Neutron scattering maps the higher-order assembly of NADPH-dependent assimilatory sulfite reductase

Precursor molecules for biomass incorporation must be imported into cells and made available to the molecular machines that build the cell. Sulfur-containing macromolecules require that sulfur be in its S^2? oxidation state before assimilation into amino acids, cofactors, and vitamins that are essential to organisms throughout the biosphere. In α-proteobacteria, NADPH-dependent assimilatory sulfite reductase (SiR) performs the final six-electron reduction of sulfur. SiR is a dodecameric oxidoreductase composed of an octameric flavoprotein reductase (SiRFP) and four hemoprotein metalloenzyme oxidases (SiRHPs). SiR performs the electron transfer reduction reaction to produce sulfide from sulfite through coordinated domain movements and subunit interactions without release of partially reduced intermediates. Efforts to understand the electron transfer mechanism responsible for SiR’s efficiency are confounded by structural heterogeneity arising from intrinsically disordered regions throughout its complex, including the flexible linker joining SiRFP’s flavin-binding domains. As a result, high-resolution structures of SiR dodecamer and its subcomplexes are unknown, leaving a gap in the fundamental understanding of how SiR performs this uniquely large-volume electron transfer reaction. Here, we use deuterium labeling, in vitro reconstitution, analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), and neutron contrast variation (NCV) to observe the relative subunit positions within SiR’s higher-order assembly. AUC and SANS reveal SiR to be a flexible dodecamer and confirm the mismatched SiRFP and SiRHP subunit stoichiometry. NCV shows that the complex is asymmetric, with SiRHP on the periphery of the complex and the centers of mass between SiRFP and SiRHP components over 100 Å apart. SiRFP undergoes compaction upon assembly into SiR’s dodecamer and SiRHP adopts multiple positions in the complex. The resulting map of SiR’s higher-order structure supports a cis/trans mechanism for electron transfer between domains of reductase subunits as well as between tightly bound or transiently interacting reductase and oxidase subunits.     

The N-terminal Domain of Escherichia coli Assimilatory NADPH-Sulfite Reductase Hemoprotein Is an Oligomerization Domain That Mediates Holoenzyme Assembly

Assimilatory NADPH-sulfite reductase (SiR) from Escherichia coli is a structurally complex oxidoreductase that catalyzes the six-electron reduction of sulfite to sulfide. Two subunits, one a flavin-binding flavoprotein (SiRFP, the α subunit) and the other an iron-containing hemoprotein (SiRHP, the β subunit), assemble to make a holoenzyme of about 800 kDa. How the two subunits assemble is not known. The iron-rich cofactors in SiRHP are unique because they are a covalent arrangement of a Fe₄S₄ cluster attached through a cysteine ligand to an iron-containing porphyrinoid called siroheme. The link between cofactor biogenesis and SiR stability is also ill-defined. By use of hydrogen/deuterium exchange and biochemical analysis, we show that the α₈β₄ SiR holoenzyme assembles through the N terminus of SiRHP and the NADPH binding domain of SiRFP. By use of small angle x-ray scattering, we explore the structure of the SiRHP N-terminal oligomerization domain. We also report a novel form of the hemoprotein that occurs in the absence of its cofactors. Apo-SiRHP forms a homotetramer, also dependent on its N terminus, that is unable to assemble with SiRFP. From these results, we propose that homotetramerization of apo-SiRHP serves as a quality control mechanism to prevent formation of inactive holoenzyme in the case of limiting cellular siroheme.     

Interflavin one-electron transfer in the inducible nitric oxide synthase reductase domain and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase

In this study, we have analyzed interflavin electron transfer reactions from FAD to FMN in both the full-length inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and its reductase domain. Comparison is made with the interflavin electron transfer in NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR). For the analysis of interflavin electron transfer and the flavin intermediates observed during catalysis we have used menadione (MD), which can accept an electron from both the FAD and FMN sites of the enzyme. A characteristic absorption peak at 630 and 520 nm can identify each FAD and FMN semiquinone species, which is derived from CPR and iNOS, respectively. The charge transfer complexes of FAD with NADP+ or NADPH were monitored at 750 nm. In the presence of MD, the air-stable neutral (blue) semiquinone form (FAD-FMNH*) was observed as a major intermediate during the catalytic cycle in both the iNOS reductase domain and full-length enzyme, and its formation occurred without any lag phase indicating rapid interflavin electron transfer following the reduction of FAD by NADPH. These data also strongly suggest that the low level reactivity of a neutral (blue) FMN semiquinone radical with electron acceptors enables one-electron transfer in the catalytic cycle of both the FAD-FMN pairs in CPR and iNOS. On the basis of these data, we propose a common model for the catalytic cycle of both CaM-bound iNOS reductase domain and CPR.     

