Biomedical subjects

Nigel S Scrutton

Publications and source records attributed to Nigel S Scrutton.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

Electron transfer in flavocytochrome P450 BM3: kinetics of flavin reduction and oxidation, the role of cysteine 999, and relationships with mammalian cytochrome P450 reductase.

Cys-999 is one component of a triad (Cys-999, Ser-830, and Asp-1044) located in the FAD domain of flavocytochrome P450 BM3 that is almost entirely conserved throughout the diflavin reductase family of enzymes. The role of Cys-999 has been studied by steady-state kinetics, stopped-flow spectroscopy, and potentiometry. The C999A mutants of BM3 reductase (containing both FAD and FMN cofactors) and the isolated FAD domain are substantially compromised in their capacity to reduce artificial electron acceptors in steady-state turnover with either NADPH or NADH as electron donors. Stopped-flow studies indicate that this is due primarily to a substantially slower rate of hydride transfer from nicotinamide coenzyme to FAD cofactor in the C999A enzymes. The compromised rates of hydride transfer are not attributable to altered thermodynamic properties of the flavins. A reduced enzyme-NADP(+) charge-transfer species is populated following hydride transfer in the wild-type FAD domain, consistent with the slow release of NADP(+) from the 2-electron-reduced enzyme. This intermediate does not accumulate in the C999A FAD domain or wild-type and C999A BM3 reductases, suggesting more rapid release of NADP(+) from these enzyme forms. Rapid internal electron transfer from FAD to FMN in wild-type BM3 reductase releases NADP(+) from the nicotinamide-binding site, thus preventing the inhibition of enzyme activity through the accumulation of a stable FADH(2)-NADP(+) charge-transfer complex. Hydride transfer is reversible, and the observed rate of oxidation of the 2-electron-reduced C999A BM3 reductase and FAD domain is hyperbolically dependent on NADP(+) concentration. With the wild-type BM3 reductase and FAD domain, the rate of flavin oxidation displays an unusual dependence on NADP(+) concentration, consistent with a two-site binding model in which two coenzyme molecules bind to catalytic and regulatory regions (or sites) within a bipartite coenzyme binding site. A kinetic model is proposed in which binding of coenzyme to the regulatory site hinders sterically the release of NADPH from the catalytic site. The results are discussed in the light of kinetic and structural studies on mammalian cytochrome P450 reductase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2003

H-tunneling in the multiple H-transfers of the catalytic cycle of morphinone reductase and in the reductive half-reaction of the homologous pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase.

The mechanism of flavin reduction in morphinone reductase (MR) and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) reductase, and flavin oxidation in MR, has been studied by stopped-flow and steady-state kinetic methods. The temperature dependence of the primary kinetic isotope effect for flavin reduction in MR and PETN reductase by nicotinamide coenzyme indicates that quantum mechanical tunneling plays a major role in hydride transfer. In PETN reductase, the kinetic isotope effect (KIE) is essentially independent of temperature in the experimentally accessible range, contrasting with strongly temperature-dependent reaction rates, consistent with a tunneling mechanism from the vibrational ground state of the reactive C-H/D bond. In MR, both the reaction rates and the KIE are dependent on temperature, and analysis using the Eyring equation suggests that hydride transfer has a major tunneling component, which, unlike PETN reductase, is gated by thermally induced vibrations in the protein. The oxidative half-reaction of MR is fully rate-limiting in steady-state turnover with the substrate 2-cyclohexenone and NADH at saturating concentrations. The KIE for hydride transfer from reduced flavin to the alpha/beta unsaturated bond of 2-cyclohexenone is independent of temperature, contrasting with strongly temperature-dependent reaction rates, again consistent with ground-state tunneling. A large solvent isotope effect (SIE) accompanies the oxidative half-reaction, which is also independent of temperature in the experimentally accessible range. Double isotope effects indicate that hydride transfer from the flavin N5 atom to 2-cyclohexenone, and the protonation of 2-cyclohexenone, are concerted and both the temperature-independent KIE and SIE suggest that this reaction also proceeds by ground-state quantum tunneling. Our results demonstrate the importance of quantum tunneling in the reduction of flavins by nicotinamide coenzymes. This is the first observation of (i) three H-nuclei in an enzymic reaction being transferred by tunneling and (ii) the utilization of both passive and active dynamics within the same native enzyme.

