is September 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Simon Garcia
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, UMR CNRS 6047, Evolutionary Biology of the Microbial Cell, Paris, France; ,
| | - Simonetta Gribaldo
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, UMR CNRS 6047, Evolutionary Biology of the Microbial Cell, Paris, France; ,
| | - Guillaume Borrel
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, UMR CNRS 6047, Evolutionary Biology of the Microbial Cell, Paris, France; ,
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10
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Bridwell-Rabb J, Li B, Drennan CL. Cobalamin-Dependent Radical S-Adenosylmethionine Enzymes: Capitalizing on Old Motifs for New Functions. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2022; 2:173-186. [PMID: 35726326 PMCID: PMC9204698 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.1c00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The members of the radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzyme superfamily are responsible for catalyzing a diverse set of reactions in a multitude of biosynthetic pathways. Many members of this superfamily accomplish their transformations using the catalytic power of a 5'-deoxyadenosyl radical (5'-dAdo•), but there are also enzymes within this superfamily that bind auxiliary cofactors and extend the catalytic repertoire of SAM. In particular, the cobalamin (Cbl)-dependent class synergistically uses Cbl to facilitate challenging methylation and radical rearrangement reactions. Despite identification of this class by Sofia et al. 20 years ago, the low sequence identity between members has led to difficulty in predicting function of uncharacterized members, pinpointing catalytic residues, and elucidating reaction mechanisms. Here, we capitalize on the three recent structures of Cbl-dependent radical SAM enzymes that use common cofactors to facilitate ring contraction as well as radical-based and non-radical-based methylation reactions. With these three structures as a framework, we describe how the Cbl-dependent radical SAM enzymes repurpose the traditional SAM- and Cbl-binding motifs to form an active site where both Cbl and SAM can participate in catalysis. In addition, we describe how, in some cases, the classic SAM- and Cbl-binding motifs support the diverse functionality of this enzyme class, and finally, we define new motifs that are characteristic of Cbl-dependent radical SAM enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Bridwell-Rabb
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 N University Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,
| | - Bin Li
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 N University Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Catherine L. Drennan
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States,Department
of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States,Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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11
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Gagsteiger J, Jahn S, Heidinger L, Gericke L, Andexer JN, Friedrich T, Loenarz C, Layer G. A Cobalamin‐Dependent Radical SAM Enzyme Catalyzes the Unique Cα‐Methylation of Glutamine in Methyl‐Coenzyme M Reductase. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202204198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Gagsteiger
- Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Fakultät für Chemie und Pharmazie Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Pharmazeutische Biologie GERMANY
| | - Sören Jahn
- Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Fakultät für Chemie und Pharmazie Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie GERMANY
| | - Lorenz Heidinger
- Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Institut für Biochemie GERMANY
| | - Lukas Gericke
- Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Fakultät für Chemie und Pharmazie Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie GERMANY
| | - Jennifer N. Andexer
- Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Fakultät für Chemie und Pharmazie Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie GERMANY
| | - Thorsten Friedrich
- Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Fakultät für Chemie und Pharmazie Institut für Biochemie GERMANY
| | - Christoph Loenarz
- Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Fakultät für Chemie und Pharmazie Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie GERMANY
| | - Gunhild Layer
- Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Fakultät für Chemie und Pharmazie Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Pharmazeutische Biologie Stefan-Meier-Str. 19 79104 Freiburg GERMANY
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12
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Gendron A, Allen KD. Overview of Diverse Methyl/Alkyl-Coenzyme M Reductases and Considerations for Their Potential Heterologous Expression. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:867342. [PMID: 35547147 PMCID: PMC9081873 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.867342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR) is an archaeal enzyme that catalyzes the final step of methanogenesis and the first step in the anaerobic oxidation of methane, the energy metabolisms of methanogens and anaerobic methanotrophs (ANME), respectively. Variants of MCR, known as alkyl-coenzyme M reductases, are involved in the anaerobic oxidation of short-chain alkanes including ethane, propane, and butane as well as the catabolism of long-chain alkanes from oil reservoirs. MCR is a dimer of heterotrimers (encoded by mcrABG) and requires the nickel-containing tetrapyrrole prosthetic group known as coenzyme F430. MCR houses a series of unusual post-translational modifications within its active site whose identities vary depending on the organism and whose functions remain unclear. Methanogenic MCRs are encoded in a highly conserved mcrBDCGA gene cluster, which encodes two accessory proteins, McrD and McrC, that are believed to be involved in the assembly and activation of MCR, respectively. The requirement of a unique and complex coenzyme, various unusual post-translational modifications, and many remaining questions surrounding assembly and activation of MCR largely limit in vitro experiments to native enzymes with recombinant methods only recently appearing. Production of MCRs in a heterologous host is an important step toward developing optimized biocatalytic systems for methane production as well as for bioconversion of methane and other alkanes into value-added compounds. This review will first summarize MCR catalysis and structure, followed by a discussion of advances and challenges related to the production of diverse MCRs in a heterologous host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei Gendron