Role of a novel dual flavin reductase (NR1) and an associated histidine triad protein (DCS-1) in menadione-induced cytotoxicity

Microsomal cytochrome P450 reductase catalyzes the one-electron transfer from NADPH via FAD and FMN to various electron acceptors, such as cytochrome P450s or to some anti-cancer quinone drugs. This results in generation of free radicals and toxic oxygen metabolites, which can contribute to the cytotoxicity of these compounds. Recently, a cytosolic NADPH-dependent flavin reductase, NR1, has been described which is highly homologous to the microsomal cytochrome P450 reductase. In this study, we show that over-expression of NR1 in human embryonic kidney cells enhances the cytotoxic action of the model quinone, menadione. Furthermore, we show that a novel human histidine triad protein DCS-1, which is expressed together with NR1 in many tissues, can significantly reduce menadione-induced cytotoxicity in these cells. We also show that DCS-1 binds NF1 and directly modulates its activity. These results suggest that NR1 may play a role in carcinogenicity and cell death associated with one-electron reductions.     

Solution structure of the sulfite reductase flavodoxin-like domain from Escherichia coli

The flavoprotein moiety of Escherichia coli sulfite reductase (SiR-FP) is homologous to electron transfer proteins such as cytochrome-P450 reductase (CPR) or nitric oxide synthase (NOS). We report on the three-dimensional structure of SiR-FP18, the flavodoxin-like domain of SiR-FP, which has been determined by NMR. In the holoenzyme, this domain plays an important role by shuttling electrons from the FAD to the hemoprotein (the beta-subunit). The structure presented here was determined using distance and torsion angle information in combination with residual dipolar couplings determined in two different alignment media. Several protein-FMN NOEs allowed us to place the prosthetic group in its binding pocket. The structure is well-resolved, and (15)N relaxation data indicate that SiR-FP18 is a compact domain. The binding interface with cytochrome c, a nonphysiological electron acceptor, has been determined using chemical shift mapping. Comparison of the SiR-FP18 structure with the corresponding domains from CPR and NOS shows that the fold of the protein core is highly conserved, but the analysis of the electrostatic surfaces reveals significant differences between the three domains. These observations are placed in the physiological context so they can contribute to the understanding of the electron transfer mechanism in the SiR holoenzyme.     

Structure and function of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and nitric oxide synthase reductase domain

NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) and the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) reductase domains are members of the FAD-FMN family of proteins. The FAD accepts two reducing equivalents from NADPH (dehydrogenase flavin) and FMN acts as a one-electron carrier (flavodoxin-type flavin) for the transfer from NADPH to the heme protein, in which the FMNH*/FMNH2 couple donates electrons to cytochrome P450 at constant oxidation-reduction potential. Although the interflavin electron transfer between FAD and FMN is not strictly regulated in CPR, electron transfer is activated in neuronal NOS reductase domain upon binding calmodulin (CaM), in which the CaM-bound activated form can function by a similar mechanism to that of CPR. The oxygenated form and spin state of substrate-bound cytochrome P450 in perfused rat liver are also discussed in terms of stepwise one-electron transfer from CPR. This review provides a historical perspective of the microsomal mixed-function oxidases including CPR and P450. In addition, a new model for the redox-linked conformational changes during the catalytic cycle for both CPR and NOS reductase domain is also discussed.     

Structure of the open conformation of a functional chimeric NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase

Two catalytic domains, bearing FMN and FAD cofactors, joined by a connecting domain, compose the core of the NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR). The FMN domain of CPR mediates electron shuttling from the FAD domain to cytochromes P450. Together, both enzymes form the main mixed‐function oxidase system that participates in the metabolism of endo‐ and xenobiotic compounds in mammals. Available CPR structures show a closed conformation, with the two cofactors in tight proximity, which is consistent with FAD‐to‐FMN, but not FMN‐to‐P450, electron transfer. Here, we report the 2.5 Å resolution crystal structure of a functionally competent yeast–human chimeric CPR in an open conformation, compatible with FMN‐to‐P450 electron transfer. Comparison with closed structures shows a major conformational change separating the FMN and FAD cofactors from 86 Å.     

