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Time-resolved and steady-state spectroscopic analysis of membrane-bound reaction centers from Rhodobacter sphaeroides: comparisons with detergent-solubilized complexes.

The spectroscopic analysis of the antenna-deficient Rhodobacter sphaeroides strain RCO1 has been extended to an investigation of the kinetics and spectroscopy of primary charge separation. Global analysis of time-resolved difference spectra demonstrated that the rate of charge separation in membrane-bound reaction centers is slightly slower than in detergent-solubilized reaction centers from the same strain. A kinetic analysis of the decay of the primary donor excited state at single wavelengths was carried out using a high repetition rate laser system, with the reaction centers being maintained in the open state using a combination of phenazine methosulfate and horse heart cytochrome c. The kinetics of primary charge separation in both membrane-bound and solubilized reaction centers were found to be non-monoexponential, with two exponential decay components required for a satisfactory description of the decay of the primary donor excited state. The overall rate of charge separation in membrane-bound reaction centers was slowed if the primary acceptor quinone was reduced using sodium ascorbate. This slowing was caused, in part, by an increase in the relative amplitude of the slower of the two exponential components. The acceleration in the rate of charge separation observed on removal of the reaction center from the membrane did not appear to be caused by a significant change in the electrochemical properties of the primary donor. The influence of the environment of the reaction center on primary charge separation is discussed together with the origins of the non-monoexponential decay of the primary donor excited state.

Ascorbic Acid↗

A new kinetic model for the steady-state reactions of the quinoprotein methanol dehydrogenase from Paracoccus denitrificans.

The reactions of methanol dehydrogenase from Paracoccus denitrificans with artificial electron acceptors, ammonia, cyanide, and substrates have been characterized by steady-state kinetic analysis. Phenazine ethosulfate, a commonly used electron acceptor for this enzyme, was shown to exhibit pronounced substrate inhibition with a K(i) value approximately 20-fold lower than its Km. Wurster's Blue exhibited only relatively mild substrate inhibition and was deemed a more appropriate electron acceptor. Ammonia was an obligatory activator of the enzyme at low concentrations and inhibited a high concentrations. The K(i) value for this inhibition correlated closely with the Kd calculated from a titration of perturbations of the absorption spectrum of methanol dehydrogenase which were caused by the addition of ammonia. Cyanide, which suppressed the peculiar endogenous reaction of methanol dehydrogenase, was also both an activator of substrate-dependent activity and a competitive inhibitor with respect to methanol. Kinetic analysis indicated that the latter two activities corresponded to two distinct binding sites for cyanide. The Ka for cyanide activation correlated closely with the concentration required to inhibit 50% of the endogenous reaction, suggesting that a single binding event is responsible for both of these effects. A model is presented to describe the effects of ammonia and cyanide in the reaction cycle of methanol dehydrogenase, and the physiological relevance of the activation and inhibition by these compounds in vitro is discussed.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

Xanthine dehydrogenase from Drosophila melanogaster: purification and properties of the wild-type enzyme and of a variant lacking iron-sulfur centers.

Xanthine dehydrogenase has been purified to homogeneity by conventional procedures from the wild-type strain of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, as well as from a rosy mutant strain (E89----K, ry5231) known to carry a point mutation in the iron-sulfur domain of the enzyme. The wild-type enzyme had all the specific properties that are peculiar to the molybdenum-containing hydroxylases. It had normal contents of molybdenum, the pterin molybdenum cofactor, FAD, and iron-sulfur centers. EPR studies showed its molybdenum center to be quite indistinguishable from that of milk xanthine oxidase. As isolated, only about 10% of the enzyme was present in the functional form, with most or all of the remainder as the inactive desulfo form. It is suggested that this may be present in vivo. Extensive proteolysis accompanied by the development of oxidase activity took place during isolation, but dehydrogenase activity was retained. EPR properties of the reduced iron-sulfur centers, Fe-SI and Fe-SII, in the enzyme are very similar to those of the corresponding centers in milk xanthine oxidase. The E89----K mutant enzyme variant was in all respects closely similar to the wild-type enzyme, with the exception that it lacked both of the iron-sulfur centers. This was established both by its having the absorption spectrum of a simple flavoprotein and by the complete absence of EPR signals characteristic of iron-sulfur centers in the reduced enzyme. Despite the lack of iron-sulfur centers, the mutant enzyme had xanthine:NAD+ oxidoreductase activity indistinguishable from that of the wild-type enzyme. Stopped-flow measurements indicated that, as for the wild-type enzyme, reduction of the mutant enzyme was rate-limiting in turnover. Thus, the iron-sulfur centers appear irrelevant to the normal turnover of the wild-type enzyme with these substrates. However, activity to certain oxidizing substrates, particularly phenazine methosulfate, is abolished in the mutant enzyme variant. This is one of the first examples of deletion by genetic means of iron-sulfur centers from an iron-sulfur protein. The relevance of our findings both to the roles of iron-sulfur centers in other systems and to the nature of the oxidizing substrate for the Drosophila enzyme in vivo are briefly discussed.