Bacterial Proteins↗

PubMed2003

Channelling and formation of 'active' formaldehyde in dimethylglycine oxidase.

Here we report crystal structures of dimethylglycine oxidase (DMGO) from the bacterium Arthrobacter globiformis, a bifunctional enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of N,N-dimethyl glycine and the formation of 5,10-methylene tetrahydrofolate. The N-terminal region binds FAD covalently and oxidizes dimethylglycine to a labile iminium intermediate. The C-terminal region binds tetrahydrofolate, comprises three domains arranged in a ring-like structure and is related to the T-protein of the glycine cleavage system. The complex with folinic acid indicates that this enzyme selectively activates the N10 amino group for initial attack on the substrate. Dead-end reactions with oxidized folate are avoided by the strict stereochemical constraints imposed by the folate-binding funnel. The active sites in DMGO are approximately 40 A apart, connected by a large irregular internal cavity. The tetrahydrofolate-binding funnel serves as a transient entry-exit port, and access to the internal cavity is controlled kinetically by tetrahydrofolate binding. The internal cavity enables sequestration of the reactive iminium intermediate prior to reaction with tetrahydrofolate and avoids formation of toxic formaldehyde. This mode of channelling in DMGO is distinct from other channelling mechanisms.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2003

Kinetic, spectroscopic and thermodynamic characterization of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis adrenodoxin reductase homologue FprA.

The genome sequence of the pathogenic bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis revealed numerous cytochrome P450 enzymes, which require accessory redox enzymes for catalytic function (ferredoxin reductase and ferredoxin). The most likely ferredoxin reductase is encoded by fprA, and its structure resembles eukaryotic adrenodoxin reductases. We have cloned, expressed and purified the flavoenzyme product of the fprA gene in Escherichia coli. FprA reduces various electron acceptors using either NADPH or NADH as the electron donor, but discriminates in favour of NADPH (apparent K (m) for NADH=50.6+/-3.1 microM; NADPH=4.1+/-0.3 microM from ferricyanide reduction experiments). Stopped-flow studies of reduction of the FprA FAD by NADPH demonstrate increased flavin reduction rate at low NADPH concentration (<200 microM), consistent with the presence of a second, kinetically distinct and inhibitory, pyridine nucleotide-binding site, similar to that identified in human cytochrome P450 reductase [Gutierrez, Lian, Wolf, Scrutton and Roberts (2001) Biochemistry 40, 1964-1975]. Flavin reduction by NADH is slower than with NADPH and displays hyperbolic dependence on NADH concentration [maximal reduction rate ( k (red))=25.4+/-0.7 s(-1), apparent K (d)=42.9+/-4.6 microM]. Flavin reoxidation by molecular oxygen is more rapid for NADH-reduced enzyme. Reductive titrations show that the enzyme forms a species with spectral characteristics typical of a neutral (blue) FAD semiquinone only on reduction with NADPH, consistent with EPR studies. The second order dependence of semiquinone formation on the concentration of FprA indicates a disproportionation reaction involving oxidized and two-electron-reduced FprA. Titration of FprA with dithionite converts oxidized FAD into the hydroquinone form; the flavin semiquinone is not populated under these conditions. The midpoint reduction potential for the two electron couple is -235+/-5 mV (versus the normal hydrogen electrode), similar to that for adrenodoxin reductase (-274 mV). Our data provide a thermodynamic and transient kinetic framework for catalysis by FprA, and complement recent spectrophotometric and steady-state studies of the enzyme [Fischer, Raimondi, Aliverti and Zanetti (2002) Eur. J. Biochem. 269, 3005-3013].

Binding Sites↗

PubMed2003

Effects of multiple ligand binding on kinetic isotope effects in PQQ-dependent methanol dehydrogenase.

