Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Dithionite”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 451 records · Page 25Linked to original sources

The mechanism of thioredoxin reductase from human placenta is similar to the mechanisms of lipoamide dehydrogenase and glutathione reductase and is distinct from the mechanism of thioredoxin reductase from Escherichia coli.

Thioredoxin reductase, lipoamide dehydrogenase, and glutathione reductase are members of the pyridine nucleotide-disulfide oxidoreductase family of dimeric flavoenzymes. The mechanisms and structures of lipoamide dehydrogenase and glutathione reductase are alike irrespective of the source (subunit M(r) approximately 55,000). Although the mechanism and structure of thioredoxin reductase from Escherichia coli are distinct (M(r) approximately 35,000), this enzyme must be placed in the same family because there are significant amino acid sequence similarities with the other two enzymes, the presence of a redox-active disulfide, and the substrate specificities. Thioredoxin reductase from higher eukaryotes on the other hand has a M(r) of approximately 55,000 [Luthman, M. & Holmgren, A. (1982) Biochemistry 21, 6628-6633; Gasdaska, P. Y., Gasdaska, J. R., Cochran, S. & Powis, G. (1995) FEBS Lett 373, 5-9; Gladyshev, V. N., Jeang, K. T. & Stadtman, T.C. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93, 6146-6151]. Thus, the evolution of this family is highly unusual. The mechanism of thioredoxin reductase from higher eukaryotes is not known. As reported here, thioredoxin reductase from human placenta reacts with only a single molecule of NADPH, which leads to a stable intermediate similar to that observed in titrations of lipoamide dehydrogenase or glutathione reductase. Titration of thioredoxin reductase from human placenta with dithionite takes place in two spectral phases: formation of a thiolate-flavin charge transfer complex followed by reduction of the flavin, just as with lipoamide dehydrogenase or glutathione reductase. The first phase requires more than one equivalent of dithionite. This suggests that the penultimate selenocysteine [Tamura, T. & Stadtman, T.C. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93, 1006-1011] is in redox communication with the active site disulfide/dithiol. Nitrosoureas of the carmustine type inhibit only the NADPH reduced form of human thioredoxin reductase. These compounds are widely used as cytostatic agents, so this enzyme should be studied as a target in cancer chemotherapy. In conclusion, three lines of evidence indicate that the mechanism of human thioredoxin reductase is like the mechanisms of lipoamide dehydrogenase and glutathione reductase and differs fundamentally from the mechanism of E. coli thioredoxin reductase.

Dihydrolipoamide Dehydrogenase↗

Oxygen equilibrium properties of chromium (III)-iron (II) hybrid hemoglobins.

Cr(III)-Fe(II) hybrid hemoglobins, alpha 2(Cr) beta 2(Fe) and alpha 2(Fe) beta 2(Cr), in which hemes in either the alpha- or beta-subunits were substituted with chromium(III) protoporphyrin IX (Cr(III)(PPIX), were prepared and characterized by oxygen equilibrium measurements. Because Cr(III)PPIX binds neither oxygen molecules nor carbon monoxide, the oxygen equilibrium properties of Fe(II) subunits within these hybrids can be analyzed by a two-step oxygen equilibrium scheme. The oxygen equilibrium constants for both hybrids at the second oxygenation step agree with those for human adult hemoglobin at the last oxygenation step (at pH 6.5-8.4 with an without inositol hexaphosphate at 25 degrees C). The similarity between the effects of the Cr(III)PPIX and each subunits' oxygeme on the oxygen equilibrium properties of the counterpart Fe(II) subunits within hemoglobin indicate the utility of Cr(III)PPIX as a model for a permanently oxygenated heme within the hemoglobin molecule. We found that Cr(III)-Fe(II) hybrid hemoglobins have several advantages over cyanomet valency hybrid hemoglobins, which have been frequently used as a model system for partially oxygenated hemoglobins. In contrast to cyanomet heme, Cr(III)PPIX within hemoglobin is not subject to reduction with dithionite or enzymatic reduction systems. Therefore, we could obtain more accurate and reasonable oxygen equilibrium curves of Cr(III)-Fe(II) hybrids in the presence of an enzymatic reduction system, and we could obtain single crystals of deoxy-alpha 2(Cr) beta 2(Fe) when grown in low salt solution in the presence of polyethylene glycol 1000 and 50 mM dithionite.

