1
|
Arriaza-Gallardo FJ, Zheng YC, Gehl M, Nomura S, Fernandes-Queiroz JP, Shima S. [Fe]-Hydrogenase, Cofactor Biosynthesis and Engineering. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300330. [PMID: 37671838 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
[Fe]-hydrogenase catalyzes the heterolytic cleavage of H2 and reversible hydride transfer to methenyl-tetrahydromethanopterin. The iron-guanylylpyridinol (FeGP) cofactor is the prosthetic group of this enzyme, in which mononuclear Fe(II) is ligated with a pyridinol and two CO ligands. The pyridinol ligand fixes the iron by an acyl carbon and a pyridinol nitrogen. Biosynthetic proteins for this cofactor are encoded in the hmd co-occurring (hcg) genes. The function of HcgB, HcgC, HcgD, HcgE, and HcgF was studied by using structure-to-function analysis, which is based on the crystal structure of the proteins and subsequent enzyme assays. Recently, we reported the catalytic properties of HcgA and HcgG, novel radical S-adenosyl methionine enzymes, by using an in vitro biosynthesis assay. Here, we review the properties of [Fe]-hydrogenase and the FeGP cofactor, and the biosynthesis of the FeGP cofactor. Finally, we discuss the expected engineering of [Fe]-hydrogenase and the FeGP cofactor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yu-Cong Zheng
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 10, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Manuel Gehl
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 10, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Shunsuke Nomura
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 10, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - J Pedro Fernandes-Queiroz
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 10, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Seigo Shima
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 10, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou J, Smith JA, Li M, Holmes DE. Methane production by Methanothrix thermoacetophila via direct interspecies electron transfer with Geobacter metallireducens. mBio 2023; 14:e0036023. [PMID: 37306514 PMCID: PMC10470525 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00360-23] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Methanothrix is widely distributed in natural and artificial anoxic environments and plays a major role in global methane emissions. It is one of only two genera that can form methane from acetate dismutation and through participation in direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) with exoelectrogens. Although Methanothrix is a significant member of many methanogenic communities, little is known about its physiology. In this study, transcriptomics helped to identify potential routes of electron transfer during DIET between Geobacter metallireducens and Methanothrix thermoacetophila. Additions of magnetite to cultures significantly enhanced growth by acetoclastic methanogenesis and by DIET, while granular activated carbon (GAC) amendments impaired growth. Transcriptomics suggested that the OmaF-OmbF-OmcF porin complex and the octaheme outer membrane c-type cytochrome encoded by Gmet_0930, were important for electron transport across the outer membrane of G. metallireducens during DIET with Mx. thermoacetophila. Clear differences in the metabolism of Mx. thermoacetophila when grown via DIET or acetate dismutation were not apparent. However, genes coding for proteins involved in carbon fixation, the sheath fiber protein MspA, and a surface-associated quinoprotein, SqpA, were highly expressed in all conditions. Expression of gas vesicle genes was significantly lower in DIET- than acetate-grown cells, possibly to facilitate better contact between membrane-associated redox proteins during DIET. These studies reveal potential electron transfer mechanisms utilized by both Geobacter and Methanothrix during DIET and provide important insights into the physiology of Methanothrix in anoxic environments. IMPORTANCE Methanothrix is a significant methane producer in a variety of methanogenic environments including soils and sediments as well as anaerobic digesters. Its abundance in these anoxic environments has mostly been attributed to its high affinity for acetate and its ability to grow by acetoclastic methanogenesis. However, Methanothrix species can also generate methane by directly accepting electrons from exoelectrogenic bacteria through direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). Methane production through DIET is likely to further increase their contribution to methane production in natural and artificial environments. Therefore, acquiring a better understanding of DIET with Methanothrix will help shed light on ways to (i) minimize microbial methane production in natural terrestrial environments and (ii) maximize biogas formation by anaerobic digesters treating waste.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinjie Zhou
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts‐Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jessica A. Smith
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts‐Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, Connecticut, USA
| | - Meng Li
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Dawn E. Holmes
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts‐Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Physical and Biological Science, Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Environmental Selection and Biogeography Shape the Microbiome of Subsurface Petroleum Reservoirs. mSystems 2023; 8:e0088422. [PMID: 36786580 PMCID: PMC10134868 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00884-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Petroleum reservoirs within the deep biosphere are extreme environments inhabited by diverse microbial communities and represent biogeochemical hot spots in the subsurface. Despite the ecological and industrial importance of oil reservoir microbiomes, systematic study of core microbial taxa and their associated genomic attributes spanning different environmental conditions is limited. Here, we compile and compare 343 16S rRNA gene amplicon libraries and 25 shotgun metagenomic libraries from oil reservoirs in different parts of the world to test for the presence of core taxa and functions. These oil reservoir libraries do not share any core taxa at the species, genus, family, or order levels, and Gammaproteobacteria was the only taxonomic class detected in all samples. Instead, taxonomic composition varies among reservoirs with different physicochemical characteristics and with geographic distance highlighting environmental selection and biogeography in these deep biosphere habitats. Gene-centric metagenomic analysis reveals a functional core of metabolic pathways including carbon acquisition and energy-yielding strategies consistent with biogeochemical cycling in other subsurface environments. Genes for anaerobic hydrocarbon degradation are observed in a subset of the samples and are therefore not considered to represent core functions in oil reservoirs despite hydrocarbons representing an abundant source of carbon in these deep biosphere settings. Overall, this work reveals common and divergent features of oil reservoir microbiomes that are shaped by and responsive to environmental factors, highlighting controls on subsurface microbial community assembly. IMPORTANCE This comprehensive analysis showcases how environmental selection and geographic distance influence the microbiome of subsurface petroleum reservoirs. We reveal substantial differences in the taxonomy of the inhabiting microbes but shared metabolic function between reservoirs with different in situ temperatures and between reservoirs separated by large distances. The study helps understand and advance the field of deep biosphere science by providing an ecological framework and footing for geologists, chemists, and microbiologists studying these habitats to elucidate major controls on deep biosphere microbial ecology.
Collapse
|
4
|
Bouvier G, Bardiaux B, Pellarin R, Rapisarda C, Nilges M. Building Protein Atomic Models from Cryo-EM Density Maps and Residue Co-Evolution. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091290. [PMID: 36139128 PMCID: PMC9496541 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) has emerged as a powerful method by which to obtain three-dimensional (3D) structures of macromolecular complexes at atomic or near-atomic resolution. However, de novo building of atomic models from near-atomic resolution (3–5 Å) cryo-EM density maps is a challenging task, in particular because poorly resolved side-chain densities hamper sequence assignment by automatic procedures at a lower resolution. Furthermore, segmentation of EM density maps into individual subunits remains a difficult problem when the structure of the subunits is not known, or when significant conformational rearrangement occurs between the isolated and associated form of the subunits. To tackle these issues, we have developed a graph-based method to thread most of the C-α trace of the protein backbone into the EM density map. The EM density is described as a weighted graph such that the resulting minimum spanning tree encompasses the high-density regions of the map. A pruning algorithm cleans the tree and finds the most probable positions of the C-α atoms, by using side-chain density when available, as a collection of C-α trace fragments. By complementing experimental EM maps with contact predictions from sequence co-evolutionary information, we demonstrate that this approach can correctly segment EM maps into individual subunits and assign amino acid sequences to backbone traces to generate atomic models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Bouvier
- Structural Bioinformatics Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3528, 75015 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (G.B.); (B.B.)
| | - Benjamin Bardiaux
- Structural Bioinformatics Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3528, 75015 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (G.B.); (B.B.)