The reaction of PQQ-dependent methanol dehydrogenase (MDH) from Methylophilus methylotrophus has been studied by steady-state and stopped-flow kinetic methods, with particular reference to multiple ligand binding and the kinetic isotope effect (KIE) for PQQ reduction. Phenazine ethosulfate (PES; an artificial electron acceptor) and cyanide (a suppressant of endogenous activity), but not ammonium (an activator of MDH), compete for binding at the catalytic methanol-binding site. Cyanide does not activate turnover in M. methylotrophus MDH, as reported previously for the Paracoccus denitrificans enzyme. Activity is dependent on activation by ammonium but is inhibited at high ammonium concentrations. PES and methanol also influence the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of ammonium through competitive binding. Reaction profiles as a function of ammonium and PES concentration differ between methanol and deuterated methanol, owing to force constant effects on the binding of methanol to the stimulatory and inhibitory ammonium binding sites. Differential binding gives rise to unusual KIEs for PQQ reduction as a function of ammonium and PES concentration. The observed KIEs at different ligand concentrations are independent of temperature, consistent with their origin in differential binding affinities of protiated and deuterated substrate at the ammonium binding sites. Stopped-flow studies indicate that enzyme oxidation is not rate-limiting at low ammonium concentrations (<4 mM) during steady-state turnover. At higher ammonium concentrations (>20 mM), the low effective concentration of PES in the active site owing to the competitive binding of ammonium lowers the second-order rate constant for enzyme oxidation, and the oxidative half-reaction becomes more rate limiting. A sequential stopped-flow method is reported that has enabled, for the first time, a detailed study of the reductive half-reaction of MDH and comparison with steady-state data. The limiting rate of PQQ reduction (0.48 s(-1)) is less than the steady-state turnover number, and the observed KIE in stopped-flow studies is unity. Although catalytically active, we propose reduction of the oxidized enzyme generated in stopped-flow analyses is gated by conformational change or ligand exchange. Slow recovery from this trapped state on mixing with methanol accounts for the slow reduction of PQQ and a KIE of 1. This study emphasizes the need for caution in using inflated KIEs, and the temperature dependence of KIEs, as a probe for hydrogen tunneling.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

PubMed2003

Molecular dissection of human methionine synthase reductase: determination of the flavin redox potentials in full-length enzyme and isolated flavin-binding domains.

Human methionine synthase reductase (MSR) catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reductive methylation of methionine synthase. MSR is 78 kDa flavoprotein belonging to a family of diflavin reductases, with cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) as the prototype. MSR and its individual flavin-binding domains were cloned as GST-tagged fusion proteins for expression and purification from Escherichia coli. The isolated flavin domains of MSR retain UV-visible and secondary structural properties indicative of correctly folded flavoproteins. Anaerobic redox titrations on the individual domains assisted in assignment of the midpoint potentials for the high- and low-potential flavin. For the isolated FMN domain, the midpoint potentials for the oxidized/semiquinone (ox/sq) couple and semiquinone/hydroquinone (sq/hq) couple are -112 and -221 mV, respectively, at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C. The corresponding couples in the isolated FAD domain are -222 mV (ox/sq) and -288 mV (sq/hq). Both flavins form blue neutral semiquinone species characterized by broad absorption peaks in the long-wavelength region during anaerobic titration with sodium dithionite. In full-length MSR, the values of the FMN couples are -109 mV (ox/sq) and -227 mV (sq/hq), and the corresponding couple values for FAD are -254 mV (ox/sq) and -291 mV (sq/hq). Separation of the MSR flavins does not perturb their thermodynamic properties, as midpoint potentials for all four couples are similar in isolated domains and in full-length MSR. The redox properties of MSR are discussed in relation to other members of the diflavin oxidoreductase family and the mechanism of electron transfer.

Binding Sites↗

PubMed2003

Extensive conformational sampling in a ternary electron transfer complex.

Here we report the crystal structures of a ternary electron transfer complex showing extensive motion at the protein interface. This physiological complex comprises the iron-sulfur flavoprotein trimethylamine dehydrogenase and electron transferring flavoprotein (ETF) from Methylophilus methylotrophus. In addition, we report the crystal structure of free ETF. In the complex, electron density for the FAD domain of ETF is absent, indicating high mobility. Positions for the FAD domain are revealed by molecular dynamics simulation, consistent with crystal structures and kinetic data. A dual interaction of ETF with trimethylamine dehydrogenase provides for dynamical motion at the protein interface: one site acts as an anchor, thereby allowing the other site to sample a large range of interactions, some compatible with rapid electron transfer. This study establishes the role of conformational sampling in multi-domain redox systems, providing insight into electron transfer between ETFs and structurally distinct redox partners.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2003

Using trimethylamine dehydrogenase in an enzyme linked amperometric electrode. Part 1. Wild-type enzyme redox mediation.