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Kylie D Allen
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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13
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Ulrich EC, Drennan CL. The Atypical Cobalamin-Dependent S-Adenosyl-l-Methionine Nonradical Methylase TsrM and Its Radical Counterparts. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:5673-5684. [PMID: 35344653 PMCID: PMC8992657 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c12064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cobalamin (Cbl)-dependent S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet) radical methylases are known for their use of a dual cofactor system to perform challenging radical methylation reactions at unactivated carbon and phosphorus centers. These enzymes are part of a larger subgroup of Cbl-dependent AdoMet radical enzymes that also perform difficult ring contractions and radical rearrangements. This subgroup is a largely untapped reservoir of diverse chemistry that requires steady efforts in biochemical and structural characterization to reveal its complexity. In this Perspective, we highlight the significant efforts over many years to elucidate the function, mechanism, and structure of TsrM, an unexpected nonradical methylase in this subgroup. We also discuss recent achievements in characterizing radical methylase subgroup members that exemplify how key tools in mechanistic enzymology are valuable time and again. Finally, we identify recent enzyme activity studies that have made use of bioinformatic analyses to expand our definition of the subgroup. Additional breakthroughs in radical (and nonradical) enzymatic chemistry and challenging transformations from the unexplored space of this subgroup are undoubtedly on the horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine L Drennan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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14
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Sinner E, Marous DR, Townsend CA. Evolution of Methods for the Study of Cobalamin-Dependent Radical SAM Enzymes. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2022; 2:4-10. [PMID: 35341020 PMCID: PMC8950095 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.1c00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
While bioinformatic evidence of cobalamin-dependent radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzymes has existed since the naming of the radical SAM superfamily in 2001, none were biochemically characterized until 2011. In the past decade, the field has flourished as methodological advances have facilitated study of the subfamily. Because of the ingenuity and perseverance of researchers in this field, we now have functional, mechanistic, and structural insight into how this class of enzymes harnesses the power of both the cobalamin and radical SAM cofactors to achieve catalysis. All of the early characterized enzymes in this subfamily were methylases, but the activity of these enzymes has recently been expanded beyond methylation. We anticipate that the characterized functions of these enzymes will become both better understood and increasingly diverse with continued study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica
K. Sinner
- Department
of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Daniel R. Marous
- Department
of Chemistry, Wittenberg University, 200 W Ward St., Springfield, Ohio 45504, United States
| | - Craig A. Townsend
- Department
of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
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15
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Lee YH, Liu HW. Studies of GenK and OxsB, two B 12-dependent radical SAM enzymes involved in natural product biosynthesis. Methods Enzymol 2022; 669:71-90. [PMID: 35644181 PMCID: PMC9178707 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The B12-dependent radical SAM enzymes are an emerging subgroup of biological catalysts that bind a cobalamin cofactor in addition to the canonical [Fe4S4] cluster characteristic of radical SAM enzymes. Most of the B12-dependent radical SAM enzymes that have been characterized mediated methyltransfer reactions; however, a small number are known to catalyze more diverse reactions such as ring contractions. Thus, Genk is a methyltransferase from the gentamicin C biosynthetic pathway, whereas OxsB catalyzes the oxidative ring contraction of 2'-deoxyadenosine 5'-phosphates to generate an oxetane aldehyde during the biosynthesis of oxetanocin A. The preparation and in vitro characterization of such enzymes is complicated by the presence of two redox sensitive cofactors in addition to challenges in obtaining soluble protein for study. This chapter describes expression, purification and assay methodologies for GenK and OxsB highlighting the use of denaturation/refolding protocols for solubilizing inclusion bodies as well as the use of cluster assembly and cobalamin uptake machinery during in vivo expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsuan Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Hung-Wen Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States; Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.