Adult↗

Comparison of the functional properties of the monomeric and dimeric forms of the isolated CP47-reaction center complex.

Chlorophyll fluorescence, thermoluminescence, and EPR spectroscopy have been used to investigate the functional properties of the monomeric and dimeric forms of the photosystem II CP47-reaction center (CP47-RC) subcore complex that was isolated (Zheleva, D., Sharma, J., Panico, M., Morris, H. R., and Barber, J. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 16122-16127). Chlorophyll fluorescence yield changes induced either by the initiation of continuous actinic light or by repetitive light flashes indicated that the dimeric, but not the monomeric, form of the CP47-RC complex showed secondary electron transport properties indicative of QA reduction. Thermoluminescence measurements also clearly distinguished the monomer from the dimer in that the latter showed a ZV band, which appeared at -55 degreesC, following illumination at -80 degreesC. This band has been determined to be an indicator of the photoaccumulation of QA-. The ability of the dimeric CP47-RC to show secondary electron transport properties was clearly demonstrated by EPR studies. The dimer was characterized by organic radical signals at about g = 2 induced either by illumination or by the addition of dithionite. The dithionite-induced signal was attributed to QA-, but there was no indication of any interaction with non-heme iron. The signal induced by light was more complex, being composed not only of the QA- radical but also of radicals generated on the donor side. Difference analyses indicated that one of these radicals is likely to be due to a D1 tyrosine 161 or D2 tyrosine 161. In contrast, the monomeric CP47-RC complex did not show similar EPR-detectable radicals and instead was dominated by a high yield of the spin-polarized triplet signal generated by recombination reactions between the oxidized primary reductant, pheophytin, and the primary donor, P680. It is also concluded from EPR analyses that both the monomeric and dimeric forms of the CP47-RC subcore complex contain one cytochrome b559 per reaction center. Overall the results suggest that photosystem II normally functions as a dimer complex and that monomerization at the level of the CP47-RC subcore complex leads to destabilization of the bound plastoquinone, which functions as QA.

Cytochrome b Group↗

The FeMoco-deficient MoFe protein produced by a nifH deletion strain of Azotobacter vinelandii shows unusual P-cluster features.

The His-tag MoFe protein expressed by the nifH deletion strain Azotobacter vinelandii DJ1165 (Delta(nifH) MoFe protein) was purified in large quantity. The alpha(2)beta(2) tetrameric Delta(nifH) MoFe protein is FeMoco-deficient based on metal analysis and the absence of the S = 3/2 EPR signal, which arises from the FeMo cofactor center in wild-type MoFe protein. The Delta(nifH) MoFe protein contains 18.6 mol Fe/mol and, upon reduction with dithionite, exhibits an unusually strong S = 1/2 EPR signal in the g approximately 2 region. The indigo disulfonate-oxidized Delta(nifH) MoFe protein does not show features of the P(2+) state of the P-cluster of the Delta(nifB) MoFe protein. The oxidized Delta(nifH) MoFe protein is able to form a specific complex with the Fe protein containing the [4Fe-4S](1+) cluster and facilitates the hydrolysis of MgATP within this complex. However, it is not able to accept electrons from the [4Fe-4S](1+) cluster of the Fe protein. Furthermore, the dithionite-reduced Delta(nifH) MoFe can be further reduced by Ti(III) citrate, which is quite unexpected. These unusual catalytic and spectroscopic properties might indicate the presence of a P-cluster precursor or a P-cluster trapped in an unusual conformation or oxidation state.

Azotobacter vinelandii↗

Tuning a nitrate reductase for function. The first spectropotentiometric characterization of a bacterial assimilatory nitrate reductase reveals novel redox properties.