| | - Riccardo Pellarin
- Structural Bioinformatics Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3528, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Chiara Rapisarda
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogènicité, University of Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5234, 33076 Bordeaux, France
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, University of Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Michael Nilges
- Structural Bioinformatics Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3528, 75015 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Stripp ST, Duffus BR, Fourmond V, Léger C, Leimkühler S, Hirota S, Hu Y, Jasniewski A, Ogata H, Ribbe MW. Second and Outer Coordination Sphere Effects in Nitrogenase, Hydrogenase, Formate Dehydrogenase, and CO Dehydrogenase. Chem Rev 2022; 122:11900-11973. [PMID: 35849738 PMCID: PMC9549741 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Gases like H2, N2, CO2, and CO are increasingly recognized as critical feedstock in "green" energy conversion and as sources of nitrogen and carbon for the agricultural and chemical sectors. However, the industrial transformation of N2, CO2, and CO and the production of H2 require significant energy input, which renders processes like steam reforming and the Haber-Bosch reaction economically and environmentally unviable. Nature, on the other hand, performs similar tasks efficiently at ambient temperature and pressure, exploiting gas-processing metalloenzymes (GPMs) that bind low-valent metal cofactors based on iron, nickel, molybdenum, tungsten, and sulfur. Such systems are studied to understand the biocatalytic principles of gas conversion including N2 fixation by nitrogenase and H2 production by hydrogenase as well as CO2 and CO conversion by formate dehydrogenase, carbon monoxide dehydrogenase, and nitrogenase. In this review, we emphasize the importance of the cofactor/protein interface, discussing how second and outer coordination sphere effects determine, modulate, and optimize the catalytic activity of GPMs. These may comprise ionic interactions in the second coordination sphere that shape the electron density distribution across the cofactor, hydrogen bonding changes, and allosteric effects. In the outer coordination sphere, proton transfer and electron transfer are discussed, alongside the role of hydrophobic substrate channels and protein structural changes. Combining the information gained from structural biology, enzyme kinetics, and various spectroscopic techniques, we aim toward a comprehensive understanding of catalysis beyond the first coordination sphere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sven T Stripp
- Freie Universität Berlin, Experimental Molecular Biophysics, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | | | - Vincent Fourmond
- Laboratoire de Bioénergétique et Ingénierie des Protéines, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Institut Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille 13402, France
| | - Christophe Léger
- Laboratoire de Bioénergétique et Ingénierie des Protéines, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Institut Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille 13402, France
| | - Silke Leimkühler
- University of Potsdam, Molecular Enzymology, Potsdam 14476, Germany
| | - Shun Hirota
- Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Division of Materials Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Yilin Hu
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-3900, United States
| | - Andrew Jasniewski
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-3900, United States
| | - Hideaki Ogata
- Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Division of Materials Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara 630-0192, Japan.,Hokkaido University, Institute of Low Temperature Science, Sapporo 060-0819, Japan.,Graduate School of Science, University of Hyogo, Hyogo 678-1297, Japan
| | - Markus W Ribbe
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-3900, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
A Reduced F 420-Dependent Nitrite Reductase in an Anaerobic Methanotrophic Archaeon. J Bacteriol 2022; 204:e0007822. [PMID: 35695516 PMCID: PMC9295563 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00078-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME), which oxidize methane in marine sediments through syntrophic associations with sulfate-reducing bacteria, carry homologs of coenzyme F420-dependent sulfite reductase (Fsr) of Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, a hyperthermophilic methanogen from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. M. jannaschii Fsr (MjFsr) and ANME-Fsr belong to two phylogenetically distinct groups, FsrI and FsrII, respectively. MjFsrI reduces sulfite to sulfide with reduced F420 (F420H2), protecting methyl coenzyme M reductase (Mcr), an essential enzyme for methanogens, from sulfite inhibition. However, the function of FsrIIs in ANME, which also rely on Mcr and live in sulfidic environments, is unknown. We have determined the catalytic properties of FsrII from a member of ANME-2c. Since ANME remain to be isolated, we expressed ANME2c-FsrII in a closely related methanogen, Methanosarcina acetivorans. Purified recombinant FsrII contained siroheme, indicating that the methanogen, which lacks a native sulfite reductase, produced this coenzyme. Unexpectedly, FsrII could not reduce sulfite or thiosulfate with F420H2. Instead, it acted as an F420H2-dependent nitrite reductase (FNiR) with physiologically relevant Km values (nitrite, 5 μM; F420H2, 14 μM). From kinetic, thermodynamic, and structural analyses, we hypothesize that in FNiR, F420H2-derived electrons are delivered at the oxyanion reduction site at a redox potential that is suitable for reducing nitrite (E0' [standard potential], +440 mV) but not sulfite (E0', -116 mV). These findings and the known nitrite sensitivity of Mcr suggest that FNiR may protect nondenitrifying ANME from nitrite toxicity. Remarkably, by reorganizing the reductant processing system, Fsr transforms two analogous oxyanions in two distinct archaeal lineages with different physiologies and ecologies. IMPORTANCE Coenzyme F420-dependent sulfite reductase (Fsr) protects methanogenic archaea inhabiting deep-sea hydrothermal vents from the inactivation of methyl coenzyme M reductase (Mcr), one of their essential energy production enzymes. Anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME) that oxidize methane and rely on Mcr, carry Fsr homologs that form a distinct clade. We show that a member of this clade from ANME-2c functions as F420-dependent nitrite reductase (FNiR) and lacks Fsr activity. This specialization arose from a distinct feature of the reductant processing system and not the substrate recognition element. We hypothesize FNiR may protect ANME Mcr from inactivation by nitrite. This is an example of functional specialization within a protein family that is induced by changes in electron transfer modules to fit an ecological need.
Collapse
|
7
|
Kühlbrandt W. Forty years in cryoEM of membrane proteins. Microscopy (Oxf) 2022; 71:i30-i50. [PMID: 35275191 PMCID: PMC8855526 DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfab041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In a surprisingly short time, electron cryo-microscopy (cryoEM) has developed from a niche technique in structural biology to a mainstream method practiced in a rapidly growing number of laboratories around the world. From its beginnings about 40 years ago, cryoEM has had a major impact on the study of membrane proteins, in particular the energy-converting systems from bacterial, mitochondrial and chloroplast membranes. Early work on two-dimensional crystals attained resolutions ∼3.5 Å, but at present, single-particle cryoEM delivers much more detailed structures without crystals. Electron cryo-tomography of membranes and membrane-associated proteins adds valuable context, usually at lower resolution. The review ends with a brief outlook on future prospects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Werner Kühlbrandt
- Department of Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue Str. 3, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chadwick GL, Skennerton CT, Laso-Pérez R, Leu AO, Speth DR, Yu H, Morgan-Lang C, Hatzenpichler R, Goudeau D, Malmstrom R, Brazelton WJ, Woyke T, Hallam SJ, Tyson GW, Wegener G, Boetius A, Orphan VJ. Comparative genomics reveals electron transfer and syntrophic mechanisms differentiating methanotrophic and methanogenic archaea. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001508. [PMID: 34986141 PMCID: PMC9012536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The anaerobic oxidation of methane coupled to sulfate reduction is a microbially mediated process requiring a syntrophic partnership between anaerobic methanotrophic (ANME) archaea and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Based on genome taxonomy, ANME lineages are polyphyletic within the phylum Halobacterota, none of which have been isolated in pure culture. Here, we reconstruct 28 ANME genomes from environmental metagenomes and flow sorted syntrophic consortia. Together with a reanalysis of previously published datasets, these genomes enable a comparative analysis of all marine ANME clades. We review the genomic features that separate ANME from their methanogenic relatives and identify what differentiates ANME clades. Large multiheme cytochromes and bioenergetic complexes predicted to be involved in novel electron bifurcation reactions are well distributed and conserved in the ANME archaea, while significant variations in the anabolic C1 pathways exists between clades. Our analysis raises the possibility that methylotrophic methanogenesis may have evolved from a methanotrophic ancestor. A comparative genomics study of anaerobic methanotrophic (ANME) archaea reveals the genetic "parts list" associated with the repeated evolutionary transition between methanogenic and methanotrophic metabolism in the archaeal domain of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grayson L. Chadwick
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (GLC); (VJO)
| | - Connor T. Skennerton
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, United States of America
| | - Rafael Laso-Pérez
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
- MARUM, Center for Marine Environmental Science, and Department of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Andy O. Leu
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Daan R. Speth
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, United States of America
| | - Hang Yu
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, United States of America
| | - Connor Morgan-Lang
- Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, University of British Columbia, Genome Sciences Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Roland Hatzenpichler
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, United States of America
| | - Danielle Goudeau
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Rex Malmstrom
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - William J. Brazelton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Tanja Woyke
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Steven J. Hallam
- Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, University of British Columbia, Genome Sciences Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
- Genome Science and Technology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- ECOSCOPE Training Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gene W. Tyson