An amperometric enzyme electrode was studied based on the wild-type protein trimethylamine dehydrogenase (TMADH), which catalyses the oxidative N-demethylation of trimethylamine to produce dimethylamine and formaldehyde. Ferrocene derivatives were investigated electrochemically, as free diffusing electron acceptors for recycling of the prosthetic groups of the immobilised enzyme. Ferricinium had the highest rates but, inhibited the enzyme, possibly as a result of a conformational change initiated at the Val-344 residue where it binds close to the 4Fe-4S cluster, interrupting the electron transfer between flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and 4Fe-4S by changing the redox potential of one or both of the prosthetic groups. (Dimethylamino)methylene ferrocene (DMAMFe) (k(s) = 0.93 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1)) did not show inhibition and was used as a comparison for steady-state characterisation. The sensor response was studied over the pH range 6.0-1.0. Plots of kcat/KM revealed two ionisations with pKa values of 7.5 and 10. The pKa of 10 was attributed to the ionisation of the secondary amine in DMAMFe, whereas the pKa of 7.5 was thought to reflect the ionisations of the intramolecular electron pathway. A TMADH/DMAMFe amperometric enzyme electrode was successfully used for the determination of TMA in different fish samples (detection limit: 2 mg TMA-N per lOOg wet fish muscle). The obtained results compared well with a reference method based on picric acid.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Determination of the redox potentials and electron transfer properties of the FAD- and FMN-binding domains of the human oxidoreductase NR1.

Human novel reductase 1 (NR1) is an NADPH dependent diflavin oxidoreductase related to cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR). The FAD/NADPH- and FMN-binding domains of NR1 have been expressed and purified and their redox properties studied by stopped-flow and steady-state kinetic methods, and by potentiometry. The midpoint reduction potentials of the oxidized/semiquinone (-315 +/- 5 mV) and semiquinone/dihydroquinone (-365 +/- 15 mV) couples of the FAD/NADPH domain are similar to those for the FAD/NADPH domain of human CPR, but the rate of hydride transfer from NADPH to the FAD/NADPH domain of NR1 is approximately 200-fold slower. Hydride transfer is rate-limiting in steady-state reactions of the FAD/NADPH domain with artificial redox acceptors. Stopped-flow studies indicate that hydride transfer from the FAD/NADPH domain of NR1 to NADP+ is faster than hydride transfer in the physiological direction (NADPH to FAD), consistent with the measured reduction potentials of the FAD couples [midpoint potential for FAD redox couples is -340 mV, cf-320 mV for NAD(P)H]. The midpoint reduction potentials for the flavin couples in the FMN domain are -146 +/- 5 mV (oxidized/semiquinone) and -305 +/- 5 mV (semiquinone/dihydroquinone). The FMN oxidized/semiquinone couple indicates stabilization of the FMN semiquinone, consistent with (a) a need to transfer electrons from the FAD/NADPH domain to the FMN domain, and (b) the thermodynamic properties of the FMN domain in CPR and nitric oxide synthase. Despite overall structural resemblance of NR1 and CPR, our studies reveal thermodynamic similarities but major kinetic differences in the electron transfer reactions catalysed by the flavin-binding domains.

2,6-Dichloroindophenol↗

PubMed2003

Interflavin electron transfer in human cytochrome P450 reductase is enhanced by coenzyme binding. Relaxation kinetic studies with coenzyme analogues.