A simplifed functional version of the Escherichia coli sulfite reductase

Escherichia coli sulfite reductase (SiR) is a large and soluble enzyme with an alpha(8)beta(4) quaternary structure. Protein alpha (or sulfite reductase flavoprotein) contains both FAD and FMN, whereas protein beta (or sulfite reductase hemoprotein (SiR-HP)) contains an iron-sulfur cluster coupled to a siroheme. The enzyme is set up to arrange the redox cofactors in a FAD-FMN-Fe(4)S(4)-Heme sequence to make an electron pathway between NADPH and sulfite. Whereas alpha spontaneously polymerizes, we have been able to produce SiR-FP60, a monomeric but fully active truncated version of it, lacking the N-terminal part (Zeghouf, M., Fontecave, M., Macherel, D., and Covès, J. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 6114-6123). Here we report the cloning, overproduction, and characterization of the beta subunit. Pure recombinant SiR-HP behaves as a monomer in solution and is identical to the native protein in all its characteristics. Moreover, we demonstrate that the combination of SiR-FP60 and SiR-HP produces a functional 1:1 complex with tight interactions retaining about 20% of the activity of the native SiR. In addition, fully active SiR can be reconstituted by incubation of the octameric sulfite reductase flavoprotein with recombinant SiR-HP. Titration experiments and spectroscopic properties strongly suggest that the holoenzyme should be described as an alpha(8)beta(8) with equal amounts of alpha and beta subunits and that the alpha(8)beta(4) structure is probably not correct.     

Respiratory arsenate reductase as a bidirectional enzyme

The haloalkaliphilic bacterium Alkalilimnicola ehrlichii is capable of anaerobic chemolithoautotrophic growth by coupling the oxidation of arsenite (As(III)) to the reduction of nitrate and carbon dioxide. Analysis of its complete genome indicates that it lacks a conventional arsenite oxidase (Aox), but instead possesses two operons that each encode a putative respiratory arsenate reductase (Arr). Here we show that one homolog is expressed under chemolithoautotrophic conditions and exhibits both arsenite oxidase and arsenate reductase activity. We also demonstrate that Arr from two arsenate respiring bacteria, Alkaliphilus oremlandii and Shewanella sp. strain ANA-3, is also biochemically reversible. Thus Arr can function as a reductase or oxidase. Its physiological role in a specific organism, however, may depend on the electron potentials of the molybdenum center and [Fe-S] clusters, additional subunits, or constitution of the electron transfer chain. This versatility further underscores the ubiquity and antiquity of microbial arsenic metabolism.     

Interaction of sulfate assimilation with nitrate assimilation as a function of nutrient status and enzymatic co-regulation inbrassica juncea roots

The interaction of sulfate assimilation with nitrate assimilation inBrassica juncea roots was analyzed by monitoring the regulation of ATP sulfurylase (AS), adenosine-5’-phosphosulfate reductase (AR), sulfite reductase (SiR), and nitrite reductase (NiR). Depending on the status of sulfur and nitrogen nutrition, AS and AR activities and mRNA levels were increased by sulfate starvation but decreased by nitrate starvation. The activation of AS and AR by sulfate starvation was inhibited by sulfate/nitrate starvation. However, the rise in steady-state mRNA levels for AS and AR by sulfate starvation was not affected by sulfate/nitrate starvation. SiR gene expression was slightly activated by both sulfate starvation and sulfate/nitrate starvation, but was decreased by nitrate starvation. Although NiR gene expression was little affected by sulfate starvation, it was diminished significantly by either nitrate or nitrate/sulfate starvation. Cysteine (Cys) also decreased AS and AR activities and mRNA levels even when plants were simultaneously starved for sulfate; in contrast, both SiR and NiR gene expressions were only slightly, if at all, affected under the same conditions. This supports our conclusion that Cys, the end-product of sulfate assimilation, is the key regulatory signal. Moreover, SiR and NiR apparently are not the linking step in the co-regulation of sulfate and nitrate assimilation in plants.     

Molecular dynamics simulations give insight into the conformational change,complex formation,and electron transfer pathway for cytochrome P450 reductase

Cytochrome P450 reductase (CYPOR) undergoes a large conformational change to allow for an electron transfer to a redox partner to take place. After an internal electron transfer over its cofactors, it opens up to facilitate the interaction and electron transfer with a cytochrome P450. The open conformation appears difficult to crystallize. Therefore, a model of a human CYPOR in the open conformation was constructed to be able to investigate the stability and conformational change of this protein by means of molecular dynamics simulations. Since the role of the protein is to provide electrons to a redox partner, the interactions with cytochrome P450 2D6 (2D6) were investigated and a possible complex structure is suggested. Additionally, electron pathway calculations with a newly written program were performed to investigate which amino acids relay the electrons from the FMN cofactor of CYPOR to the HEME of 2D6. Several possible interacting amino acids in the complex, as well as a possible electron transfer pathway were identified and open the way for further investigation by site directed mutagenesis studies.     