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16
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Crystallographic snapshots of a B 12-dependent radical SAM methyltransferase. Nature 2022; 602:336-342. [PMID: 35110733 PMCID: PMC8828468 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04355-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
By catalysing the microbial formation of methane, methyl-coenzyme M reductase has a central role in the global levels of this greenhouse gas1,2. The activity of methyl-coenzyme M reductase is profoundly affected by several unique post-translational modifications3–6, such as a unique C-methylation reaction catalysed by methanogenesis marker protein 10 (Mmp10), a radical S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) enzyme7,8. Here we report the spectroscopic investigation and atomic resolution structure of Mmp10 from Methanosarcina acetivorans, a unique B12 (cobalamin)-dependent radical SAM enzyme9. The structure of Mmp10 reveals a unique enzyme architecture with four metallic centres and critical structural features involved in the control of catalysis. In addition, the structure of the enzyme–substrate complex offers a glimpse into a B12-dependent radical SAM enzyme in a precatalytic state. By combining electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, structural biology and biochemistry, our study illuminates the mechanism by which the emerging superfamily of B12-dependent radical SAM enzymes catalyse chemically challenging alkylation reactions and identifies distinctive active site rearrangements to provide a structural rationale for the dual use of the SAM cofactor for radical and nucleophilic chemistry. Structural and spectroscopic studies show how a B12-dependent radical SAM enzyme catalyses unique and challenging alkylation chemistry, including protein post-translational modification required for methane biosynthesis.
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17
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Structure of a B 12-dependent radical SAM enzyme in carbapenem biosynthesis. Nature 2022; 602:343-348. [PMID: 35110734 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04392-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Carbapenems are antibiotics of last resort in the clinic. Owing to their potency and broad-spectrum activity, they are an important part of the antibiotic arsenal. The vital role of carbapenems is exemplified by the approval acquired by Merck from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the use of an imipenem combination therapy to treat the increased levels of hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia that have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic1. The C6 hydroxyethyl side chain distinguishes the clinically used carbapenems from the other classes of β-lactam antibiotics and is responsible for their low susceptibility to inactivation by occluding water from the β-lactamase active site2. The construction of the C6 hydroxyethyl side chain is mediated by cobalamin- or B12-dependent radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzymes3. These radical SAM methylases (RSMTs) assemble the alkyl backbone by sequential methylation reactions, and thereby underlie the therapeutic usefulness of clinically used carbapenems. Here we present X-ray crystal structures of TokK, a B12-dependent RSMT that catalyses three-sequential methylations during the biosynthesis of asparenomycin A. These structures, which contain the two metallocofactors of the enzyme and were determined in the presence and absence of a carbapenam substrate, provide a visualization of a B12-dependent RSMT that uses the radical mechanism that is shared by most of these enzymes. The structures provide insight into the stereochemistry of initial C6 methylation and suggest that substrate positioning governs the rate of each methylation event.
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18
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Deng WH, Liao RZ. Computational Study revealed a “Pull-Push” Radical Transfer Mechanism of Mmp10-Catalyzed Cδ-methylation of Arginine. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:7144-7147. [DOI: 10.1039/d2cc02052a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Mmp10 is a B12-dependent SAM radical enzyme that catalyzes Cδ-methylation of arginine. The quantum chemical cluster calculations of Mmp10 revealed a “Pull-Push” radical transfer mechanism in which 5’-deoxyadenosine radical first...