The role of coenzyme binding in regulating interflavin electron transfer in human cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) has been studied using temperature-jump spectroscopy. Previous studies [Gutierrez, A., Paine, M., Wolf, C.R., Scrutton, N.S., & Roberts, G.C.K. Biochemistry (2002) 41, 4626-4637] have shown that the observed rate, 1/tau, of interflavin electron transfer (FADsq - FMNsq-->FADox - FMNhq) in CPR reduced at the two-electron level with NADPH is 55 +/- 2 s-1, whereas with dithionite-reduced enzyme the observed rate is 11 +/- 0.5 s-1, suggesting that NADPH (or NADP+) binding has an important role in controlling the rate of internal electron transfer. In relaxation experiments performed with CPR reduced at the two-electron level with NADH, the observed rate of internal electron transfer (1/tau = 18 +/- 0.7 s-1) is intermediate in value between those seen with dithionite-reduced and NADPH-reduced enzyme, indicating that the presence of the 2'-phosphate is important for enhancing internal electron transfer. To investigate this further, temperature jump experiments were performed with dithionite-reduced enzyme in the presence of 2',5'-ADP and 2'-AMP. These two ligands increase the observed rate of interflavin electron transfer in two-electron reduced CPR from 1/tau = 11 s-1 to 35 +/- 0.2 s-1 and 32 +/- 0.6 s-1, respectively. Reduction of CPR at the two-electron level by NADPH, NADH or dithionite generates the same spectral species, consistent with an electron distribution that is equivalent regardless of reductant at the initiation of the temperature jump. Spectroelectrochemical experiments establish that the redox potentials of the flavins of CPR are unchanged on binding 2',5'-ADP, supporting the view that enhanced rates of interdomain electron transfer have their origin in a conformational change produced by binding NADPH or its fragments. Addition of 2',5'-ADP either to the isolated FAD-domain or to full-length CPR (in their oxidized and reduced forms) leads to perturbation of the optical spectra of both the flavins, consistent with a conformational change that alters the environment of these redox cofactors. The binding of 2',5'-ADP eliminates the unusual dependence of the observed flavin reduction rate on NADPH concentration (i.e. enhanced at low coenzyme concentration) observed in stopped-flow studies. The data are discussed in the context of previous kinetic studies and of the crystallographic structure of rat CPR.

Cloning, Molecular↗

PubMed2002

Stopped-flow kinetic studies of electron transfer in the reductase domain of neuronal nitric oxide synthase: re-evaluation of the kinetic mechanism reveals new enzyme intermediates and variation with cytochrome P450 reductase.

The reduction by NADPH of the FAD and FMN redox centres in the isolated flavin reductase domain of calmodulin-bound rat neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) has been studied by anaerobic stopped-flow spectroscopy using absorption and fluorescence detection. We show by global analysis of time-dependent photodiode array spectra, single wavelength absorption and NADPH fluorescence studies, that at least four resolvable steps are observed in stopped-flow studies with NADPH and that flavin reduction is reversible. The first reductive step represents the rapid formation of an equilibrium between an NADPH-enzyme charge-transfer species and two-electron-reduced enzyme bound to NADP(+). The second and third steps represent further reduction of the enzyme flavins and NADP(+) release. The fourth step is attributed to the slow accumulation of an enzyme species that is inferred not to be relevant catalytically in steady-state reactions. Stopped-flow flavin fluorescence studies indicate the presence of slow kinetic phases, the timescales of which correspond to the slow phase observed in absorption and NADPH fluorescence transients. By analogy with stopped-flow studies of cytochrome P450 reductase, we attribute these slow fluorescence and absorption changes to enzyme disproportionation and/or conformational change. Unlike for the functionally related cytochrome P450 reductase, transfer of the first hydride equivalent from NADPH to nNOS reductase does not generate the flavin di-semiquinoid state. This indicates that internal electron transfer is relatively slow and is probably gated by NADP(+) release. Release of calmodulin from the nNOS reductase does not affect the kinetics of inter-flavin electron transfer under stopped-flow conditions, although the observed rate of formation of the equilibrium between the NADPH-oxidized enzyme charge-transfer species and two-electron-reduced enzyme bound to NADP(+) is modestly slower in calmodulin-depleted enzyme. Our studies indicate the need for significant re-interpretation of published kinetic data for electron transfer in the reductase domain of neuronal nitric oxide synthase.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Crystal structure of bacterial morphinone reductase and properties of the C191A mutant enzyme.