Animals↗

Binding of delta- and lambda-[Ru(phen)3]2+ to [d(CGCGATCGCG)]2 studied by NMR.

The interactions of the delta and lambda enantiomers of the chiral metal complex [Ru(phen)3]2+ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) with the oligonucleotide duplex [d(CGCGATCGCG)]2 have been studied with NMR and CD spectroscopy. From NOESY data it is shown that the interaction primarily takes place in the minor groove of the oligonucleotide which remains in a B-like conformation. The observed NOEs also provide evidence that the metal complexes preferentially bind to the central AT region. The observed AT specificity is more pronounced with the delta as compared to the lambda enantiomer, which interacts with a larger part of the oligonucleotide. Furthermore, the NOESY data show that neither of the enantiomers binds by classical intercalation. This is also supported by a comparison study of the analogue [Ru(phen)2DPPZ]2+ (DPPZ = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'c]phenazine) which intercalates in DNA. The NMR as well as the CD results show that the delta and lambea enantiomers of [Ru(phen)3]2+ bind in different modes to [d(CGCGATCGCG)]2. Comparison of CD spectra of the metal complex in the presence of [d(CGCGATCGCG)]2, poly(dAdT).poly-(dAdT), poly(dGdC).poly(dGdC), and calf thymus DNA suggests that these binding modes are independent of DNA sequence. The results are found to be compatible with binding of delta-[Ru(phen)3]2+ by insertion of two phenanthroline ligands into the minor groove, causing minor distortions of the DNA structure, whereas the lambda enantiomer binds in a mode that leaves the DNA structure unaffected.

Base Sequence↗

Vicinal dithiol-disulfide distribution in the Escherichia coli mannitol specific carrier enzyme IImtl.

Escherichia coli mannitol specific EII in membrane vesicles can be inhibited by the action of the oxidizable substrate-reduced phenazine methosulfate (PMS) in a manner similar to E. coli enzyme IIGlc [Robillard, G. T., & Konings, W. (1981) Biochemistry 20, 5025-5032]. The fact that reduced PMS and various oxidizing agents protect the enzyme from inactivation by the sulfhydryl reagents N-ethylmaleimide and bromopyruvate suggests that the active form possesses a dithiol which can be protected by conversion to a disulfide. The sulfhydryl-disulfide distribution has been examined in purified EIImtl by labeling studies with N-[1-14C]ethylmaleimide ( [14C]NEM). EIImtl can be alkylated at three positions per peptide chain. When alkylation takes place in 8 M urea, only two positions are labeled. The third position becomes labeled in urea only after treatment with DTT, suggesting that the native enzyme is composed of two subunits linked by a disulfide bridge. The remaining two sulfhydryl groups per peptide chain appear to undergo changes in oxidation state as indicated by the following results. (1) Treatment of the active enzyme with NEM leads to complete inactivation and incorporation of 1 mol of [14C]NEM per peptide chain. Oxidizing agents protect the activity and prevent labeling presumably by forming a disulfide. (2) Phosphorylating the enzyme (one phosphoryl group per peptide chain) fully protects the activity, but 1 mol of NEM per peptide chain is still incorporated. Subsequent dephosphorylation by adding mannitol causes a second mole of [14C]NEM to be incorporated and results in complete inactivation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Carbon Radioisotopes↗

NADH- and oxygen-dependent multiple turnovers of cytochrome P-450-CAM without putidaredoxin and putidaredoxin reductase.