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19
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Akinyemi TS, Shao N, Lyu Z, Drake IJ, Liu Y, Whitman WB. Tuning Gene Expression by Phosphate in the Methanogenic Archaeon Methanococcus maripaludis. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:3028-3039. [PMID: 34665610 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Methanococcus maripaludis is a rapidly growing, hydrogenotrophic, and genetically tractable methanogen with unique capabilities to convert formate and CO2 to CH4. The existence of genome-scale metabolic models and an established, robust system for both large-scale and continuous cultivation make it amenable for industrial applications. However, the lack of molecular tools for differential gene expression has hindered its application as a microbial cell factory to produce biocatalysts and biochemicals. In this study, a library of differentially regulated promoters was designed and characterized based on the pst promoter, which responds to the inorganic phosphate concentration in the growth medium. Gene expression increases by 4- to 6-fold when the medium phosphate drops to growth-limiting concentrations. Hence, this regulated system decouples growth from heterologous gene expression without the need for adding an inducer. The minimal pst promoter is identified and contains a conserved AT-rich region, a factor B recognition element, and a TATA box for phosphate-dependent regulation. Rational changes to the factor B recognition element and start codon had no significant impact on expression; however, changes to the transcription start site and the 5' untranslated region resulted in the differential protein production with regulation remaining intact. Compared to a previous expression system based upon the histone promoter, this regulated expression system resulted in significant improvements in the expression of a key methanogenic enzyme complex, methyl-coenzyme M reductase, and the potentially toxic arginine methyltransferase MmpX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiwo S. Akinyemi
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Nana Shao
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Zhe Lyu
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Ian J. Drake
- Corporate Strategic Research, ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company, Annandale, New Jersey 08801, United States
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Corporate Strategic Research, ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company, Annandale, New Jersey 08801, United States
| | - William B. Whitman
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
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20
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McLaughlin M, Pallitsch K, Wallner G, van der Donk WA, Hammerschmidt F. Overall Retention of Methyl Stereochemistry during B 12-Dependent Radical SAM Methyl Transfer in Fosfomycin Biosynthesis. Biochemistry 2021; 60:1587-1596. [PMID: 33942609 PMCID: PMC8158854 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Methylcobalamin-dependent radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzymes methylate non-nucleophilic atoms in a range of substrates. The mechanism of the methyl transfer from cobalt to the receiving atom is still mostly unresolved. Here we determine the stereochemical course of this process at the methyl group during the biosynthesis of the clinically used antibiotic fosfomycin. In vitro reaction of the methyltransferase Fom3 using SAM labeled with 1H, 2H, and 3H in a stereochemically defined manner, followed by chemoenzymatic conversion of the Fom3 product to acetate and subsequent stereochemical analysis, shows that the overall reaction occurs with retention of configuration. This outcome is consistent with a double-inversion process, first in the SN2 reaction of cob(I)alamin with SAM to form methylcobalamin and again in a radical transfer of the methyl group from methylcobalamin to the substrate. The methods developed during this study allow high-yield in situ generation of labeled SAM and recombinant expression and purification of the malate synthase needed for chiral methyl analysis. These methods facilitate the broader use of in vitro chiral methyl analysis techniques to investigate the mechanisms of other novel enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin
I. McLaughlin
- Department
of Chemistry and Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | | | - Gabriele Wallner
- Institute
of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Wilfred A. van der Donk
- Department
of Chemistry and Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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21