The crystal structure of the NADH-dependent bacterial flavoenzyme morphinone reductase (MR) has been determined at 2.2-A resolution in complex with the oxidizing substrate codeinone. The structure reveals a dimeric enzyme comprising two 8-fold beta/alpha barrel domains, each bound to FMN, and a subunit folding topology and mode of flavin-binding similar to that found in Old Yellow Enzyme (OYE) and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) reductase. The subunit interface of MR is formed by interactions from an N-terminal beta strand and helices 2 and 8 of the barrel domain and is different to that seen in OYE. The active site structures of MR, OYE, and PETN reductase are highly conserved reflecting the ability of these enzymes to catalyze "generic" reactions such as the reduction of 2-cyclohexenone. A region of polypeptide presumed to define the reducing coenzyme specificity is identified by comparison of the MR structure (NADH-dependent) with that of PETN reductase (NADPH-dependent). The active site acid identified in OYE (Tyr-196) and conserved in PETN reductase (Tyr-186) is replaced by Cys-191 in MR. Mutagenesis studies have established that Cys-191 does not act as a crucial acid in the mechanism of reduction of the olefinic bond found in 2-cyclohexenone and codeinone.

Bacterial Proteins↗

PubMed2002

Relaxation kinetics of cytochrome P450 reductase: internal electron transfer is limited by conformational change and regulated by coenzyme binding.

The kinetics of internal electron transfer in human cytochrome P450 reductase have been studied using temperature-jump relaxation spectroscopy. Temperature perturbation of CPR reduced at the two-electron level with NADPH yields biphasic absorption transients at 450 and 600 nm. The observed rate, 1/tau, for the fast phase is 2200 +/- 300 s(-1). The absence of this phase in fluorescence transients and in absorption transients collected with dithionite-reduced enzyme indicates this phase does not report on electron/hydride transfer and is consistent with its origin in local conformational change in the vicinity of the FAD isoalloxazine ring. The slow phase (1/tau = 55 +/- 2 s(-1)) observed in the absorption transients obtained with CPR reduced at the two-electron level with NADPH reports on internal electron transfer: FAD(sq)-FMN(sq) --> FAD(ox)-FMN(hq). The observed rate of this transient is slower (1/tau = 11 +/- 0.5 s(-1)) in CPR reduced to the two-electron level by dithionite rather than NADPH, demonstrating that coenzyme binding has an important influence on the observed rate of internal electron transfer. Temperature perturbation experiments with CPR reduced with 10-fold molar excess of NADPH produce monophasic absorption transients (1/tau = 20 +/- 0.2 s(-1)) reporting on internal electron transfer: FAD(sq)-FMN(hq) --> FAD(hq)-FMN(sq). The observed rate constants for electron transfer are substantially less than those expected from analysis of CPR by electron-transfer theory (approximately 10(10) s(-1)). Potential gating mechanisms have been investigated using the temperature-jump method. Observed rates for electron transfer were unaffected in experiments performed in deuterated solvent, indicating that deprotonation does not gate the reaction. Introduction of glycerol into the sample significantly decreased the observed rate for internal electron transfer, suggesting conformational gating of the reaction. Replacement of Trp-676 with His-676 reduces approximately 2-fold the observed rate of internal electron transfer in two-electron-reduced enzyme, whereas the observed rate for FAD(sq)-FMN(hq) --> FAD(hq)-FMN(sq) transfer is increased approximately 13-fold in the W676H mutant reduced with a 10-fold molar excess of NADPH. The studies reveal altered redox properties of the FAD in W676H CPR. The data are discussed in the context of previous stopped-flow studies of human CPR and the X-ray crystallographic structure of rat CPR.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

PubMed2002

Mechanistic aspects of the covalent flavoprotein dimethylglycine oxidase of Arthrobacter globiformis studied by stopped-flow spectrophotometry.