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gunter Wegener
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
- MARUM, Center for Marine Environmental Science, and Department of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Antje Boetius
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
- MARUM, Center for Marine Environmental Science, and Department of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Victoria J. Orphan
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (GLC); (VJO)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yan L, Tang L, Zhou Z, Lu W, Wang B, Sun Z, Jiang X, Hu D, Li J, Zhang D. Metagenomics reveals contrasting energy utilization efficiencies of captive and wild camels (Camelus ferus). Integr Zool 2021; 17:333-345. [PMID: 34520120 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Captive conditions can affect the symbiotic microbiome of animals. In this study, we compared the structural and functional differences of the gastrointestinal microbiomes of wild Bactrian camels (Camelus ferus) between wild and captive populations, as well as their different host energy utilization performances through metagenomics. The results showed that wild-living camels harbored more microbial taxa related to the production of volatile fatty acids, fewer methanogens, and fewer genes encoding enzymes involved in methanogenesis, leading to higher energy utilization efficiency compared to that of captive-living camels. These findings suggest that the wild-living camel fecal microbiome demonstrates a series of adaptive characteristics that enable the host to adjust to a relatively barren field environment. Our study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of wildlife adaptations to habitats from the perspective of the microbiome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Yan
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Liping Tang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhichao Zhou
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Gansu Endangered Animals Protection Center, Wuwei, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Gansu Endangered Animals Protection Center, Wuwei, China
| | - Zhicheng Sun
- Administrative Bureau of Dunhuang Xihu National Nature Reserve, Dunhuang, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- Administrative Bureau of Dunhuang Xihu National Nature Reserve, Dunhuang, China
| | - Defu Hu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Junqing Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Grinter R, Greening C. Cofactor F420: an expanded view of its distribution, biosynthesis and roles in bacteria and archaea. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:fuab021. [PMID: 33851978 PMCID: PMC8498797 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuab021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bacteria and archaea produce the redox cofactor F420. F420 is structurally similar to the cofactors FAD and FMN but is catalytically more similar to NAD and NADP. These properties allow F420 to catalyze challenging redox reactions, including key steps in methanogenesis, antibiotic biosynthesis and xenobiotic biodegradation. In the last 5 years, there has been much progress in understanding its distribution, biosynthesis, role and applications. Whereas F420 was previously thought to be confined to Actinobacteria and Euryarchaeota, new evidence indicates it is synthesized across the bacterial and archaeal domains, as a result of extensive horizontal and vertical biosynthetic gene transfer. F420 was thought to be synthesized through one biosynthetic pathway; however, recent advances have revealed variants of this pathway and have resolved their key biosynthetic steps. In parallel, new F420-dependent biosynthetic and metabolic processes have been discovered. These advances have enabled the heterologous production of F420 and identified enantioselective F420H2-dependent reductases for biocatalysis. New research has also helped resolve how microorganisms use F420 to influence human and environmental health, providing opportunities for tuberculosis treatment and methane mitigation. A total of 50 years since its discovery, multiple paradigms associated with F420 have shifted, and new F420-dependent organisms and processes continue to be discovered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhys Grinter
- Department of Microbiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Chris Greening
- Department of Microbiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mascotti ML, Juri Ayub M, Fraaije MW. On the diversity of F 420 -dependent oxidoreductases: A sequence- and structure-based classification. Proteins 2021; 89:1497-1507. [PMID: 34216160 PMCID: PMC8518648 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The F420 deazaflavin cofactor is an intriguing molecule as it structurally resembles the canonical flavin cofactor, although behaves as a nicotinamide cofactor due to its obligate hydride-transfer reactivity and similar low redox potential. Since its discovery, numerous enzymes relying on it have been described. The known deazaflavoproteins are taxonomically restricted to Archaea and Bacteria. The biochemistry of the deazaflavoenzymes is diverse and they exhibit great structural variability. In this study a thorough sequence and structural homology evolutionary analysis was performed in order to generate an overarching classification of the F420 -dependent oxidoreductases. Five different deazaflavoenzyme Classes (I-V) are described according to their structural folds as follows: Class I encompassing the TIM-barrel F420 -dependent enzymes; Class II including the Rossmann fold F420 -dependent enzymes; Class III comprising the β-roll F420 -dependent enzymes; Class IV which exclusively gathers the SH3 barrel F420 -dependent enzymes and Class V including the three layer ββα sandwich F420 -dependent enzymes. This classification provides a framework for the identification and biochemical characterization of novel deazaflavoenzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Laura Mascotti
- Molecular Enzymology Group, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,IMIBIO-SL CONICET, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Maximiliano Juri Ayub
- IMIBIO-SL CONICET, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Marco W Fraaije
- Molecular Enzymology Group, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fones EM, Colman DR, Kraus EA, Stepanauskas R, Templeton AS, Spear JR, Boyd ES. Diversification of methanogens into hyperalkaline serpentinizing environments through adaptations to minimize oxidant limitation. THE ISME JOURNAL 2021; 15:1121-1135. [PMID: 33257813 PMCID: PMC8115248 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-020-00838-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) and single amplified genomes (SAGs) affiliated with two distinct Methanobacterium lineages were recovered from subsurface fracture waters of the Samail Ophiolite, Sultanate of Oman. Lineage Type I was abundant in waters with circumneutral pH, whereas lineage Type II was abundant in hydrogen rich, hyperalkaline waters. Type I encoded proteins to couple hydrogen oxidation to CO2 reduction, typical of hydrogenotrophic methanogens. Surprisingly, Type II, which branched from the Type I lineage, lacked homologs of two key oxidative [NiFe]-hydrogenases. These functions were presumably replaced by formate dehydrogenases that oxidize formate to yield reductant and cytoplasmic CO2 via a pathway that was unique among characterized Methanobacteria, allowing cells to overcome CO2/oxidant limitation in high pH waters. This prediction was supported by microcosm-based radiotracer experiments that showed significant biological methane generation from formate, but not bicarbonate, in waters where the Type II lineage was detected in highest relative abundance. Phylogenetic analyses and variability in gene content suggested that recent and ongoing diversification of the Type II lineage was enabled by gene transfer, loss, and transposition. These data indicate that selection imposed by CO2/oxidant availability drove recent methanogen diversification into hyperalkaline waters that are heavily impacted by serpentinization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Fones
- grid.41891.350000 0001 2156 6108Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
| | - Daniel R. Colman
- grid.41891.350000 0001 2156 6108Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
| | - Emily A. Kraus
- grid.254549.b0000 0004 1936 8155Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401 USA
| | - Ramunas Stepanauskas
- grid.296275.d0000 0000 9516 4913Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, East Boothbay, ME 04544 USA
| | - Alexis S. Templeton
- grid.266190.a0000000096214564Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309 USA
| | - John R. Spear
- grid.254549.b0000 0004 1936 8155Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401 USA
| | - Eric S. Boyd
- grid.41891.350000 0001 2156 6108Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Watanabe T, Shima S. MvhB-type Polyferredoxin as an Electron-transfer Chain in Putative Redox-enzyme Complexes. CHEM LETT 2021. [DOI: 10.1246/cl.200774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Watanabe
- Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido University, Kita-19, Nishi-8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0819, Japan
| | - Seigo Shima
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch Straße 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has become the technique of choice for structural biology of macromolecular assemblies, after the 'resolution revolution' that has occurred in this field since 2012. With a suitable instrument, an appropriate electron detector and, last but not least, a cooperative sample it is now possible to collect images from which macromolecular structures can be determined to better than 2 Å resolution, where reliable atomic models can be built. By electron tomography and sub-tomogram averaging of cryo-samples, it is also possible to reconstruct subcellular structures to sub-nanometre resolution. This review describes the infrastructure that is needed to achieve this goal. Ideally, a cryo-EM lab will have a dedicated 300 kV electron microscope for data recording and a 200 kV instrument for screening cryo-samples, both with direct electron detectors, and at least one 120 kV EM for negative-stain screening at room temperature. Added to this should be ancillary equipment for specimen preparation, including a light microscope, carbon coater, plasma cleaner, glow discharge unit, a device for fast, robotic sample freezing, liquid nitrogen storage Dewars and a ready supply of clean liquid nitrogen. In practice, of course, the available budget will determine the number and types of microscopes and how elaborate the lab can be. The cryo-EM lab should be designed with adequate space for the electron microscopes and ancillary equipment, and should allow for sufficient storage space. Each electron microscope room should be connected to the image-processing computers by fibre-optic cables for the rapid transfer of large datasets. The cryo-EM lab should be overseen by a facility manager whose responsibilities include the day-to-day tasks to ensure that all microscopes are operating perfectly, organising service and repairs to minimise downtime, and controlling the budget. Large facilities will require additional support staff who help to oversee the operation of the facility and instruct new users.