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Zhong A, Lee YH, Liu YN, Liu HW. Biosynthesis of Oxetanocin-A Includes a B 12-Dependent Radical SAM Enzyme That Can Catalyze both Oxidative Ring Contraction and the Demethylation of SAM. Biochemistry 2021; 60:537-546. [PMID: 33560833 PMCID: PMC7904626 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Oxetanocin-A is an antitumor, antiviral, and antibacterial nucleoside. It is biosynthesized via the oxidative ring contraction of a purine nucleoside co-opted from primary metabolism. This reaction is catalyzed by a B12-dependent radical S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) enzyme, OxsB, and a phosphohydrolase, OxsA. Previous experiments showed that the product of the OxsB/OxsA-catalyzed reaction is an oxetane aldehyde produced alongside an uncharacterized byproduct. Experiments reported herein reveal that OxsB/OxsA complex formation is crucial for the ring contraction reaction and that reduction of the aldehyde intermediate is catalyzed by a nonspecific dehydrogenase from the general cellular pool. In addition, the byproduct is identified as a 1,3-thiazinane adduct between the aldehyde and l-homocysteine. While homocysteine was never included in the OxsB/OxsA assays, the data suggest that it can be generated from SAM via S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (SAH). Further study revealed that conversion of SAM to SAH is facilitated by OxsB; however, the subsequent conversion of SAH to homocysteine is due to protein contaminants that co-purify with OxsA. Nevertheless, the observed demethylation of SAM to SAH suggests possible methyltransferase activity of OxsB, and substrate methylation was indeed detected in the OxsB-catalyzed reaction. This work is significant because it not only completes the description of the oxetanocin-A biosynthetic pathway but also suggests that OxsB may be capable of methyltransferase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoshu Zhong
- Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Yu-Hsuan Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Yung-nan Liu
- Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Hung-wen Liu
- Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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22
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Price MN, Deutschbauer AM, Arkin AP. Four families of folate-independent methionine synthases. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009342. [PMID: 33534785 PMCID: PMC7857596 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although most organisms synthesize methionine from homocysteine and methyl folates, some have “core” methionine synthases that lack folate-binding domains and use other methyl donors. In vitro, the characterized core synthases use methylcobalamin as a methyl donor, but in vivo, they probably rely on corrinoid (vitamin B12-binding) proteins. We identified four families of core methionine synthases that are distantly related to each other (under 30% pairwise amino acid identity). From the characterized enzymes, we identified the families MesA, which is found in methanogens, and MesB, which is found in anaerobic bacteria and archaea with the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. A third uncharacterized family, MesC, is found in anaerobic archaea that have the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway and lack known forms of methionine synthase. We predict that most members of the MesB and MesC families accept methyl groups from the iron-sulfur corrinoid protein of that pathway. The fourth family, MesD, is found only in aerobic bacteria. Using transposon mutants and complementation, we show that MesD does not require 5-methyltetrahydrofolate or cobalamin. Instead, MesD requires an uncharacterized protein family (DUF1852) and oxygen for activity. Methionine is one of the amino acids that make up proteins, and the final step in methionine synthesis is the transfer of a methyl group. In most organisms, the methyl group is obtained from methyl folates, but some anaerobic bacteria and archaea are thought to use corrinoid (vitamin B12-binding) proteins instead. By analyzing the sequences of the potential methionine synthases across the genomes of diverse bacteria and archaea, we identified four families of folate-independent methionine synthases. For three of these families, we can use co-occurrence with corrinoid proteins to predict their likely partners. We show that the fourth family does not require vitamin B12; instead, it obtains methyl groups from an oxygen-dependent partner protein. Our results will help us understand the growth requirements of diverse bacteria and archaea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan N. Price
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MNP); (APA)
| | - Adam M. Deutschbauer
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Adam P. Arkin
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MNP); (APA)
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23
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Chen H, Gan Q, Fan C. Methyl-Coenzyme M Reductase and Its Post-translational Modifications. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:578356. [PMID: 33162960 PMCID: PMC7581889 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.578356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR) is a central enzyme in anaerobic microbial methane metabolism, which consists of methanogenesis and anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM). MCR catalyzes the final step of methanogenesis and the first step of AOM to achieve the production and oxidation of methane, respectively. Besides a unique nickel tetrahydrocorphinoid (coenzyme F430), MCR also features several unusual post-translational modifications (PTMs), which are assumed to play important roles in regulating MCR functions. However, only few studies have been implemented on MCR PTMs. Therefore, to recapitulate current knowledge and prospect future studies, this review summarizes and discusses studies on MCR and its PTMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Qinglei Gan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Chenguang Fan