Dimethylglycine oxidase (DMGO) is a covalent flavoenzyme from Arthrobacter globiformis that catalyzes the oxidative demethylation of dimethylglycine to yield sarcosine, formaldehyde, and hydrogen peroxide. Stopped-flow and steady-state kinetic studies have been used to study the reductive and oxidative half-reactions using dimethylglycine and O2 as substrates. The reductive half-reaction is triphasic. The rate of the fast phase is dependent on substrate concentration, involves flavin reduction, and has a limiting rate constant of 244 s(-1). This phase also displays a kinetic isotope effect of 2.9. Completion of the first kinetic phase generates an intermediate with broad spectral signature between 350 and 500 nm, which is attributed to a reduced enzyme-iminium charge-transfer species, similar to the purple intermediate that accumulates in reactions of D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) with alanine. The second phase (16 s(-1)) is independent of substrate concentration and is attributed to iminium hydrolysis/deprotonation. The third phase (2 s(-1)) is attributed to product release, the rate of which is less than the steady-state turnover rate (10.6 s(-1)). Flavin oxidation of dithionite- and dimethylglycine-reduced enzyme by O2 occurs in a single phase, and the rate shows a linear dependence on oxygen concentration, giving bimolecular rate constants of 342 and 201 mM(-1) x s(-1), respectively. Enzyme-monitored turnover experiments indicate that decay of the reduced enzyme-iminium intermediate is rate-limiting, consistent with rate constants determined from single turnover studies. A minimal kinetic mechanism is presented, which establishes a close relationship to the mechanism of action of DAAO. The covalent flavin in dimethylglycine oxidase is identified as an alphaN1-histidyl48-FAD, and equilibrium titration studies establish a single redox center that displays typical flavoprotein 'oxidase' characteristics.

Arthrobacter↗

PubMed2002

Kinetic and structural basis of reactivity of pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase with NADPH, 2-cyclohexenone, nitroesters, and nitroaromatic explosives.

The reaction of pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase with reducing and oxidizing substrates has been studied by stopped-flow spectrophotometry, redox potentiometry, and X-ray crystallography. We show in the reductive half-reaction of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) reductase that NADPH binds to form an enzyme-NADPH charge transfer intermediate prior to hydride transfer from the nicotinamide coenzyme to FMN. In the oxidative half-reaction, the two-electron-reduced enzyme reacts with several substrates including nitroester explosives (glycerol trinitrate and PETN), nitroaromatic explosives (trinitrotoluene (TNT) and picric acid), and alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds (2-cyclohexenone). Oxidation of the flavin by the nitroaromatic substrate TNT is kinetically indistinguishable from formation of its hydride-Meisenheimer complex, consistent with a mechanism involving direct nucleophilic attack by hydride from the flavin N5 atom at the electron-deficient aromatic nucleus of the substrate. The crystal structures of complexes of the oxidized enzyme bound to picric acid and TNT are consistent with direct hydride transfer from the reduced flavin to nitroaromatic substrates. The mode of binding the inhibitor 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) is similar to that observed with picric acid and TNT. In this position, however, the aromatic nucleus is not activated for hydride transfer from the flavin N5 atom, thus accounting for the lack of reactivity with 2,4-DNP. Our work with PETN reductase establishes further a close relationship to the Old Yellow Enzyme family of proteins but at the same time highlights important differences compared with the reactivity of Old Yellow Enzyme. Our studies provide a structural and mechanistic rationale for the ability of PETN reductase to react with the nitroaromatic explosive compounds TNT and picric acid and for the inhibition of enzyme activity with 2,4-DNP.

Carbon↗

PubMed2002

Role of histidine 42 in ascorbate peroxidase. Kinetic analysis of the H42A and H42E variants.