Phenazine methosulfate (PMS) has been successfully used to mediate electron transfer from NADH to cytochrome P-450-CAM in the absence of putidaredoxin and putidaredoxin reductase under aerobic conditions. Identification and quantitation of exo-5- hydroxycamphor , the only product, has been accomplished by gas chromatography. In the absence of cytochrome P-450-CAM, or when other heme proteins (hemoglobin, myoglobin, horseradish peroxidase) are substituted for P-450-CAM, no exo-5- hydroxycamphor is detected. Product formation is not inhibited by the addition of catalase, superoxide dismutase, or hydroxyl radical scavengers; however, significant inhibition is observed with carbon monoxide and metyrapone, known inhibitors of the fully reconstituted P-450 system. Addition of 2,3-dimercaptopropanol to the NADH/PMS/P-450 system leads to a 4-fold increase in product formation; when putidaredoxin is added (without dimercaptopropanol), a 20-fold increase in product formation is observed. Constant bubbling with oxygen results in a further increase in the amount of product (150-fold increase overall). Our results show that PMS can substitute for the electron-transfer proteins putidaredoxin and putidaredoxin reductase in the transfer of electrons from NADH to P-450-CAM, resulting in multiple turnovers. Molecular oxygen dependent multiple turnovers of cytochrome P-450 have not been previously observed without the fully reconstituted, three-protein system.

Camphor↗

Studies on the mechanism of action of methoxatin-requiring methanol dehydrogenase: reaction of enzyme with electron-acceptor dye.

Bacterial methoxatin-dependent methanol dehydrogenase requires an electron acceptor, e.g., phenazine methosulfate (PMS), for activity. Oxidation of methanol shows a deuterium isotope effect of 4.3 in the presence of high concentrations of PMS; the effect is reduced at low PMS concentrations. This suggests that the catalytic reaction comprises at least two steps, one involving substrate and the other PMS. The UV-visible spectrum of methanol dehydrogenase undergoes a series of characteristic changes when PMS is added to the enzyme. It is proposed that these changes correspond to the formation of an enzyme intermediate, resulting from the reaction of PMS with the enzyme, which can subsequently react with substrate. Preincubation of the enzyme with PMS followed by dilution into a solution containing [14C]methanol results in an additional enzyme turnover compared to the control performed without preincubation with PMS. This confirms the proposal that the enzyme reacts with PMS before reacting with substrate. The reaction between the enzyme and PMS is not a redox reaction since no oxygen is consumed during the reaction nor is the PMS reduced. Methanol dehydrogenase is inactivated by cyclopropanol in the presence of PMS. The intermediate formed by reaction of the enzyme with PMS is also an intermediate in the cyclopropanol inactivation reaction. Preincubation of the enzyme with PMS gives an increase in the rate of inactivation by cyclopropanol. Cyclopropanol stoichiometrically equivalent to 13% of the enzyme is sufficient to completely inactivate the enzyme. The inactivation reaction shows neither a deuterium nor a tritium isotope effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

Bacterial phosphotransferase system: regulation of the glucose and mannose enzymes II by sulfhydryl oxidation.

We have investigated the effect of oxidizing agents on methyl alpha-glucoside phosphorylation by the Escherichia coli phosphotransferase system (PTS). Oxidizing agents inhibited methyl alpha-glucoside phosphorylation at low methyl alpha-glucoside concentrations, and the degree of inhibition was shown to decrease with increasing concentrations of methyl alpha-glucoside. Results of studies with mutant bacteria and substrate analogues of the glucose and mannose enzymes II showed that contrary to the interpretation of Robillard and Konings [Robillard, G. T., & Konings, W. N. (1981) Biochemistry 20, 5025-5032] the apparent change in the Km value for methyl alpha-glucoside phosphorylation induced by sulfhydryl oxidation is not due to the formation of a low-affinity, oxidized form of the glucose enzyme II. Rather, the results are explained by the presence of two phosphotransferase systems that phosphorylate methyl alpha-glucoside with different affinities and that are differentially sensitive to oxidizing agents. The low Km system corresponds to the glucose enzyme II, which is strongly inhibited by potassium ferricyanide, phenazine methosulfate, and plumbagin. The high Km system corresponds to the mannose enzyme II, which is less sensitive to inhibition by these oxidizing agents. This differential sensitivity to inhibition by oxidizing agents can account for the apparent Km change for methyl alpha-glucoside phosphorylation reported by Robillard and Konings. The physiological significance of sulfhydryl oxidation in the enzymes II of the PTS has yet to be ascertained.