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
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24
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Ferry JG. Methanosarcina acetivorans: A Model for Mechanistic Understanding of Aceticlastic and Reverse Methanogenesis. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1806. [PMID: 32849414 PMCID: PMC7399021 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetate-utilizing methanogens are responsible for approximately two-thirds of the one billion metric tons of methane produced annually in Earth's anaerobic environments. Methanosarcina acetivorans has emerged as a model organism for the mechanistic understanding of aceticlastic methanogenesis and reverse methanogenesis applicable to understanding the methane and carbon cycles in nature. It has the largest genome in the Archaea, supporting a metabolic complexity that enables a remarkable ability for adapting to environmental opportunities and challenges. Biochemical investigations have revealed an aceticlastic pathway capable of fermentative and respiratory energy conservation that explains how Ms. acetivorans is able to grow and compete in the environment. The mechanism of respiratory energy conservation also plays a role in overcoming endothermic reactions that are key to reversing methanogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G Ferry
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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25
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Sokolovskaya OM, Shelton AN, Taga ME. Sharing vitamins: Cobamides unveil microbial interactions. Science 2020; 369:369/6499/eaba0165. [PMID: 32631870 DOI: 10.1126/science.aba0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Microbial communities are essential to fundamental processes on Earth. Underlying the compositions and functions of these communities are nutritional interdependencies among individual species. One class of nutrients, cobamides (the family of enzyme cofactors that includes vitamin B12), is widely used for a variety of microbial metabolic functions, but these structurally diverse cofactors are synthesized by only a subset of bacteria and archaea. Advances at different scales of study-from individual isolates, to synthetic consortia, to complex communities-have led to an improved understanding of cobamide sharing. Here, we discuss how cobamides affect microbes at each of these three scales and how integrating different approaches leads to a more complete understanding of microbial interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga M Sokolovskaya
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Amanda N Shelton
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Michiko E Taga
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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26
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Catalytic activity regulation through post-translational modification: the expanding universe of protein diversity. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2020; 122:97-125. [PMID: 32951817 PMCID: PMC7320668 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Protein composition is restricted by the genetic code to a relatively small number of natural amino acids. Similarly, the known three-dimensional structures adopt a limited number of protein folds. However, proteins exert a large variety of functions and show a remarkable ability for regulation and immediate response to intracellular and extracellular stimuli. To some degree, the wide variability of protein function can be attributed to the post-translational modifications. Post-translational modifications have been observed in all kingdoms of life and give to proteins a significant degree of chemical and consequently functional and structural diversity. Their importance is partly reflected in the large number of genes dedicated to their regulation. So far, hundreds of post-translational modifications have been observed while it is believed that many more are to be discovered along with the technological advances in sequencing, proteomics, mass spectrometry and structural biology. Indeed, the number of studies which report novel post translational modifications is getting larger supporting the notion that their space is still largely unexplored. In this review we explore the impact of post-translational modifications on protein structure and function with emphasis on catalytic activity regulation. We present examples of proteins and protein families whose catalytic activity is substantially affected by the presence of post translational modifications and we describe the molecular basis which underlies the regulation of the protein function through these modifications. When available, we also summarize the current state of knowledge on the mechanisms which introduce these modifications to protein sites.