Bacterial cytoplasmic assimilatory nitrate reductases are the least well characterized of all of the subgroups of nitrate reductases. In the present study the ferredoxin-dependent nitrate reductase NarB of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 was analyzed by spectropotentiometry and protein film voltammetry. Metal and acid-labile sulfide analysis revealed nearest integer values of 4:4:1 (iron/sulfur/molybdenum)/molecule of NarB. Analysis of dithionite-reduced enzyme by low temperature EPR revealed at 10 K the presence of a signal that is characteristic of a [4Fe-4S](1+) cluster. EPR-monitored potentiometric titration of NarB revealed that this cluster titrated as an n = 1 Nernstian component with a midpoint redox potential (E(m)) of -190 mV. EPR spectra collected at 60 K revealed a Mo(V) signal termed "very high g" with g(av) = 2.0047 in air-oxidized enzyme that accounted for only 10-20% of the total molybdenum. This signal disappeared upon reduction with dithionite, and a new "high g" species (g(av) = 1.9897) was observed. In potentiometric titrations the high g Mo(V) signal developed over the potential range of -100 to -350 mV (E(m) Mo(6+/5+) = -150 mV), and when fully developed, it accounted for 1 mol of Mo(V)/mol of enzyme. Protein film voltammetry of NarB revealed that activity is turned on at potentials below -200 mV, where the cofactors are predominantly [4Fe-4S](1+) and Mo(5+). The data suggests that during the catalytic cycle nitrate will bind to the Mo(5+) state of NarB in which the enzyme is minimally two-electron-reduced. Comparison of the spectral properties of NarB with those of the membrane-bound and periplasmic respiratory nitrate reductases reveals that it is closely related to the periplasmic enzyme, but the potential of the molybdenum center of NarB is tuned to operate at lower potentials, consistent with the coupling of NarB to low potential ferredoxins in the cell cytoplasm.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Conversion of trichloroacetic acid to dichloroacetic acid in biological samples.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) has been identified as an environmental contaminant in groundwater. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), dichloroacetic acid (DCA), chloral hydrate (CH), trichloroethanol (TCOH), and trichloroethanol glucuronide (TCOG) have been identified as metabolites of TCE. Studies have shown that TCA and DCA are toxicologically significant metabolites that can induce liver tumors in B6C3F1 mice. Methods for the analysis of these metabolites are important for conducting pharmacokinetic studies. In this study, TCA and DCA were derivatized to their methyl esters by dimethyl sulfate under acidic conditions and analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. In developing a method for esterifying TCA and DCA, the conversion of TCA to DCA was observed in freshly drawn blood upon the addition of acid. After blood was drawn from the animals, the amount of TCA converted to DCA by the addition of acid decreased with time. This conversion could be prevented by freezing blood samples overnight prior to the addition of acid. Further experiments demonstrated that this activity could be restored by the addition of dithionite to inactivate blood samples or the addition of dithionite to methemoglobin prior to the addition of acid. The results reported here show that reduced hemoglobin may be involved in the acid-catalyzed conversion of TCA to DCA.

Animals↗

Purification and characterization of multiple forms of rat liver xanthine oxidoreductase expressed in baculovirus-insect cell system.

cDNA of rat liver xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), a molybdenum-containing iron-sulfur flavoprotein, was expressed in a baculovirus-insect cell system. The expressed XOR consisted of a heterogeneous mixture of native dimeric, demolybdo-dimeric, and monomeric forms, each of which was separated and purified to homogeneity. All the expressed forms contained flavin, of which the semiquinone form was stable during dithionite titration after dithiothreitol treatment, indicating that the flavin domains of all the expressed molecules have the intact conformations interconvertible between NAD(+)-dependent dehydrogenase (XDH) and O(2)-dependent oxidase (XO) types. The absorption spectrum and metal analyses showed that the monomeric form lacks not only molybdopterin but also one of the iron-sulfur centers. The reductive titration of the monomer with dithionite showed that the monomeric form required only three electrons for complete reduction, and the redox potential of the iron-sulfur center in the monomeric form is a lower value than that of FAD. In contrast to native or demolybdo-dimeric XDHs, the monomer showed a very slow reductive process with NADH under anaerobic conditions, although the conformation around FAD is a dehydrogenase form, suggesting the important role of the iron-sulfur center in the reductive process of FAD with the reduced pyridine nucleotide.

Animals↗

Phospholipid translocation from the outer to the inner leaflet of synaptic vesicle membranes isolated from the electric organ of Japanese electric ray Narke japonica.