Deoxyglucose↗

Steady-state and stopped-flow kinetic measurements of the primary deuterium isotope effect in the reaction catalyzed by p-cresol methylhydroxylase.

Steady-state kinetic studies for the reaction of the flavocytochrome p-cresol methylhydroxylase with the reducing substrates (S) p-cresol, 4-ethylphenol, and their corresponding alpha-deuteriated analogues are presented. The results from these experiments and those from studies involving various reoxidizing substrates support the proposed apparent ping-pong mechanism. With phenazine methosulfate (PMS) as the reoxidant for studies at pH 7.6 and 6 or 25 degrees C, the isotope effects on kcat are lower than the intrinsic isotope effect. The values for D(kcat/KS) are equal to the intrinsic effect for p-cresol at 25 degrees C and for 4-ethylphenol at both 6 and 25 degrees C. However, the value for this steady-state parameter at 6 degrees C for p-cresol is lower than the intrinsic effect. The values for D(kcat/KPMS) are nearly equal to 1.0 under all conditions. In contrast, the steady-state kinetic analysis for the isolated flavoprotein subunit of p-cresol methylhydroxylase involving p-cresol and PMS as substrates indicates that a random-binding mechanism is operating. Additionally, several of the steady-state parameters yield values for the apparent intrinsic isotope effect for the flavoprotein. The results of stopped-flow kinetic studies are also reported. At pH 7.6 the intrinsic isotope effect (Dk2) for the reduction of the enzyme by 4-ethylphenol is 4.8-5.0 at 25 degrees C and 4.0 at 6 degrees C. This technique yields a value for Dk2 of 7.05 at 6 degrees C and pH 7.6 for p-cresol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Binding Sites↗

Isolation, purification, and characterization of coupling factor 1 from Chlamydomonas reinhardi.

Chloroplast thylakoid particles were prepared from wild-type Chlamydomonas reinhardi by gentle sonication. These particles catalyzed phenazine methosulfate dependent photophosphorylation with rates ranging from 300 to 700 mumol of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) formed (mg of chlorophyll)-1h-1. Photophosphorylation was not sensitive to tentoxin but was sensitive to an anticoupling factor 1 (CF1) antiserum preparation made against spinach CF1. The C. reinhardi chloroplast CF1 was isolated from thylakoid particles by either chloroform or ethylenediaminetraacetic acid extraction. The former enzyme appeared to be missing the gamma subunit and did not reconstitute with partially resolved thylakoid particles. The latter enzyme reconstituted with partially resolved particles and had a specific activity at 37 degrees C of 2-5 umol of ATP hydrolyzed (mg of protein)-1 min-1. The enzyme utilized both MnATP and MgATP. CaATP was a poor substrate, and SrATP was not hydrolyzed. The enzyme was not activated by heat or proteolysis but was stimulated approximately 2-fold by 50 mM dithiothreitol. Alcohols reversibly stimulated the ATPase activity of the enzyme 5-25-fold. Ethanol, 20%, dramatically lowered the temperature optimum from approximately 75 to approximately 45 degrees C and slightly lowered the pH optimum from 8.5 to 8.2. Ethanol had no effect on the activation energy of the ATPase reaction (17 +/- 1.7 kcal/mol). The kinetics of the ATPase reaction catalyzed by the C. reinhardi enzyme are complex. Both free divalent cations and divalent cation ATP inhibited the activity of the enzyme. The apparent Km for MgTAP (55 uM free Mg2+) was approximately 0.2 mM.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Selective repression of transcription by base sequence specific synthetic polymers.