Expression, purification and characterization of the sulfite reductase hemo-subunit, SiR-HP, from Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

Sulfite reductase (SiR) is a large and soluble enzyme which catalyzes the transfer of six electrons from NADPH to sulfite to produce sulfide. The sulfite reductase flavoprotein (SiR-FP) contains both FAD and FMN, and the sulfite reductase hemoprotein (SiR-HP) contains an iron-sulfur cluster coupled to a siroheme. The enzyme is arranged so that the redox cofactors in the FAD-FMN-Fe(4)S(4)-Heme sequence make an electron pathway between NADPH and sulfite. Here we report the cloning, expression, and characterization of the SiR-HP of the sulfite reductase from Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. The purified SiR-HP contained a [Fe(4)S(4)] cluster. Site-directed mutagenesis results revealed that Cys427, Cys433, Cys472 and Cys476 were in ligating with the [Fe(4)S(4)] cluster of the protein.     

Engineering of proteolytically stable NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase

NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) is a membrane-bound flavoprotein that interacts with the membrane via its N-terminal hydrophobic sequence (residues 1-56). CPR is the main electron transfer component of hydroxylation reactions catalyzed by microsomal cytochrome P450s. The membrane-bound hydrophobic domain of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase is easily removed during limited proteolysis and is the subject of spontaneous digestion of membrane-binding fragment at the site Lys56-Ile57 by intracellular trypsin-like proteases that makes the flavoprotein very unstable during purification or expression in E. coli. The removal of the N-terminal hydrophobic sequence of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase results in loss of the ability of the flavoprotein to interact and transfer electrons to cytochrome P450. In the present work, by replacement of the lysine residue (Lys56) with Gln using site directed mutagenesis, we prepared the full-length flavoprotein mutant Lys56Gln stable to spontaneous proteolysis but possessing spectral and catalytic properties of the wild type flavoprotein. Limited proteolysis with trypsin and protease from Staphylococcus aureus of highly purified and membrane-bound Lys56Gln mutant of the flavoprotein as well as wild type NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase allowed localization of some amino acids of the linker fragment of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase relative to the membrane. During prolong incubation or with increased trypsin ratio, the mutant form showed an alternative limited proteolysis pattern, indicating the partial accessibility of another site. Nevertheless, the membrane-bound mutant form is stable to trypsinolysis. Truncated forms of the flavoprotein (residues 46-676 of the mutant or 57-676 of wild type NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase) are unable to transfer electrons to cytochrome P450c17 or P4503A4, confirming the importance of the N-terminal sequence for catalysis. Based on the results obtained in the present work, we suggest a scheme of structural topology of the N-terminal hydrophobic sequence of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase in the membrane.     

Structure of the dissimilatory sulfite reductase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus

Conservation of energy based on the reduction of sulfate is of fundamental importance for the biogeochemical sulfur cycle. A key enzyme of this ancient anaerobic process is the dissimilatory sulfite reductase (dSir), which catalyzes the six-electron reduction of sulfite to hydrogen sulfide under participation of a unique magnetically coupled siroheme-[4Fe-4S] center. We determined the crystal structure of the enzyme from the sulfate-reducing archaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus at 2-Å resolution and compared it with that of the phylogenetically related assimilatory Sir (aSir). dSir is organized as a heterotetrameric (αβ)₂ complex composed of two catalytically independent αβ heterodimers. In contrast, aSir is a monomeric protein built of two fused modules that are structurally related to subunits α and β except for a ferredoxin domain inserted only into the subunits of dSir. The [4Fe-4S] cluster of this ferredoxin domain is considered as the terminal redox site of the electron transfer pathway to the siroheme-[4Fe-4S] center in dSir. While aSir binds one siroheme-[4Fe-4S] center, dSir harbors two of them within each αβ heterodimer. Surprisingly, only one siroheme-[4Fe-4S] center in each αβ heterodimer is catalytically active, whereas access to the second one is blocked by a tryptophan residue. The spatial proximity of the functional and structural siroheme-[4Fe-4S] centers suggests that the catalytic activity at one active site was optimized during evolution at the expense of the enzymatic competence of the other. The sulfite binding mode and presumably the mechanism of sulfite reduction appear to be largely conserved between dSir and aSir. In addition, a scenario for the evolution of Sirs is proposed.     