The phospholipid translocation from the outer to the inner leaflet of synaptic vesicles isolated from the electric organ of the Japanese electric ray, Narke japonica, was measured using fluorescent phospholipid probes. Phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), or phosphatidylserine (PS) with a fluorescent NBD-labeled short acyl chain at the sn-2 position was mixed with purified synaptic vesicles and the probe in the outer leaflet of the membranes was reduced with dithionite to quench the fluorescence from time to time. The percentage of fluorescence remaining after the dithionite treatment served as an index for the phospholipid translocation. The results obtained indicated that about 30, 13, and 9% of NBD-PE, NBD-PS, and NBD-PC, respectively, were translocated from the outer to the inner leaflet in 3 h. Thus, the translocation activity in synaptic vesicle membranes was much higher for PE than for PS, in contrast to the previous results obtained with plasma membranes, including synaptosomal membranes. The percentages of the phospholipid in the inner leaflet at equilibrium were estimated to be 41, 31, and 14% for PE, PS, and PC, respectively. The translocation was inhibited by pretreatment with an SH reagent, iodoacetamide, indicating the involvement of a proteinaceous translocator. These data may provide a biochemical basis for elucidating the mechanisms of membrane fusion and exocytosis at nerve endings.

4-Chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan↗

Anaerobic purification and characterization of nitrous oxide reductase from Rhodobacter sphaeroides f. sp. denitrificans IL106.

The nitrous oxide reductase from the photodenitrifier, Rhodobacter sphaeroides f. sp. denitrificans IL106, has been purified under anaerobic conditions. The specific activity of the enzyme was 78 micromol nitrous oxide reduced per min per mg protein, which was approximately 80% higher than that of the aerobic form. The enzyme purified anaerobically retained most of its activity after aerobic storage at 4 degrees C for 2 months without any additives. Visible absorption spectra of the Rhodobacter nitrous oxide reductase resembled those of the enzymes from other origins. The enzyme retained its activity after reduction with sodium dithionite, and the enzyme activity could be determined using dithionite-reduced benzyl viologen. Turnover-dependent inactivation of the enzyme was suppressed by complete removal of oxygen from the reaction mixture, and promoted by zinc ions.

Chromatography, Gel↗

Purification and properties of Halobacterium halobium "cytochrome aa3" which lacks CuA and CuB.

An a-type cytochrome was purified from Halobacterium halobium. The cytochrome showed an absorption spectrum similar to that of cytochrome aa3; it showed absorption peaks at 420 and 598 nm in the resting state, peaks at 441 and 602 nm in the reduced form, and its CO compound showed peaks at 430 and 600 nm. The cytochrome molecule was composed of only one kind of polypeptide with the molecular weight of 40,000. The cytochrome contained two heme a molecules in the molecule but no copper. The cytochrome did not show cytochrome c oxidase activity. Midpoint redox potential at pH 8.0 of the cytochrome was determined to be +0.31 V. The amino acid composition of the cytochrome resembled that of subunit I of mitochondrial cytochrome aa3. While two molecules of heme a were reduced with sodium dithionite, only one of two heme a molecules was reduced with ascorbate plus TMPD. The heme a reduced with ascorbate plus TMPD did not react with molecular oxygen or carbon monoxide, while one of two heme a molecules reduced with sodium dithionite was oxidized by molecular oxygen and combined with carbon monoxide.

Amino Acids↗

Cytochrome components of plant microsomes.

The electron transport components of the microsomal fraction of cauliflower buds and mung bean hypocotyls were investigated using split-beam and dual wavelength spectrophotometry under a variety of reducing conditions. Cauliflower microsomes were found to contain an ascorbate-reducible component, termed cytochrome b-559.5 [E'0 = +135 +/- 20 mV; lambdamax (reduced minus oxidised) = 559.5, 527 and 429 nm at 23 degrees C], cytochrome b5 [E'0 = -20 +/- 20 mV; lambdamax (reduced minus oxidised) = 556, 526 and 425 nm at 23 degrees C], cytochromes P-450 and P-420. On the basis of binding studies with ethyl isocyanide, degradation of cytochrome P-450 to P-420, redox potential, aniline binding, and relative rates of reduction by NADPH and NADH, it is suggested that the cytochrome P-450 system is analogous to that mammalian microsomes. Other components, reducible only by dithionite, may also be present. Mung bean microsomes were found to contain an ascorbate-reducible component, termed cytochrome b-562 [E'0 = +120 +/- 20 mV; lambdamax (reduced minus oxidised) = 562, 528 and 430 nm at 23 degrees C], cytochrome b5, and a low potential component which was reducible only by sodium dithionite. No cytochrome P-450 or P-420 could be detected. A general method of analysis of the cytochromes was developed and applied to the microsomes from a variety of plant sources. The results indicate that large variations, both in type and amount of components, occur between the microsomes from different plant materials.