Collapse
|
15
|
Shima S, Huang G, Wagner T, Ermler U. Structural Basis of Hydrogenotrophic Methanogenesis. Annu Rev Microbiol 2020; 74:713-733. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-011720-122807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Most methanogenic archaea use the rudimentary hydrogenotrophic pathway—from CO2and H2to methane—as the terminal step of microbial biomass degradation in anoxic habitats. The barely exergonic process that just conserves sufficient energy for a modest lifestyle involves chemically challenging reactions catalyzed by complex enzyme machineries with unique metal-containing cofactors. The basic strategy of the methanogenic energy metabolism is to covalently bind C1species to the C1carriers methanofuran, tetrahydromethanopterin, and coenzyme M at different oxidation states. The four reduction reactions from CO2to methane involve one molybdopterin-based two-electron reduction, two coenzyme F420–based hydride transfers, and one coenzyme F430–based radical process. For energy conservation, one ion-gradient-forming methyl transfer reaction is sufficient, albeit supported by a sophisticated energy-coupling process termed flavin-based electron bifurcation for driving the endergonic CO2reduction and fixation. Here, we review the knowledge about the structure-based catalytic mechanism of each enzyme of hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seigo Shima
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Gangfeng Huang
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Tristan Wagner
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Ermler
- Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus strain ΔH as a potential microorganism for bioconversion of CO2 to methane. J CO2 UTIL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2020.101210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
17
|
Ahmed I, Akram Z, Sahar MSU, Iqbal HMN, Landsberg MJ, Munn AL. WITHDRAWN: Structural studies of vitrified biological proteins and macromolecules - A review on the microimaging aspects of cryo-electron microscopy. Int J Biol Macromol 2020:S0141-8130(20)33915-5. [PMID: 32710963 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.07.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ishtiaq Ahmed
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast campus, Parklands Drive, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia.
| | - Zain Akram
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast campus, Parklands Drive, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - M Sana Ullah Sahar
- School of Engineering, Griffith University, Gold Coast campus, Parklands Drive, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Hafiz M N Iqbal
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Campus Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, CP 64849, Monterrey, N.L., Mexico.
| | - Michael J Landsberg
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Alan L Munn
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast campus, Parklands Drive, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Methanogenesis involves direct hydride transfer from H2 to an organic substrate. Nat Rev Chem 2020; 4:213-221. [PMID: 37128042 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-020-0167-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Certain anaerobic microorganisms evolved a mechanism to use H2 as a reductant in their energy metabolisms. For these purposes, the microorganisms developed H2-activating enzymes, which are aspirational catalysts in a sustainable hydrogen economy. In the case of the hydrogenotrophic pathway performed by methanogenic archaea, 8e- are extracted from 4H2 and used as reducing equivalents to convert CO2 into CH4. Under standard cultivation conditions, these archaea express [NiFe]-hydrogenases, which are Ni-dependent and Fe-dependent enzymes and heterolytically cleave H2 into 2H+ and 2e-, the latter being supplied into the central metabolism. Under Ni-limiting conditions, F420-reducing [NiFe]-hydrogenases are downregulated and their functions are predominantly taken over by an upregulated [Fe]-hydrogenase. Unique in biology, this Fe-dependent hydrogenase cleaves H2 and directly transfers H- to an imidazolium-containing substrate. [Fe]-hydrogenase activates H2 at an Fe cofactor ligated by two CO molecules, an acyl group, a pyridinol N atom and a cysteine thiolate as the central constituent. This Fe centre has inspired chemists to not only design synthetic mimics to catalytically cleave H2 in solution but also for incorporation into apo-[Fe]-hydrogenase to give semi-synthetic proteins. This Perspective describes the enzymes involved in hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, with a focus on those performing the reduction steps. Of these, we describe [Fe]-hydrogenases in detail and cover recent progress in their synthetic modelling.
Collapse
|
19
|
Tascón I, Sousa JS, Corey RA, Mills DJ, Griwatz D, Aumüller N, Mikusevic V, Stansfeld PJ, Vonck J, Hänelt I. Structural basis of proton-coupled potassium transport in the KUP family. Nat Commun 2020; 11:626. [PMID: 32005818 PMCID: PMC6994465 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14441-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium homeostasis is vital for all organisms, but is challenging in single-celled organisms like bacteria and yeast and immobile organisms like plants that constantly need to adapt to changing external conditions. KUP transporters facilitate potassium uptake by the co-transport of protons. Here, we uncover the molecular basis for transport in this widely distributed family. We identify the potassium importer KimA from Bacillus subtilis as a member of the KUP family, demonstrate that it functions as a K+/H+ symporter and report a 3.7 Å cryo-EM structure of the KimA homodimer in an inward-occluded, trans-inhibited conformation. By introducing point mutations, we identify key residues for potassium and proton binding, which are conserved among other KUP proteins. KUP transporters facilitate potassium uptake by the co-transport of protons and are key players in potassium homeostasis. Here authors identify the potassium importer KimA from Bacillus subtilis as a new member of the KUP transporter family and show the cryo-EM structure of KimA in an inward-occluded, trans-inhibited conformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Tascón
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Joana S Sousa
- Department of Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Robin A Corey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Deryck J Mills
- Department of Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - David Griwatz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nadine Aumüller
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Vedrana Mikusevic
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Phillip J Stansfeld
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,School of Life Sciences & Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Janet Vonck
- Department of Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Inga Hänelt
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Pfeil-Gardiner O, Mills DJ, Vonck J, Kuehlbrandt W. A comparative study of single-particle cryo-EM with liquid-nitrogen and liquid-helium cooling. IUCRJ 2019; 6:1099-1105. [PMID: 31709065 PMCID: PMC6830223 DOI: 10.1107/s2052252519011503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Radiation damage is the most fundamental limitation for achieving high resolution in electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) of biological samples. The effects of radiation damage are reduced by liquid-helium cooling, although the use of liquid helium is more challenging than that of liquid nitrogen. To date, the benefits of liquid-nitrogen and liquid-helium cooling for single-particle cryo-EM have not been compared quantitatively. With recent technical and computational advances in cryo-EM image recording and processing, such a comparison now seems timely. This study aims to evaluate the relative merits of liquid-helium cooling in present-day single-particle analysis, taking advantage of direct electron detectors. Two data sets for recombinant mouse heavy-chain apoferritin cooled with liquid-nitrogen or liquid-helium to 85 or 17 K were collected, processed and compared. No improvement in terms of resolution or Coulomb potential map quality was found for liquid-helium cooling. Interestingly, beam-induced motion was found to be significantly higher with liquid-helium cooling, especially within the most valuable first few frames of an exposure, thus counteracting any potential benefit of better cryoprotection that liquid-helium cooling may offer for single-particle cryo-EM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Pfeil-Gardiner
- Department of Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 3, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Deryck J. Mills
- Department of Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 3, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Janet Vonck
- Department of Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 3, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Werner Kuehlbrandt
- Department of Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 3, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Correspondence e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Energy Conservation and Hydrogenase Function in Methanogenic Archaea, in Particular the Genus Methanosarcina. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2019; 83:83/4/e00020-19. [PMID: 31533962 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00020-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological production of methane is vital to the global carbon cycle and accounts for ca. 74% of total methane emissions. The organisms that facilitate this process, methanogenic archaea, belong to a large and phylogenetically diverse group that thrives in a wide range of anaerobic environments. Two main subgroups exist within methanogenic archaea: those with and those without cytochromes. Although a variety of metabolisms exist within this group, the reduction of growth substrates to methane using electrons from molecular hydrogen is, in a phylogenetic sense, the most widespread methanogenic pathway. Methanogens without cytochromes typically generate methane by the reduction of CO2 with electrons derived from H2, formate, or secondary alcohols, generating a transmembrane ion gradient for ATP production via an Na+-translocating methyltransferase (Mtr). These organisms also conserve energy with a novel flavin-based electron bifurcation mechanism, wherein the endergonic reduction of ferredoxin is facilitated by the exergonic reduction of a disulfide terminal electron acceptor coupled to either H2 or formate oxidation. Methanogens that utilize cytochromes have a broader substrate range, and can convert acetate and methylated compounds to methane, in addition to the ability to reduce CO2 Cytochrome-containing methanogens are able to supplement the ion motive force generated by Mtr with an H+-translocating electron transport system. In both groups, enzymes known as hydrogenases, which reversibly interconvert protons and electrons to molecular hydrogen, play a central role in the methanogenic process. This review discusses recent insight into methanogen metabolism and energy conservation mechanisms with a particular focus on the genus Methanosarcina.
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
The ability to elucidate the structure and function of biological molecules holds great importance in a variety of domains. This includes prospects to tackle public health concerns, identification of new drug targets and therapeutic agents. In this issue of Tech News, Nawsheen Boodhun explores techniques used to understand macromolecules.