To examine the role of the distal His42 residue in the catalytic mechanism of pea cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase, two site-directed variants were prepared in which His42 was replaced with alanine (H42A) or glutamic acid (H42E). Electronic spectra of the ferric derivatives of H42A and H42E (pH 7.0, mu = 0.10 m, 25.0 degrees C) revealed wavelength maxima [lambda(max) (nm): 397, 509, approximately equal to 540(sh), 644 (H42A); 404, 516, approximately equal to 538(sh), 639 (H42E)] consistent with a predominantly five-co-ordinate high-spin iron. The specific activity of H42E for oxidation of L-ascorbate (8.2 +/- 0.3 U.mg(-1)) was approximately equal to 30-fold lower than that of the recombinant wild-type enzyme (rAPX); the H42A variant was essentially inactive but activity could be partially recovered by addition of exogenous imidazoles. The spectra of the Compound I intermediates of H42A [lambda(max) (nm) = 403, 534, 575(sh), 645] and H42E [lambda(max) (nm) = 404, 530, 573(sh), 654] were similar to those of rAPX. Pre-steady-state data for formation of Compound I for H42A and H42E were consistent with a mechanism involving accumulation of a transient enzyme intermediate (K(d)) followed by conversion of this intermediate into Compound I (k'(1)). Values for k'(1) and K(d) were, respectively, 4.3 +/- 0.2 s(-1) and 30 +/- 2.0 mM (H42A) and 28 +/- 1.0 s(-1) and 0.09 +/- 0.01 mM (H42E). Photodiode array experiments for H42A revealed wavelength maxima for this intermediate at 401 nm, 522 nm and 643 nm, consistent with the formation of a transient [H42A-H(2)O(2)] species. Rate constants for Compound I formation for H42A were independent of pH, but for rAPX and H42E were pH-dependent [pKa = 4.9 +/- 0.1 (rAPX) and pK(a) = 6.7 +/- 0.2 (H42E)]. The results provide: (a) evidence that His42 is critical for Compound I formation in APX; (b) confirmation that titration of His42 controls Compound I formation and an assignment of the pK(a) for this group; (c) mechanistic and spectroscopic evidence for an intermediate before Compound I formation; (d) evidence that a glutamic acid residue at position 42 can act as the acid-base catalyst in ascorbate peroxidase.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

PubMed2002

A new conceptual framework for enzyme catalysis. Hydrogen tunnelling coupled to enzyme dynamics in flavoprotein and quinoprotein enzymes.

Recent years have witnessed high levels of activity in identifying enzyme systems that catalyse H-transfer by quantum tunneling. Rather than being restricted to a small number of specific enzymes as perceived initially, it has now become an accepted mechanism for H-transfer in a growing number of enzymes. Furthermore, H-tunneling is driven by the thermally induced dynamics of the enzyme. In some of those enzymes that break stable C-H bonds the reaction proceeds purely by quantum tunneling, without the need to partially ascend the barrier. Enzymes studied that fall into this category include the flavoprotein and quinoprotein amine dehydrogenases, which have proved to be excellent model systems. These enzymes have enabled us to study the relationship between barrier shape and reaction kinetics. This has involved studies with "slow" and "fast" substrates and enzymes impaired by mutagenesis. A number of key questions now remain, including the nature of the coupling between protein dynamics and quantum tunneling. The wide-ranging implications of quantum tunneling introduce a paradigm shift in the conceptual framework for enzyme catalysis, inhibition and design.

Catalysis↗

PubMed2001

Electron transfer and conformational change in complexes of trimethylamine dehydrogenase and electron transferring flavoprotein.

The trimethylamine dehydrogenase-electron transferring flavoprotein (TMADH.ETF) electron transfer complex has been studied by fluorescence and absorption spectroscopies. These studies indicate that a series of conformational changes occur during the assembly of the TMADH.ETF electron transfer complex and that the kinetics of assembly observed with mutant TMADH (Y442F/L/G) or ETF (alpha R237A) complexes are much slower than are the corresponding rates of electron transfer in these complexes. This suggests that electron transfer does not occur in the thermodynamically most favorable state (which takes too long to form), but that one or more metastable states (which are formed more rapidly) are competent in transferring electrons from TMADH to ETF. Additionally, fluorescence spectroscopy studies of the TMADH.ETF complex indicate that ETF undergoes a stable conformational change (termed structural imprinting) when it interacts transiently with TMADH to form a second, distinct, structural form. The mutant complexes compromise imprinting of ETF, indicating a dependence on the native interactions present in the wild-type complex. The imprinted form of semiquinone ETF exhibits an enhanced rate of electron transfer to the artificial electron acceptor, ferricenium. Overall molecular conformations as probed by small-angle x-ray scattering studies are indistinguishable for imprinted and non-imprinted ETF, suggesting that changes in structure likely involve confined reorganizations within the vicinity of the FAD. Our results indicate a series of conformational events occur during the assembly of the TMADH.ETF electron transfer complex, and that the properties of electron transfer proteins can be affected lastingly by transient interaction with their physiological redox partners. This may have significant implications for our understanding of biological electron transfer reactions in vivo, because ETF encounters TMADH at all times in the cell. Our studies suggest that caution needs to be exercised in extrapolating the properties of in vitro interprotein electron transfer reactions to those occurring in vivo.

Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase↗