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27
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Nayak DD, Liu A, Agrawal N, Rodriguez-Carerro R, Dong SH, Mitchell DA, Nair SK, Metcalf WW. Functional interactions between posttranslationally modified amino acids of methyl-coenzyme M reductase in Methanosarcina acetivorans. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000507. [PMID: 32092071 PMCID: PMC7058361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The enzyme methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR) plays an important role in mediating global levels of methane by catalyzing a reversible reaction that leads to the production or consumption of this potent greenhouse gas in methanogenic and methanotrophic archaea. In methanogenic archaea, the alpha subunit of MCR (McrA) typically contains four to six posttranslationally modified amino acids near the active site. Recent studies have identified enzymes performing two of these modifications (thioglycine and 5-[S]-methylarginine), yet little is known about the formation and function of the remaining posttranslationally modified residues. Here, we provide in vivo evidence that a dedicated S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase encoded by a gene we designated methylcysteine modification (mcmA) is responsible for formation of S-methylcysteine in Methanosarcina acetivorans McrA. Phenotypic analysis of mutants incapable of cysteine methylation suggests that the S-methylcysteine residue might play a role in adaption to mesophilic conditions. To examine the interactions between the S-methylcysteine residue and the previously characterized thioglycine, 5-(S)-methylarginine modifications, we generated M. acetivorans mutants lacking the three known modification genes in all possible combinations. Phenotypic analyses revealed complex, physiologically relevant interactions between the modified residues, which alter the thermal stability of MCR in a combinatorial fashion that is not readily predictable from the phenotypes of single mutants. High-resolution crystal structures of inactive MCR lacking the modified amino acids were indistinguishable from the fully modified enzyme, suggesting that interactions between the posttranslationally modified residues do not exert a major influence on the static structure of the enzyme but rather serve to fine-tune the activity and efficiency of MCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipti D. Nayak
- Carl R. Woese Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Andi Liu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Neha Agrawal
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Roy Rodriguez-Carerro
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Shi-Hui Dong
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Douglas A. Mitchell
- Carl R. Woese Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Satish K. Nair
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- Center for Biophysics & Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - William W. Metcalf
- Carl R. Woese Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
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28
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Posttranslational Methylation of Arginine in Methyl Coenzyme M Reductase Has a Profound Impact on both Methanogenesis and Growth of Methanococcus maripaludis. J Bacteriol 2020; 202:JB.00654-19. [PMID: 31740491 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00654-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Catalyzing the key step for anaerobic production and/or oxidation of methane and likely other short-chain alkanes, methyl coenzyme M reductase (Mcr) and its homologs play a key role in the global carbon cycle. The McrA subunit possesses up to five conserved posttranslational modifications (PTMs) at its active site. It was previously suggested that methanogenesis marker protein 10 (Mmp10) could play an important role in methanogenesis. To systematically examine its physiological role, mmpX (locus tag MMP1554), the gene encoding Mmp10 in Methanococcus maripaludis, was deleted with a new genetic tool, resulting in the complete loss of the 5-C-(S)-methylarginine PTM of residue 275 in the McrA subunit. When the ΔmmpX mutant was complemented with the wild-type gene expressed by either a strong or a weak promoter, methylation was fully restored. Compared to the parental strain, maximal rates of methane formation by whole cells were reduced by 40 to 60% in the ΔmmpX mutant. The reduction in activity was fully reversed by the complement with the strong promoter. Site-directed mutagenesis of mmpX resulted in a differential loss of arginine methylation among the mutants in vivo, suggesting that activities of Mmp10 directly modulated methylation. R275 was present in a highly conserved PXRR275(A/S)R(G/A) signature sequence in McrAs. The only other protein in M. maripaludis containing a similar sequence was not methylated, suggesting that Mmp10 is specific for McrA. In conclusion, Mmp10 modulates the methyl-Arg PTM on McrA in a highly specific manner, which has a profound impact on Mcr activity.IMPORTANCE Mcr is the key enzyme in methanogenesis and a promising candidate for bioengineering the conversion of methane to liquid fuel. Our knowledge of Mcr is still limited. In terms of complexity, uniqueness, and environmental importance, Mcr is more comparable to photosynthetic reaction centers than conventional enzymes. PTMs have long been hypothesized to play key roles in modulating Mcr activity. Here, we directly link the mmpX gene to the arginine PTM of Mcr, demonstrate its association with methanogenesis activity, and offer insights into its substrate specificity and putative cofactor binding sites. This is also the first time that a PTM of McrA has been shown to have a substantial impact on both methanogenesis and growth in the absence of additional stressors.
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Abstract
Radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) (RS) methylases perform methylation reactions at unactivated carbon and phosphorus atoms. RS enzymes typically abstract a hydrogen from their substrates, generating a substrate-centered radical; class B RS methylases catalyze methyl transfer from SAM to cobalamin and then to a substrate-centered carbon or phosphorus radical. Radle et al. now show that Mmp10, an RS enzyme implicated in the methylation of Arg-285 in methyl coenzyme M reductase, binds a methylcobalamin cofactor required for methyl transfer from SAM to a peptide substrate. However, Mmp10 has little sequence homology to known methylases, suggesting this enzyme belongs to a new subclass of B12-dependent RS methylases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T Jarrett
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
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