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
F1Fo ATP synthases produce most of the ATP in the cell. F-type ATP synthases have been investigated for more than 50 years, but a full understanding of their molecular mechanisms has become possible only with the recent structures of complete, functionally competent complexes determined by electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM). High-resolution cryo-EM structures offer a wealth of unexpected new insights. The catalytic F1 head rotates with the central γ-subunit for the first part of each ATP-generating power stroke. Joint rotation is enabled by subunit δ/OSCP acting as a flexible hinge between F1 and the peripheral stalk. Subunit a conducts protons to and from the c-ring rotor through two conserved aqueous channels. The channels are separated by ∼6 Å in the hydrophobic core of Fo, resulting in a strong local field that generates torque to drive rotary catalysis in F1. The structure of the chloroplast F1Fo complex explains how ATPase activity is turned off at night by a redox switch. Structures of mitochondrial ATP synthase dimers indicate how they shape the inner membrane cristae. The new cryo-EM structures complete our picture of the ATP synthases and reveal the unique mechanism by which they transform an electrochemical membrane potential into biologically useful chemical energy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Werner Kühlbrandt
- Department of Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Liu Y, Munteanu CR, Kong Z, Ran T, Sahagún-Ruiz A, He Z, Zhou C, Tan Z. Identification of coenzyme-binding proteins with machine learning algorithms. Comput Biol Chem 2019; 79:185-192. [PMID: 30851647 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The coenzyme-binding proteins play a vital role in the cellular metabolism processes, such as fatty acid biosynthesis, enzyme and gene regulation, lipid synthesis, particular vesicular traffic, and β-oxidation donation of acyl-CoA esters. Based on the theory of Star Graph Topological Indices (SGTIs) of protein primary sequences, we proposed a method to develop a first classification model for predicting protein with coenzyme-binding properties. To simulate the properties of coenzyme-binding proteins, we created a dataset containing 2897 proteins, among 456 proteins functioned as coenzyme-binding activity. The SGTIs of peptide sequence were calculated with Sequence to Star Network (S2SNet) application. We used the SGTIs as inputs to several classification techniques with a machine learning software - Weka. A Random Forest classifier based on 3 features of the embedded and non-embedded graphs was identified as the best predictive model for coenzyme-binding proteins. This model developed was with the true positive (TP) rate of 91.7%, false positive (FP) rate of 7.6%, and Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUROC) of 0.971. The prediction of new coenzyme-binding activity proteins using this model could be useful for further drug development or enzyme metabolism researches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- Key Laboratory for Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, South Central Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, 410125, PR China; Hunan Co-Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, CICAPS, Changsha, Hunan, 410128, PR China
| | - Cristian R Munteanu
- RNASA-IMEDIR, Computer Science Faculty, University of A Coruna, A Coruña, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute of A Coruña (INIBIC), University Hospital Complex of A Coruña (CHUAC), A Coruña, 15006, Spain
| | - Zhiwei Kong
- Key Laboratory for Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, South Central Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, 410125, PR China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Tao Ran
- Key Laboratory for Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, South Central Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, 410125, PR China; Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - Alfredo Sahagún-Ruiz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Universidad 3000, Copilco Coyoacán, CP 04510, México D.F., Mexico
| | - Zhixiong He
- Key Laboratory for Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, South Central Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, 410125, PR China; Hunan Co-Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, CICAPS, Changsha, Hunan, 410128, PR China.
| | - Chuanshe Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, South Central Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, 410125, PR China; Hunan Co-Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, CICAPS, Changsha, Hunan, 410128, PR China
| | - Zhiliang Tan
- Key Laboratory for Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, South Central Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, 410125, PR China; Hunan Co-Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, CICAPS, Changsha, Hunan, 410128, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Structural basis for energy transduction by respiratory alternative complex III. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1728. [PMID: 29712914 PMCID: PMC5928083 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04141-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Electron transfer in respiratory chains generates the electrochemical potential that serves as energy source for the cell. Prokaryotes can use a wide range of electron donors and acceptors and may have alternative complexes performing the same catalytic reactions as the mitochondrial complexes. This is the case for the alternative complex III (ACIII), a quinol:cytochrome c/HiPIP oxidoreductase. In order to understand the catalytic mechanism of this respiratory enzyme, we determined the structure of ACIII from Rhodothermus marinus at 3.9 Å resolution by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. ACIII presents a so-far unique structure, for which we establish the arrangement of the cofactors (four iron–sulfur clusters and six c-type hemes) and propose the location of the quinol-binding site and the presence of two putative proton pathways in the membrane. Altogether, this structure provides insights into a mechanism for energy transduction and introduces ACIII as a redox-driven proton pump. Some prokaryotes use alternative respiratory chain complexes, such as the alternative complex III (ACIII), to generate energy. Here authors provide the cryoEM structure of ACIII from Rhodothermus marinus which shows the arrangement of cofactors and provides insights into the mechanism for energy transduction.
Collapse
|
26
|
|
27
|
Artz JH, Zadvornyy OA, Mulder DW, King PW, Peters JW. Structural Characterization of Poised States in the Oxygen Sensitive Hydrogenases and Nitrogenases. Methods Enzymol 2017; 595:213-259. [PMID: 28882202 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The crystallization of FeS cluster-containing proteins has been challenging due to their oxygen sensitivity, and yet these enzymes are involved in many critical catalytic reactions. The last few years have seen a wealth of innovative experiments designed to elucidate not just structural but mechanistic insights into FeS cluster enzymes. Here, we focus on the crystallization of hydrogenases, which catalyze the reversible reduction of protons to hydrogen, and nitrogenases, which reduce dinitrogen to ammonia. A specific focus is given to the different experimental parameters and strategies that are used to trap distinct enzyme states, specifically, oxidants, reductants, and gas treatments. Other themes presented here include the recent use of Cryo-EM, and how coupling various spectroscopies to crystallization is opening up new approaches for structural and mechanistic analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob H Artz
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Oleg A Zadvornyy
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - David W Mulder
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Biosciences Center, Golden, CO, United States
| | - Paul W King
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Biosciences Center, Golden, CO, United States
| | - John W Peters
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zanello P. The competition between chemistry and biology in assembling iron–sulfur derivatives. Molecular structures and electrochemistry. Part V. {[Fe4S4](SCysγ)4} proteins. Coord Chem Rev 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
|
29
|
Bai L, Fujishiro T, Huang G, Koch J, Takabayashi A, Yokono M, Tanaka A, Xu T, Hu X, Ermler U, Shima S. Towards artificial methanogenesis: biosynthesis of the [Fe]-hydrogenase cofactor and characterization of the semi-synthetic hydrogenase. Faraday Discuss 2017; 198:37-58. [DOI: 10.1039/c6fd00209a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The greenhouse gas and energy carrier methane is produced on Earth mainly by methanogenic archaea. In the hydrogenotrophic methanogenic pathway the reduction of one CO2 to one methane molecule requires four molecules of H2 containing eight electrons. Four of the electrons from two H2 are supplied for reduction of an electron carrier F420, which is catalyzed by F420-reducing [NiFe]-hydrogenase under nickel-sufficient conditions. The same reaction is catalysed under nickel-limiting conditions by [Fe]-hydrogenase coupled with a reaction catalyzed by F420-dependent methylene tetrahydromethanopterin dehydrogenase. [Fe]-hydrogenase contains an iron-guanylylpyridinol (FeGP) cofactor for H2 activation at the active site. FeII of FeGP is coordinated to a pyridinol-nitrogen, an acyl-carbon, two CO and a cysteine-thiolate. We report here on comparative genomic analyses of biosynthetic genes of the FeGP cofactor, which are primarily located in a hmd-co-occurring (hcg) gene cluster. One of the gene products is HcgB which transfers the guanosine monophosphate (GMP) moiety from guanosine triphosphate (GTP) to a pyridinol precursor. Crystal structure analysis of HcgB from Methanococcus maripaludis and its complex with 6-carboxymethyl-3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-2-pyridinol confirmed the physiological guanylyltransferase reaction. Furthermore, we tested the properties of semi-synthetic [Fe]-hydrogenases using the [Fe]-hydrogenase apoenzyme from several methanogenic archaea and a mimic of the FeGP cofactor. On the basis of the enzymatic reactions involved in the methanogenic pathway, we came up with an idea how the methanogenic pathway could be simplified to develop an artificial methanogenesis system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Bai
- Max-Planck-Institut für terrestrische Mikrobiologie
- 35043 Marburg
- Germany
| | - Takashi Fujishiro
- Max-Planck-Institut für terrestrische Mikrobiologie
- 35043 Marburg
- Germany
| | - Gangfeng Huang
- Max-Planck-Institut für terrestrische Mikrobiologie
- 35043 Marburg
- Germany
| | - Jürgen Koch
- Max-Planck-Institut für terrestrische Mikrobiologie
- 35043 Marburg
- Germany
| | - Atsushi Takabayashi
- The Institute of Low Temperature Science
- Hokkaido University
- Sapporo 060-0819
- Japan
| | - Makio Yokono
- The Institute of Low Temperature Science
- Hokkaido University
- Sapporo 060-0819
- Japan
| | - Ayumi Tanaka
- The Institute of Low Temperature Science
- Hokkaido University
- Sapporo 060-0819
- Japan
| | - Tao Xu
- Institute of Chemical Science and Engineering
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- 1015 Lausanne
- Switzerland
| | - Xile Hu
- Institute of Chemical Science and Engineering
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- 1015 Lausanne
- Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Ermler
- Max-Planck-Institut für Biophysik
- 60438 Frankfurt/Main
- Germany
| | - Seigo Shima
- Max-Planck-Institut für terrestrische Mikrobiologie
- 35043 Marburg
- Germany
- PRESTO
- Japan, Science and Technology Agency (JST)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Sousa JS, Mills DJ, Vonck J, Kühlbrandt W. Functional asymmetry and electron flow in the bovine respirasome. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27830641 PMCID: PMC5117854 DOI: 10.7554/elife.21290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Respirasomes are macromolecular assemblies of the respiratory chain complexes I, III and IV in the inner mitochondrial membrane. We determined the structure of supercomplex I1III2IV1 from bovine heart mitochondria by cryo-EM at 9 Å resolution. Most protein-protein contacts between complex I, III and IV in the membrane are mediated by supernumerary subunits. Of the two Rieske iron-sulfur cluster domains in the complex III dimer, one is resolved, indicating that this domain is immobile and unable to transfer electrons. The central position of the active complex III monomer between complex I and IV in the respirasome is optimal for accepting reduced quinone from complex I over a short diffusion distance of 11 nm, and delivering reduced cytochrome c to complex IV. The functional asymmetry of complex III provides strong evidence for directed electron flow from complex I to complex IV through the active complex III monomer in the mammalian supercomplex. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.21290.001
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana S Sousa
- Department of Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Deryck J Mills
- Department of Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Janet Vonck
- Department of Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Werner Kühlbrandt
- Department of Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Cryo-EM structure of respiratory complex I reveals a link to mitochondrial sulfur metabolism. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2016; 1857:1935-1942. [PMID: 27693469 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2016.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial complex I is a 1MDa membrane protein complex with a central role in aerobic energy metabolism. The bioenergetic core functions are executed by 14 central subunits that are conserved from bacteria to man. Despite recent progress in structure determination, our understanding of the function of the ~30 accessory subunits associated with the mitochondrial complex is still limited. We have investigated the structure of complex I from the aerobic yeast Yarrowia lipolytica by cryo-electron microscopy. Our density map at 7.9Å resolution closely matches the 3.6-3.9Å X-ray structure of the Yarrowia lipolytica complex. However, the cryo-EM map indicated an additional subunit on the side of the matrix arm above the membrane surface, pointing away from the membrane arm. The density, which is not present in any previously described complex I structure and occurs in about 20 % of the particles, was identified as the accessory sulfur transferase subunit ST1. The Yarrowia lipolytica complex I preparation is active in generating H2S from the cysteine derivative 3-mercaptopyruvate, catalyzed by ST1. We thus provide evidence for a link between respiratory complex I and mitochondrial sulfur metabolism.