Aniline Compounds↗

Nitrosoalkanes as Fe(II) ligands in the hemoglobin and myoglobin complexes formed from nitroalkanes in reducing conditions.

Primary and secondary aliphatic nitro compounds, R2CHNO2, react with myoglobin and hemoglobin, in the presence of sodium dithionite, leading to new complexes with Soret peaks respectively at 425 and 421 nm. These complexes are very stable even after disappearance of the starting nitro compounds and do not exchange their exogenous ligand after 10 h under 1 atm (101 325 Pa) CO. They are low-spin hexacoordinated myoglobin or hemoglobin complexes, as shown by the resonance Raman spectrum of the nitromethane-derived human hemoglobin complex which is similar to those of the known hemoglobin complexes with O2, CO, NO and nitrosobenzene. Evidence has been produced to show that the nitro compounds themselves do not bind to the hemoproteins; we propose that among the reduction derivatives produced in situ by dithionite, the corresponding unstable nitroso monomers, whose nitroso group is isoelectronic with dioxygen, are the actual ligands of the 425-nm or 421-nm-absorbing complexes.

Alkanes↗

Desulfovibrio Gigas hydrogenase: redox properties of the nickel and iron-sulfur centers.

Below 30 K, oxidized Desulfovibrio gigas hydrogenase presents an intense electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal centered at g = 2.02, typical of an iron-sulfur center. In addition a rhombic EPR signal, attributed to Ni(III) species, is also observed [LeGall, J., Ljungdahl, P., Moura, I., Peck, H.D., Jr, Xavier, A.V., Moura, J.J.G., Teixeira, M., Huynh, B.H., and DerVartanian, D.V. (1982) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 106, 610-616; and Cammack, R., Patil, D., Aguirre, R., and Hatchikian, E.C., (1982) FEBS Lett. 142, 289-292]. At higher temperatures (77 K) the iron-sulfur EPR signal is broader and all the EPR features of the rhombic nickel signal can easily be observed. We have now obtained additional information concerning the redox properties of these EPR active centers, using an EPR redox titration method in the presence of dye mediators at pH = 8.5. The mid-point potential was determined to be -70 mV for the Fe,S cluster and -220 mV for the Ni center. Intermediate oxidation states were obtained upon partial reduction with either dithionite or hydrogen. Although upon dithionite reduction the centers are reduced in the order of decreasing mid-point reduction potentials, under a hydrogen atmosphere the nickel center reduces preferentially. This suggests a catalytic involvement of the nickel redox center in the binding of hydrogen. Preliminary Mössbauer studies on Desulfovibrio gigas hydrogenase reveal the presence of a paramagnetic 3 Fe center and two 4 Fe centers. The 3 Fe center is responsible for the g = 2.02 EPR signal but the two 4 Fe centers have been so far undetectable by EPR.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Purification, characterization and redox properties of hydrogenase from Methanosarcina barkeri (DSM 800).