We report the effect of novel synthetic polymers on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) directed ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis in vitro. Polymers contained base-selective monomers, including a GC-specific phenazine derivative and an AT-specific triphenylmethane dye. Radical chain polymerization was carried out in aqueous solution by using monomers bound to a template DNA, which was obtained from either lambda or T7 bacteriophage. Polymers were isolated and reannealed with DNA samples, including competitive mixtures of T7 and lambda DNAs. We measured transcription from DNA-polymer complexes by using Escherichia coli RNA polymerase and determined not only the reduction in total transcription levels but also the relative inhibition of lambda- or T7-specific transcription by using a hybridization assay. The results show that micromolar concentrations of individual dyes are sufficient to cause substantial inhibition of transcription when the dyes are incorporated into polymers. More significantly, a number of the polymers inhibited more strongly transcription from the DNA which had served as template for polymer synthesis than from the DNA present as competitor in the annealing process. We conclude that template synthesis of DNA-binding polymers can lead to preferential inhibition of function of the original template. The apparent relative affinity of polymer for competing DNAs can be altered by at least an order of magnitude depending on which DNA was used as the synthesis template. The results offer a new approach to improving the specificity of DNA-binding drugs.

Coloring Agents↗

Chemical modification of mitochondrial transhydrogenase: evidence for two classes of sulfhydryl groups.

Chemical-modification studies on submitochondrial particle pyridine dinucleotide transhydrogenase (EC 1.6.1.1) demonstrate the presence of one class of sulfhydryl group in the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) site and another peripheral to the active site. Reaction of the peripheral sulfhydryl group with N-ethylmaleimide, or both classes with 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), completely inactivated transhydrogenase. NADP+ or NADPH nearly completely protected against 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) inactivation and modification of both classes of sulfhydryl groups, while NADP+ only partially protected against and NADPH substantially stimulated N-ethylmaleimide inactivation. Methyl methanethiolsulfonate treatment resulted in methanethiolation at both classes of sulfhydryl groups, and either NADP+ or NADPH protected only the NADP site group. S-Methanethio and S-cyano transhydrogenases were active derivatives with pH optima shifted about 1 unit lower than that of the native enzyme. These experiments indicate that neither class of sulfhydryl group is essential for transhydrogenation. Lack of involvement of either sulfhydryl group in energy coupling to transhydrogenation is suggested by the observations that S-methanethio transhydrogenase is functional in (a) energy-linked transhydrogenation promoted by phenazine methosulfate mediated ascorbate oxidation and (b) the generation of a membrane potential during the reduction of NAD+ by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH).

Animals↗

Preparation, characterization, and chemical properties of the flavin coenzyme analogues 5-deazariboflavin, 5-deazariboflavin 5'-phosphate, and 5-deazariboflavin 5'-diphosphate, 5'leads to5'-adenosine ester.

In order to facilitate interpretation of the deazaisoalloxazine system as a valid mechanistic probe of flavoenzyme catalysis, we have examined some of the fundamental chemical properties of this system. The enzymatic synthesis, on a micromole scale, of the flavin coenzyme analogues 5-deazariboflavin 5'-phosphate (deazaFMN) and 5-deazariboflavin 5'-diphosphate, 5' leads to 5'adenosine ester (deazaFAD) has been achieved. This latter synthesis is accomplished with a partially purified FAD synthetase complex (from Brevibacterium ammoniagenes), containing both phosphorylating and adenylylating activities, allowing direct conversion of the riboflavin analogue to the flavin adenine dinucleotide level. The structure of the reduced deazaflavin resulting from enzymatic and chemical reduction is established as the 1,5-dihydrodeazaflavin by proton magnetic resonance. Similarly, the C-5 position of the deazaflavins is demonstrated to be the locus for hydrogen transfer in deazaflavin redox reactions. Preparation of 1,5-dihydrodeazaflavins by sodium borohydride reduction stabilized them to autoxidation (t 1/2 approximately 40 h, 22 degrees C) although dihydrodeazaflavins are rapidly oxidized by other electron acceptors, including riboflavin, phenazine methosulfate, methylene blue, and dichlorophenolindophenol. Mixtures of oxidized and reduced deazaflavins undergo a rapid two-electron disproportionation (k = 22 M-1 S-1 0 degrees C), and oxidized deazaflavins form transient covalent adducts with nitroalkane anions at pH less than 5. Generalized methods for the synthesis of isotopically labeled flavin and deazaflavin coenzymes and their purification by adsorptive chromatography are given.

Brevibacterium↗

Reactions of dimethylsulfoxide reductase in the presence of dimethyl sulfide and the structure of the dimethyl sulfide-modified enzyme.