Collapse
|
32
|
Physiology, Biochemistry, and Applications of F420- and Fo-Dependent Redox Reactions. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2016; 80:451-93. [PMID: 27122598 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00070-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
5-Deazaflavin cofactors enhance the metabolic flexibility of microorganisms by catalyzing a wide range of challenging enzymatic redox reactions. While structurally similar to riboflavin, 5-deazaflavins have distinctive and biologically useful electrochemical and photochemical properties as a result of the substitution of N-5 of the isoalloxazine ring for a carbon. 8-Hydroxy-5-deazaflavin (Fo) appears to be used for a single function: as a light-harvesting chromophore for DNA photolyases across the three domains of life. In contrast, its oligoglutamyl derivative F420 is a taxonomically restricted but functionally versatile cofactor that facilitates many low-potential two-electron redox reactions. It serves as an essential catabolic cofactor in methanogenic, sulfate-reducing, and likely methanotrophic archaea. It also transforms a wide range of exogenous substrates and endogenous metabolites in aerobic actinobacteria, for example mycobacteria and streptomycetes. In this review, we discuss the physiological roles of F420 in microorganisms and the biochemistry of the various oxidoreductases that mediate these roles. Particular focus is placed on the central roles of F420 in methanogenic archaea in processes such as substrate oxidation, C1 pathways, respiration, and oxygen detoxification. We also describe how two F420-dependent oxidoreductase superfamilies mediate many environmentally and medically important reactions in bacteria, including biosynthesis of tetracycline and pyrrolobenzodiazepine antibiotics by streptomycetes, activation of the prodrugs pretomanid and delamanid by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and degradation of environmental contaminants such as picrate, aflatoxin, and malachite green. The biosynthesis pathways of Fo and F420 are also detailed. We conclude by considering opportunities to exploit deazaflavin-dependent processes in tuberculosis treatment, methane mitigation, bioremediation, and industrial biocatalysis.
Collapse
|
33
|
Wang X, Liu L. Crystal Structure and Catalytic Mechanism of 7-Hydroxymethyl Chlorophyll a Reductase. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:13349-59. [PMID: 27072131 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.720342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
7-Hydroxymethyl chlorophyll a reductase (HCAR) catalyzes the second half-reaction in chlorophyll b to chlorophyll a conversion. HCAR is required for the degradation of light-harvesting complexes and is necessary for efficient photosynthesis by balancing the chlorophyll a/b ratio. Reduction of the hydroxymethyl group uses redox cofactors [4Fe-4S] cluster and FAD to transfer electrons and is difficult because of the strong carbon-oxygen bond. Here, we report the crystal structure of Arabidopsis HCAR at 2.7-Å resolution and reveal that two [4Fe-4S]clusters and one FAD within a very short distance form a consecutive electron pathway to the substrate pocket. In vitro kinetic analysis confirms the ferredoxin-dependent electron transport chain, thus supporting a proton-activated electron transfer mechanism. HCAR resembles a partial reconstruction of an archaeal F420-reducing [NiFe] hydrogenase, which suggests a common mode of efficient proton-coupled electron transfer through conserved cofactor arrangements. Furthermore, the trimeric form of HCAR provides a biological clue of its interaction with light-harvesting complex II.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- From the Key Laboratory of Photobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093 and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lin Liu
- From the Key Laboratory of Photobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093 and
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Genomic and metagenomic surveys of hydrogenase distribution indicate H2 is a widely utilised energy source for microbial growth and survival. ISME JOURNAL 2015; 10:761-77. [PMID: 26405831 DOI: 10.1038/ismej.2015.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 361] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2015] [Revised: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Recent physiological and ecological studies have challenged the long-held belief that microbial metabolism of molecular hydrogen (H2) is a niche process. To gain a broader insight into the importance of microbial H2 metabolism, we comprehensively surveyed the genomic and metagenomic distribution of hydrogenases, the reversible enzymes that catalyse the oxidation and evolution of H2. The protein sequences of 3286 non-redundant putative hydrogenases were curated from publicly available databases. These metalloenzymes were classified into multiple groups based on (1) amino acid sequence phylogeny, (2) metal-binding motifs, (3) predicted genetic organisation and (4) reported biochemical characteristics. Four groups (22 subgroups) of [NiFe]-hydrogenase, three groups (6 subtypes) of [FeFe]-hydrogenases and a small group of [Fe]-hydrogenases were identified. We predict that this hydrogenase diversity supports H2-based respiration, fermentation and carbon fixation processes in both oxic and anoxic environments, in addition to various H2-sensing, electron-bifurcation and energy-conversion mechanisms. Hydrogenase-encoding genes were identified in 51 bacterial and archaeal phyla, suggesting strong pressure for both vertical and lateral acquisition. Furthermore, hydrogenase genes could be recovered from diverse terrestrial, aquatic and host-associated metagenomes in varying proportions, indicating a broad ecological distribution and utilisation. Oxygen content (pO2) appears to be a central factor driving the phylum- and ecosystem-level distribution of these genes. In addition to compounding evidence that H2 was the first electron donor for life, our analysis suggests that the great diversification of hydrogenases has enabled H2 metabolism to sustain the growth or survival of microorganisms in a wide range of ecosystems to the present day. This work also provides a comprehensive expanded system for classifying hydrogenases and identifies new prospects for investigating H2 metabolism.
Collapse
|
35
|
Wang RYR, Kudryashev M, Li X, Egelman EH, Basler M, Cheng Y, Baker D, DiMaio F. De novo protein structure determination from near-atomic-resolution cryo-EM maps. Nat Methods 2015; 12:335-8. [PMID: 25707029 PMCID: PMC4435692 DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.3287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We present a de novo model-building approach that combines predicted backbone conformations with side-chain fit to density to accurately assign sequence into density maps. This method yielded accurate models for six of nine experimental maps at 3.3- to 4.8-Å resolution and produced a nearly complete model for an unsolved map containing a 660-residue heterodimeric protein. This method should enable rapid and reliable protein structure determination from near-atomic-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) maps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ray Yu-Ruei Wang
- Graduate program in Biological Physics, Structure and Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Mikhail Kudryashev
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland
- Center for Cellular Imaging and NanoAnalytics, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Xueming Li
- The Keck Advanced Microscopy Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Edward H. Egelman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0733, USA
| | - Marek Basler
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yifan Cheng
- The Keck Advanced Microscopy Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Frank DiMaio
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Horizontal membrane-intrinsic α-helices in the stator a-subunit of an F-type ATP synthase. Nature 2015; 521:237-40. [PMID: 25707805 DOI: 10.1038/nature14185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
ATP, the universal energy currency of cells, is produced by F-type ATP synthases, which are ancient, membrane-bound nanomachines. F-type ATP synthases use the energy of a transmembrane electrochemical gradient to generate ATP by rotary catalysis. Protons moving across the membrane drive a rotor ring composed of 8-15 c-subunits. A central stalk transmits the rotation of the c-ring to the catalytic F1 head, where a series of conformational changes results in ATP synthesis. A key unresolved question in this fundamental process is how protons pass through the membrane to drive ATP production. Mitochondrial ATP synthases form V-shaped homodimers in cristae membranes. Here we report the structure of a native and active mitochondrial ATP synthase dimer, determined by single-particle electron cryomicroscopy at 6.2 Å resolution. Our structure shows four long, horizontal membrane-intrinsic α-helices in the a-subunit, arranged in two hairpins at an angle of approximately 70° relative to the c-ring helices. It has been proposed that a strictly conserved membrane-embedded arginine in the a-subunit couples proton translocation to c-ring rotation. A fit of the conserved carboxy-terminal a-subunit sequence places the conserved arginine next to a proton-binding c-subunit glutamate. The map shows a slanting solvent-accessible channel that extends from the mitochondrial matrix to the conserved arginine. Another hydrophilic cavity on the lumenal membrane surface defines a direct route for the protons to an essential histidine-glutamate pair. Our results provide unique new insights into the structure and function of rotary ATP synthases and explain how ATP production is coupled to proton translocation.