A soluble hydrogenase from the methanogenic bacterium, Methanosarcina barkeri (DSM 800) has been purified to apparent electrophoretic homogeneity, with an overall 550-fold purification, a 45% yield and a final specific activity of 270 mumol H2 evolved min-1 (mg protein)-1. The hydrogenase has a high molecular mass of approximately equal to 800 kDa and subunits with molecular masses of approximately equal to 60 kDa. The enzyme is stable to heating at 65 degrees C and to exposure to air at 4 degrees C in the oxidized state for periods up to a week. The overall stability of this enzyme is compared with other hydrogenase isolated from strict anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria. Ms. barkeri hydrogenase shows an absorption spectrum typical of a non-heme iron protein with maxima at 275 nm, 380 nm and 405 nm. A flavin component, identified as FMN or riboflavin was extracted under acidic conditions and quantified to approximately one flavin molecule per subunit. In addition to this component, 8-10 iron atoms and 0.6-0.8 nickel atom were also detected per subunit. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of the native enzyme shows a rhombic signal with g values at 2.24, 2.20 and approximately equal to 2.0. probably due to nickel which is optimally measured at 40 K but still detectable at 77 K. In the reduced state, using dithionite or molecular hydrogen as reductants, at least two types of g = 1.94 EPR signals, due to iron-sulfur centers, could be detected and differentiated on the basis of power and temperature dependence. Center I has g values at 2.04, 1.90 and 1.86, while center II has g values at 2.08, 1.93 and 1.85. When the hydrogenase is reduced by hydrogen or dithionite the rhombic EPR species disappears and is replaced by other EPR-active species with g values at 2.33, 2.23, 2.12, 2.09, 2.04 and 2.00. These complex signals may represent different nickel species and are only observable at temperatures higher than 20 K. In the native preparation, at high temperatures (T greater than 35 K) or in partially reduced samples, a free radical due to the flavin moiety is observed. The EPR spectrum of reduced hydrogenase in 80% Me2SO presents an axial type of spectrum only detectable below 30 K.

Allosteric Site↗

Spectroscopic studies of the nature of the iron clusters in the soluble hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans (strain Norway 4).

57Fe-enriched samples of the soluble hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans (Norway) have been investigated in both the native (oxidized) and the dithionite-reduced states using Mössbauer spectroscopy. The data clearly show that the iron in this enzyme is predominantly in the form of iron-sulphur clusters which are closely similar to the [4Fe-4S] clusters found in a large number of ferredoxins, such as that from Bacillus stearothermophilus. There appear to be two [4Fe-4S] clusters. The iron-sulphur clusters in the oxidized protein are virtually diamagnetic, as indicated by Mössbauer, electron spin resonance and magnetic circular dichroic spectroscopy. On reduction by dithionite + methyl viologen, Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that only 50% of the [4Fe-4S] clusters were reduced. Even reduction with hydrogen up to a pressure of 23 GPa did not reduce the iron-sulphur clusters completely. An ESR signal due to a rapidly relaxing species with g = 2.03, 1.89 was observed in the reduced protein, together with a weaker spectrum from a slower-relaxing species at g = 2.34, 2.12.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Conformational change accompanies redox reactions of the tetraheme cytochrome c-554 of Nitrosomonas europaea.

Cytochrome c-554 of the ammonia-oxidizing chemolithoautotropic bacteria is thought to mediate electron transfer from hydroxylamine oxidoreductase to a terminal oxidase and/or to ammonia monooxygenase. The cytochrome has four c hemes which interact magnetically and have the same redox potential. We report that the kinetics of reduction of ferric cytochrome c-554 by dithionite or the oxidation of ferrous cytochrome c-554 by O2 or H2O2 are complex and multiphasic. Transient rapid-scan difference spectra indicate discrete maxima at approximately 418 nm, 425 nm and 432 nm. Absorbance changes at all three difference maxima appear to occur in all kinetic phases, although not in equal amounts for each wavelength. Reduction by 20 mM dithionite was biphasic. At pH 7.5 the first phase, which involved approximately 50% of the total absorbance change, had a rate constant (20 degrees C) of 140 s-1 and energy of activation of 20 kJ X mol-1. The slow phase had a rate constant 0.43 s-1 and a relatively high energy of activation, 87 kJ X mol-1, suggesting that a change in protein configuration accompanied the reaction. As the pH of the solution increased, the rate constant for both phases decreased and the fraction of absorbance change in the rapid phase increased. Oxidation of ferrous cytochrome c-554 by O2 involved a discrete rapid phase with a rate constant of 14 s-1, accounting for 6% of the absorbance. The remainder of the reaction was multiphasic with rate constants in the range 0.1-0.01 s-1. With H2O2 as the oxidant, the rapid phase involved 39% of the change in absorbance with a rate constant of 19 s-1. The remainder of the reoxidation was multiphasic with rate constants ranging over 0.4-0.01 s-1.