The bis-molybdopterin enzyme dimethylsulfoxide reductase (DMSOR) from Rhodobacter capsulatus catalyzes the conversion of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to dimethyl sulfide (DMS), reversibly, in the presence of suitable e(-)-donors or e(-)-acceptors. The catalytically significant intermediate formed by reaction of DMSOR with DMS ('the DMS species') and a damaged enzyme form derived by reaction of the latter with O(2) (DMS-modified enzyme, DMSOR(mod)D) have been investigated. Evidence is presented that Mo in the DMS species is not, as widely assumed, Mo(IV). Formation of the DMS species is reversed on removing DMS or by addition of an excess of DMSO. Equilibrium constants for the competing reactions of DMS and DMSO with the oxidized enzyme (K(d) = 0.07 +/- 0.01 and 21 +/- 5 mM, respectively) that control these processes indicate formation of the DMS species occurs at a redox potential that is 80 mV higher than that required, according to the literature, for reduction of Mo(VI) to Mo(IV) in the free enzyme. Specificity studies show that with dimethyl selenide, DMSOR yields a species analogous to the DMS species but with the 550 nm peak blue-shifted by 27 nm. It is concluded from published redox potential data that this band is due to metal-to-ligand charge transfer from Mo(V) to the chalcogenide. Since the DMS species gives no EPR signal in the normal or parallel mode, a free radical is presumed to be in close proximity to the metal, most likely on the S. The species is thus formulated as Mo(V)-O-S(*)Me(2). Existing X-ray crystallographic and Raman data are consistent with this structure. Furthermore, 1e(-) oxidation of the DMS species with phenazine ethosulfate yields a Mo(V) form without an -OH ligand, since its EPR signal shows no proton splittings. This form presumably arises via dissociation of DMSO. The structure of DMSOR(mod)D has been determined by X-ray crystallography. All four thiolate ligands and Ogamma of serine-147 remain coordinated to Mo, but there are no terminal oxygen ligands and Mo is Mo(VI). Thus, it is a dead-end species, neither oxo group acceptance nor e(-)-donation being possible. O(2)-dependent formation of DMSOR(mod)D represents noncatalytic breakdown of the DMS species by a pathway alternative to that in turnover, with oxidation to Mo(VI) presumably preceding product release. Steps in the forward and backward catalytic cycles are discussed in relation to earlier stopped-flow data. The finding that in the back-assay the Mo(IV) state may at least in part be by-passed via two successive 1e(-) reactions of the DMS species with the e(-)-acceptor, may have implications in relation to the existence of separate molybdopterin enzymes catalyzing DMSO reduction and DMS oxidation, respectively.

Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy↗

Site-directed mutagenesis of dimethyl sulfoxide reductase from Rhodobacter capsulatus: characterization of a Y114 --> F mutant.

A system for expressing site-directed mutants of the molybdenum enzyme dimethyl sulfoxide reductase from Rhodobacter capsulatus in the natural host was constructed. This system was used to generate and express dimethyl sulfoxide reductase with a Y114F mutation. The Y114F mutant had an increased k(cat) and increased K(m) toward both dimethyl sulfoxide and trimethylamine N-oxide compared to the native enzyme, and the value of k(cat)/K(m) was lower for both substrates in the mutant enzyme. The Y114F mutant, as isolated, was able to oxidize dimethyl sulfide with phenazine ethosulfate as the electron acceptor but with a lower k(cat) than that of the native enzyme. The pH optimum of dimethyl sulfide:acceptor oxidoreductase activity in the Y114F mutant was shown to be shifted by +1 pH unit compared to the native enzyme. The Y114F mutant did not form a pink complex with dimethyl sulfide, which is characteristic of the native enzyme. The mutant enzyme showed a large increase in the K(d) for DMS. Direct electrochemistry showed that the Mo(V)/Mo(IV) couple was unaffected by the Y114F mutant, but the midpoint potential of the Mo(VI)/Mo(V) couple was raised by about 50 mV. These data confirm that the Y114 residue plays a critical role in oxidation-reduction processes at the molybdenum active site and in oxygen atom transfer associated with sulfoxide reduction.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Localization of multidrug transporter substrates within model membranes.