Collapse
|
37
|
Neutze R. Opportunities and challenges for time-resolved studies of protein structural dynamics at X-ray free-electron lasers. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 369:20130318. [PMID: 24914150 PMCID: PMC4052859 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) are revolutionary X-ray sources. Their time structure, providing X-ray pulses of a few tens of femtoseconds in duration; and their extreme peak brilliance, delivering approximately 1012 X-ray photons per pulse and facilitating sub-micrometre focusing, distinguish XFEL sources from synchrotron radiation. In this opinion piece, I argue that these properties of XFEL radiation will facilitate new discoveries in life science. I reason that time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography and time-resolved wide angle X-ray scattering are promising areas of scientific investigation that will be advanced by XFEL capabilities, allowing new scientific questions to be addressed that are not accessible using established methods at storage ring facilities. These questions include visualizing ultrafast protein structural dynamics on the femtosecond to picosecond time-scale, as well as time-resolved diffraction studies of non-cyclic reactions. I argue that these emerging opportunities will stimulate a renaissance of interest in time-resolved structural biochemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Neutze
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, PO Box 462, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Characterization of the frhAGB-encoding hydrogenase from a non-methanogenic hyperthermophilic archaeon. Extremophiles 2014; 19:109-18. [PMID: 25142159 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-014-0689-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The F420-reducing hydrogenase has been known as a key enzyme in methanogenesis. Its homologs have been identified in non-methanogenic hyperthermophilic archaea, including Thermococcus onnurineus NA1, but neither physiological function nor biochemical properties have been reported to date. The enzyme of T. onnurineus NA1 was distinguished from those of other methanogens and the members of the family Desulfurobacteriaceae with respect to the phylogenetic distribution of the α and β subunits, organization of frhAGB genes and conservation of F420-coordinating residues. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses revealed frhA gene is not silent but is expressed in T. onnurineus NA1 grown in the presence of sulfur, carbon monoxide, or formate. The trimeric enzyme complex was purified to homogeneity via affinity chromatography from T. onnurineus NA1 and exhibited catalytic activity toward the electron acceptors such as viologens and flavins but not the deazaflavin coenzyme F420. This is the first biochemical study on the function of the frhAGB-encoding enzyme from a non-methanogenic archaea.
Collapse
|
39
|
Structure of β-galactosidase at 3.2-Å resolution obtained by cryo-electron microscopy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:11709-14. [PMID: 25071206 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1402809111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the solution structure of Escherichia coli β-galactosidase (∼465 kDa), solved at ∼3.2-Å resolution by using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Densities for most side chains, including those of residues in the active site, and a catalytic Mg(2+) ion can be discerned in the map obtained by cryo-EM. The atomic model derived from our cryo-EM analysis closely matches the 1.7-Å crystal structure with a global rmsd of ∼0.66 Å. There are significant local differences throughout the protein, with clear evidence for conformational changes resulting from contact zones in the crystal lattice. Inspection of the map reveals that although densities for residues with positively charged and neutral side chains are well resolved, systematically weaker densities are observed for residues with negatively charged side chains. We show that the weaker densities for negatively charged residues arise from their greater sensitivity to radiation damage from electron irradiation as determined by comparison of density maps obtained by using electron doses ranging from 10 to 30 e(-)/Å(2). In summary, we establish that it is feasible to use cryo-EM to determine near-atomic resolution structures of protein complexes (<500 kDa) with low symmetry, and that the residue-specific radiation damage that occurs with increasing electron dose can be monitored by using dose fractionation tools available with direct electron detector technology.
Collapse
|
40
|
The F420-Reducing [NiFe]-Hydrogenase Complex from Methanothermobacter marburgensis, the First X-ray Structure of a Group 3 Family Member. J Mol Biol 2014; 426:2813-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2014.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Revised: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
41
|
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Lubitz
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Stiftstr. 34-36, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Hideaki Ogata
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Stiftstr. 34-36, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Olaf Rüdiger
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Stiftstr. 34-36, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Edward Reijerse
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Stiftstr. 34-36, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Allegretti M, Mills DJ, McMullan G, Kühlbrandt W, Vonck J. Atomic model of the F420-reducing [NiFe] hydrogenase by electron cryo-microscopy using a direct electron detector. eLife 2014; 3:e01963. [PMID: 24569482 PMCID: PMC3930138 DOI: 10.7554/elife.01963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of direct electron detectors with higher detective quantum efficiency and fast read-out marks the beginning of a new era in electron cryo-microscopy. Using the FEI Falcon II direct electron detector in video mode, we have reconstructed a map at 3.36 Å resolution of the 1.2 MDa F420-reducing hydrogenase (Frh) from methanogenic archaea from only 320,000 asymmetric units. Videos frames were aligned by a combination of image and particle alignment procedures to overcome the effects of beam-induced motion. The reconstructed density map shows all secondary structure as well as clear side chain densities for most residues. The full coordination of all cofactors in the electron transfer chain (a [NiFe] center, four [4Fe4S] clusters and an FAD) is clearly visible along with a well-defined substrate access channel. From the rigidity of the complex we conclude that catalysis is diffusion-limited and does not depend on protein flexibility or conformational changes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01963.001.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Allegretti
- Department of Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Welte C, Deppenmeier U. Bioenergetics and anaerobic respiratory chains of aceticlastic methanogens. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2013; 1837:1130-47. [PMID: 24333786 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Methane-forming archaea are strictly anaerobic microbes and are essential for global carbon fluxes since they perform the terminal step in breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. Major part of methane produced in nature derives from the methyl group of acetate. Only members of the genera Methanosarcina and Methanosaeta are able to use this substrate for methane formation and growth. Since the free energy change coupled to methanogenesis from acetate is only -36kJ/mol CH4, aceticlastic methanogens developed efficient energy-conserving systems to handle this thermodynamic limitation. The membrane bound electron transport system of aceticlastic methanogens is a complex branched respiratory chain that can accept electrons from hydrogen, reduced coenzyme F420 or reduced ferredoxin. The terminal electron acceptor of this anaerobic respiration is a mixed disulfide composed of coenzyme M and coenzyme B. Reduced ferredoxin has an important function under aceticlastic growth conditions and novel and well-established membrane complexes oxidizing ferredoxin will be discussed in depth. Membrane bound electron transport is connected to energy conservation by proton or sodium ion translocating enzymes (F420H2 dehydrogenase, Rnf complex, Ech hydrogenase, methanophenazine-reducing hydrogenase and heterodisulfide reductase). The resulting electrochemical ion gradient constitutes the driving force for adenosine triphosphate synthesis. Methanogenesis, electron transport, and the structure of key enzymes are discussed in this review leading to a concept of how aceticlastic methanogens make a living. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: 18th European Bioenergetic Conference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Welte
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 168, 53115 Bonn, Germany; Department of Microbiology, IWWR, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Uwe Deppenmeier
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 168, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Saunders AH, Golbeck JH, Bryant DA. Characterization of BciB: a ferredoxin-dependent 8-vinyl-protochlorophyllide reductase from the green sulfur bacterium Chloroherpeton thalassium. Biochemistry 2013; 52:8442-51. [PMID: 24151992 DOI: 10.1021/bi401172b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Two enzymes, BciA and BciB, are known to reduce the C-8 vinyl group of 8-vinyl protochlorophyllide, producing protochlorophyllide a, during the synthesis of chlorophylls and bacteriochlorophylls in chlorophototrophic bacteria. BciA from the green sulfur bacterium Chlorobaculum tepidum reduces the C-8 vinyl group using NADPH as the reductant. Cyanobacteria and some other chlorophototrophs have a second, nonhomologous type of 8-vinyl reductase, BciB, but the biochemical properties of this enzyme have not yet been described. In this study, the bciB gene of the green sulfur bacterium Chloroherpeton thalassium was expressed in Escherichia coli , and the recombinant protein was purified and characterized. Recombinant BciB binds a flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor, and EPR spectroscopy as well as quantitative analyses of bound iron and sulfide suggest that BciB binds two [4Fe-4S] clusters, one of which may not be essential for the activity of the enzyme. Using electrons provided by reduced ferredoxin or dithionite, recombinant BciB was active and reduced the 8-vinyl moiety of the substrate, 8-vinyl protochlorophyllide, producing protochlorophyllide a. A structural model for BciB based on a recent structure for the FrhB subunit of F420-reducing [NiFe]-hydrogenase of Methanothermobacter marburgensis is proposed. Possible reasons for the occurrence and distribution of BciA and BciB among various chlorophototrophs are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison H Saunders