Cytochrome c Group↗

Nitrous oxide reductase from Pseudomonas stutzeri. Redox properties and spectroscopic characterization of different forms of the multicopper enzyme.

The oxidation-reduction and spectroscopic properties of various forms of nitrous oxide reductase from Pseudomonas stutzeri were investigated. The high-activity form I of the enzyme (purple, 8 Cu, Mr 140,000) was reduced by a large variety of cationic, anionic and photochemically generated agents. The blue form III was the only product found in these experiments under anaerobic conditions. Reductive (dithionite) and oxidative (ferricyanide) titrations showed that the conversion of the purple form I to the blue species III was fully reversible in the absence of dioxygen. Two kinetically different phases of the reaction of form I with a stoichiometric amount of dithionite (1e- -equivalent/Cu) were detected: in the fast phase (seconds), the purple chromophore with lamba max at 540 nm disappeared almost completely, whereas in the slower phase (minutes) the blue species with lambda max around 650 nm was generated. Irrespective of the nature of the reductant the blue species did not react even at large excess of reductant. It was reoxidized by ferricyanide, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide. A new, catalytically inactive derivative of nitrous oxide reductase (form V, 2 Cu, Mr 140,000) was isolated from a transposon Tn5-induced mutant with defective chromophore biosynthesis. The pink color of the mutant protein faded almost completely after addition of 0.5e- -equivalent/Cu. In this case no blue species was found, similar to earlier observations for the regenerated, catalytically inactive protein. Varying with the sample and the pH, 50-80% of the total copper of form I was in an electron-paramagnetic-resonance-(EPR)-silent state as compared to 47% in the mutant protein. The broad, featureless EPR signal recorded at 9.32 GHz for the blue, reduced form III of nitrous oxide reductase represented approximately 20% of the total copper. For the blue species no resolution enhancement was achieved at 34 GHz. At this frequency both forms I and V showed similar EPR signals with apparent g-values at 2.16 and 1.99. At 9.32 GHz, form V had an EPR signal with gII at 2.18, AII = 3.55 mT (4 or 5 lines, in contrast to form I) and gI at 2.03. Above 100 K the splitting of the gII region into seven equidistant lines in the EPR signal of the high-activity form I and the hyperfine structure of the perpendicular transition disappeared. Carbon monoxide and nitric oxide, but not nitrous oxide, had marked effects on the spectroscopic properties of the purple form I. Marked effects were also obtained for the exogenous ligands nitrite, azide, cyanate and thiocyanate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Copper↗

Kinetic study of the reduction mechanism for Desulfovibrio gigas cytochrome c3.

The kinetic aspects of the reduction process in cytochrome c3 from Desulfovibrio gigas have been investigated over a wide range of pH values ranging between pH 5.8 and pH 9.8. The data have been analyzed in the framework of an I2H4 interaction network coupled to a proton-linked equilibrium between two tertiary structures (Cornish-Bowden, A. & Koshland, D.E. Jr (1970) J. Biol. Chem. 245, 6241-6250). The kinetic rate constants for the reduction of the four hemes for the two tertiary conformations have been characterized in the framework of the thermodynamic network obtained from the equilibrium analysis (Coletta, M., Catarino, T., LeGall, J.J. & Xavier, A.V. (1991) Eur. J. Biochem. 202, 1101-1106). The intrinsic reduction rate constants determined by reaction with sodium dithionite for two hemes (namely heme 4 and heme 1) are significantly faster than those for the other two heme residues. In view of the equilibrium redox properties, heme 4 (with the fastest reduction rate) may then work as the kinetic electron-capturing site for the electrons from sodium dithionite. The transfer to hemes 2 and 3 then occurs by virtue of their free-energy levels at equilibrium. At our experimental conditions, there is also transfer of electrons to hemes 2 and 3 from heme 1, which is reduced at a slower rate than heme 4, thus contributing to the biphasic kinetics observed for the overall process. The kinetic parameters obtained are discussed in terms of the mechanism proposed for the coupling between the electron and proton transfer, as induced by the heme/heme cooperativity network.

Cytochrome c Group↗