Active extrusion of drugs from the cell interior by primary and secondary efflux pumps is an essential mechanism underlying the phenomenon of multidrug resistance. The first discovered and best characterized primary efflux pump found in humans is the ABC transporter P-glycoprotein (PGP), which shows very broad substrate specificity. Many of these molecules are lipophilic, and binding most likely takes place within the membrane. PGP could either translocate them from the inner to the outer leaflet (flippase) or extrude them from the membrane into the extracellular environment (hydrophobic vacuum cleaner). Recognition and binding of such a diverse set of substrates must be associated with a preferred membrane location, determined by molecular properties and lipid interactions. Therefore, a systematic study of the interaction among seven PGP substrates (phenazine, doxorubicin, cephalexin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, penicillin G, and quercetin) and two modulators (quinidine and nicardipine) and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) model membranes is reported here. The location profile of these molecules across the membrane was determined by (1)H NOESY MAS NMR based on (1)H-(1)H cross-peaks between their aromatic fingerprint region and lipid resonances. Although structurally rather diverse, all tested substances are found to have their highest concentration between the phosphate of the lipid headgroup and the upper segments of the lipid hydrocarbon chains. Our findings are consistent with PGP substrate and modulator binding from the membrane interface region.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Involvement of a novel hydroxylamine oxidoreductase in anaerobic ammonium oxidation.

In this study a novel hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (HAO) was purified and characterized from an anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (Anammox) enrichment culture. The enzyme, which constituted about 9% of the protein mass in the soluble fraction of the cell extract, was able to oxidize hydroxylamine and hydrazine. When phenazine methosulfate and methylthiazolyltetrazolium bromide were used as electron acceptors, a V(max) [21 and 1.1 micromol min(-)(1) (mg of protein)(-)(1)] and K(m) (26 and 18 microM) for hydroxylamine and hydrazine were determined, respectively. The hydroxylamine oxidoreductase is a trimer and contains about 26 hemes per 183 kDa. As deduced from UV/vis spectra, hydroxylamine reduced more and different cytochromes than hydrazine. The dithionite-reduced spectrum showed an unusual 468 nm peak. Inhibition experiments with H(2)O(2) showed that hydroxylamine bound to this P-468 cytochrome, which is assumed to be the putative substrate binding site. Cyanide and hydrazine inhibited the oxidation of hydroxylamine. The amino acid sequences of several peptide fragments of HAO from Anammox showed a clear difference with the deduced amino acid sequence of HAO from the aerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacterium Nitrosomonas europaea. In EPR spectra of the Anammox HAO, two g-values (g(z)() = 2.37 and 2.42) were observed, which were not present in HAO of N. europaea.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Coordination polymers of copper(I) halides.

A total of 21 complexes of CuX (X = Cl, Br, I) with bridging ligand (B = 4,4'-dipyridyl (Bpy), pyrazine (Pyz), quinoxaline (Quin), phenazine (Phz), 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), and hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA)) have been synthesized. The products show two stoichiometries: [CuXB] (type 1) and [(CuX)2B] (type 2). Both types can be obtained for B = Bpy, depending on the conditions of preparation. In these cases, the type 2 stoichiometry is the kinetic product. Type 2 complexes only are found for B = Pyz (X = I), Quin, Phz, DABCO, and HMTA. Type 1 complexes form for Pyz (X = Cl, Br). Thermogravimetic analyses of the complexes reveal the general decomposition trend: 1 --> 2 --> [(CuX)2B(1/2)] --> CuX. The X-ray crystal structure of [CuBr(Pyz)] (type 1) features copper atoms bridged by Br and Pyz, forming 2D sheets of fused rectangular Cu4Br2(Pyz)2 units. The X-ray structure of [(CuI)2(Quin)] (type 2) shows 2D layers composed of [Cu2I2]infinity "stair step" chains which are cross-linked by Quin ligands. A total of 16 complexes of CuXL (L = P(OPh)3) with bridging ligand (B = those above and 1,4-dimethylpiperazine (DMP)) have also been prepared. All of these products, except those of HMTA, are of type 3 formulation, [(CuXL)2B]. The HMTA products have the formula [CuX(HMTA)], type 4. Thermal decomposition of the type 3 and 4 complexes occurs with initial loss of B, L, or both. The X-ray structures of [(CuBrL)2(Bpy)] and [(CuBrL)2(Pyz)] (type 3) reveal 1D chains formed from rhomboidal (LCu)2Br2 units linked by the B ligand. The type 4 structure of [CuBrL(HMTA)] is shown by X-ray to be a simple halide-bridged dimer.

Journal Article↗