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Glaeser RM. Invited review article: Methods for imaging weak-phase objects in electron microscopy. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2013; 84:111101. [PMID: 24289381 PMCID: PMC3855062 DOI: 10.1063/1.4830355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/26/2013] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Contrast has traditionally been produced in electron-microscopy of weak phase objects by simply defocusing the objective lens. There now is renewed interest, however, in using devices that apply a uniform quarter-wave phase shift to the scattered electrons relative to the unscattered beam, or that generate in-focus image contrast in some other way. Renewed activity in making an electron-optical equivalent of the familiar "phase-contrast" light microscope is based in part on the improved possibilities that are now available for device microfabrication. There is also a better understanding that it is important to take full advantage of contrast that can be had at low spatial frequency when imaging large, macromolecular objects. In addition, a number of conceptually new phase-plate designs have been proposed, thus increasing the number of options that are available for development. The advantages, disadvantages, and current status of each of these options is now compared and contrasted. Experimental results that are, indeed, superior to what can be accomplished with defocus-based phase contrast have been obtained recently with two different designs of phase-contrast aperture. Nevertheless, extensive work also has shown that fabrication of such devices is inconsistent, and that their working lifetime is short. The main limitation, in fact, appears to be electrostatic charging of any device that is placed into the electron diffraction pattern. The challenge in fabricating phase plates that are practical to use for routine work in electron microscopy thus may be more in the area of materials science than in the area of electron optics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Glaeser
- Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Avoiding the pitfalls of single particle cryo-electron microscopy: Einstein from noise. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:18037-41. [PMID: 24106306 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1314449110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Single particle cryo-electron microscopy is currently poised to produce high-resolution structures of many biological assemblies, but several pitfalls can trap the unwary. This critique highlights one problem that is particularly relevant when smaller structures are being studied. It is known as "Einstein from noise," in which the experimenter honestly believes they have recorded images of their particles, whereas in reality, most if not all of their data consist of pure noise. Selection of particles using cross-correlation methods can then lead to 3D maps that resemble the model used in the initial selection and provide the illusion of progress. Suggestions are given about how to circumvent the problem.
Collapse
|
47
|
Xie Q, Spilman M, Meyer NL, Lerch TF, Stagg SM, Chapman MS. Electron microscopy analysis of a disaccharide analog complex reveals receptor interactions of adeno-associated virus. J Struct Biol 2013; 184:129-35. [PMID: 24036405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2013.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 09/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mechanistic studies of macromolecular complexes often feature X-ray structures of complexes with bound ligands. The attachment of adeno-associated virus (AAV) to cell surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is an example that has not proven amenable to crystallography, because the binding of GAG analogs disrupts lattice contacts. The interactions of AAV with GAGs are of interest in mediating the cell specificity of AAV-based gene therapy vectors. Previous electron microscopy led to differing conclusions on the exact binding site and the existence of large ligand-induced conformational changes in the virus. Conformational changes are expected during cell entry, but it has remained unclear whether the electron microscopy provided evidence of their induction by GAG-binding. Taking advantage of automated data collection, careful processing and new methods of structure refinement, the structure of AAV-DJ complexed with sucrose octasulfate is determined by electron microscopy difference map analysis to 4.8Å resolution. At this higher resolution, individual sulfate groups are discernible, providing a stereochemical validation of map interpretation, and highlighting interactions with two surface arginines that have been implicated in genetic studies. Conformational changes induced by the SOS are modest and limited to the loop most directly interacting with the ligand. While the resolution attainable will depend on sample order and other factors, there are an increasing number of macromolecular complexes that can be studied by cryo-electron microscopy at resolutions beyond 5Å, for which the approaches used here could be used to characterize the binding of inhibitors and other small molecule effectors when crystallography is not tractable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Xie
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health &v Science University, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Chen S, McMullan G, Faruqi AR, Murshudov GN, Short JM, Scheres SH, Henderson R. High-resolution noise substitution to measure overfitting and validate resolution in 3D structure determination by single particle electron cryomicroscopy. Ultramicroscopy 2013; 135:24-35. [PMID: 23872039 PMCID: PMC3834153 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 675] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2013] [Revised: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) structure determination by single particle electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) involves the calculation of an initial 3D model, followed by extensive iterative improvement of the orientation determination of the individual particle images and the resulting 3D map. Because there is much more noise than signal at high resolution in the images, this creates the possibility of noise reinforcement in the 3D map, which can give a false impression of the resolution attained. The balance between signal and noise in the final map at its limiting resolution depends on the image processing procedure and is not easily predicted. There is a growing awareness in the cryoEM community of how to avoid such over-fitting and over-estimation of resolution. Equally, there has been a reluctance to use the two principal methods of avoidance because they give lower resolution estimates, which some people believe are too pessimistic. Here we describe a simple test that is compatible with any image processing protocol. The test allows measurement of the amount of signal and the amount of noise from overfitting that is present in the final 3D map. We have applied the method to two different sets of cryoEM images of the enzyme beta-galactosidase using several image processing packages. Our procedure involves substituting the Fourier components of the initial particle image stack beyond a chosen resolution by either the Fourier components from an adjacent area of background, or by simple randomisation of the phases of the particle structure factors. This substituted noise thus has the same spectral power distribution as the original data. Comparison of the Fourier Shell Correlation (FSC) plots from the 3D map obtained using the experimental data with that from the same data with high-resolution noise (HR-noise) substituted allows an unambiguous measurement of the amount of overfitting and an accompanying resolution assessment. A simple formula can be used to calculate an unbiased FSC from the two curves, even when a substantial amount of overfitting is present. The approach is software independent. The user is therefore completely free to use any established method or novel combination of methods, provided the HR-noise test is carried out in parallel. Applying this procedure to cryoEM images of beta-galactosidase shows how overfitting varies greatly depending on the procedure, but in the best case shows no overfitting and a resolution of ~6 Å. (382 words) A new method to validate 3D cryoEM maps of biological structures is described. High-resolution noise substitution is a tool to measure the amount of overfitting of noise in single particle cryoEM. A reliable, unbiased resolution estimation can be obtained even when some overfitting is present. Structure of beta-galactosidase at ~6 Å resolution is determined by cryoEM.
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
Improved electron detectors and image-processing techniques will allow the structures of macromolecules to be determined from tens of thousands of single-particle cryo-EM images, rather than the hundreds of thousands needed previously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus Grigorieff
- is at the Department of Biochemistry and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brandeis University , Waltham , Untied States
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Henderson R, McMullan G. Problems in obtaining perfect images by single-particle electron cryomicroscopy of biological structures in amorphous ice. Microscopy (Oxf) 2013; 62:43-50. [PMID: 23291269 DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfs094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Theoretical considerations together with simulations of single-particle electron cryomicroscopy images of biological assemblies in ice demonstrate that atomic structures should be obtainable from images of a few thousand asymmetric units, provided the molecular weight of the whole assembly being studied is greater than the minimum needed for accurate position and orientation determination. However, with present methods of specimen preparation and current microscope and detector technologies, many more particles are needed, and the alignment of smaller assemblies is difficult or impossible. Only larger structures, with enough signal to allow good orientation determination and with enough images to allow averaging of many hundreds of thousands or even millions of asymmetric units, have successfully produced high-resolution maps. In this review, we compare the contrast of experimental electron cryomicroscopy images of two smaller molecular assemblies, namely apoferritin and beta-galactosidase, with that expected from perfect simulated images calculated from their known X-ray structures. We show that the contrast and signal-to-noise ratio of experimental images still require significant improvement before it will be possible to realize the full potential of single-particle electron cryomicroscopy. In particular, although reasonably good orientations can be obtained for beta-galactosidase, we have been unable to obtain reliable orientation determination from experimental images of apoferritin. Simulations suggest that at least 2-fold improvement of the contrast in experimental images at ~10 Å resolution is needed and should be possible.
Collapse
|