Analysis of reductant supply systems for ferredoxin-dependent sulfite reductase in photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic organs of maize

Sulfite reductase (SiR) catalyzes the reduction of sulfite to sulfide in chloroplasts and root plastids using ferredoxin (Fd) as an electron donor. Using purified maize (Zea mays L.) SiR and isoproteins of Fd and Fd-NADP(+) reductase (FNR), we reconstituted illuminated thylakoid membrane- and NADPH-dependent sulfite reduction systems. Fd I and L-FNR were distributed in leaves and Fd III and R-FNR in roots. The stromal concentrations of SiR and Fd I were estimated at 1.2 and 37 microM, respectively. The molar ratio of Fd III to SiR in root plastids was approximately 3:1. Photoreduced Fd I and Fd III showed a comparable ability to donate electrons to SiR. In contrast, when being reduced with NADPH via FNRs, Fd III showed a several-fold higher activity than Fd I. Fd III and R-FNR showed the highest rate of sulfite reduction among all combinations tested. NADP(+) decreased the rate of sulfite reduction in a dose-dependent manner. These results demonstrate that the participation of Fd III and high NADPH/NADP(+) ratio are crucial for non-photosynthetic sulfite reduction. In accordance with this view, a cysteine-auxotrophic Escherichia coli mutant defective for NADPH-dependent SiR was rescued by co-expression of maize SiR with Fd III but not with Fd I.     

Reduction of cytochrome b5 by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase

The reduction of mammalian cytochrome b5 (b5) by NADPH-cytochrome P450 (P450) reductase is involved in a number of biological reactions. The kinetics of the process have received limited consideration previously, and a combination of pre-steady-state (stopped-flow) and steady-state approaches was used to investigate the mechanism of b5 reduction. In the absence of detergent or lipid, a reductase-b5 complex is formed and rearranges slowly to an active form. Electron transfer to b5 is rapid within this complex (>30 s(-1) at 23 degrees C), as fast as to cytochrome c. With excess b5 present, a burst of reduction is observed, consistent with rapid electron transfer to one or two b5 molecules per reductase, followed by a subsequent rate-limiting event. In detergent vesicles, the reductase and b5 interact rapidly but electron transfer is slower (approximately 3 s(-1) at 23 degrees C). Experiments with dimyristyl lecithin vesicles yielded results intermediate between the non-vesicle and detergent systems. These steady-state and pre-steady-state kinetics provide views of the different natures of the reduction of b5 by the reductase in the absence and presence of vesicles. Without vesicles, the encounter of the reductase and b5 is rapid, followed by a slow reorganization of the initial complex (approximately 0.07 s(-1)), very fast reduction, and dissociation. In vesicles, encounter is rapid and the slow step (approximately 3 s(-1)) is reduction within a complex less favorable for reduction than in the non-vesicle systems.     

The copper site in nitrous oxide reductase

Summary The properties of the novel copper enzyme nitrous oxide reductase from denitrifyingPseudomonas stutzeri are described. Multifrequency electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy is used to characterize the various forms of the enzyme. The features observed at 2.4, 3.4, 4.5, 9.31 and 35 GHz are explained by a mixed-valence \s[Cu(1.5)\3. Cu(1.5)\s]S=\12 species with the unpaired electron delocalized between the two Cu nuclei. This site is also present in the catalytically inactive derivative of nitrous oxide reductase which was obtained from a transposon Tn5-induced mutant with defective chromophore biosynthesis. The resemblance of the low-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance spectra to the spectra for the so-called Cu_A of cytochromec oxidase can be taken as a first indication that the Cu_A may have a structural and electronic arrangement similar to the electron-paramagnetic-resonance-detectable copper in nitrous oxide reductase. Results from oxidation/reduction experiments, and from a quantitative determination of sulfhydryl and disulfide residues in the various forms of nitrous oxide reductase, suggest the involvement of the redox-couple cysteine/cystine in the structural organization of the active site of nitrous oxide reductase.     

Comparison of the electrostatic binding sites on the surface of ferredoxin for two ferredoxin-dependent enzymes, ferredoxin-NADP(+) reductase and sulfite reductase.

Plant-type ferredoxin (Fd), a [2Fe-2S] iron-sulfur protein, functions as an one-electron donor to Fd-NADP(+) reductase (FNR) or sulfite reductase (SiR), interacting electrostatically with them. In order to understand the protein-protein interaction between Fd and these two different enzymes, 10 acidic surface residues in maize Fd (isoform III), Asp-27, Glu-30, Asp-58, Asp-61, Asp-66/Asp-67, Glu-71/Glu-72, Asp-85, and Glu-93, were substituted with the corresponding amide residues by site-directed mutagenesis. The redox potentials of the mutated Fds were not markedly changed, except for E93Q, the redox potential of which was more positive by 67 mV than that of the wild type. Kinetic experiments showed that the mutations at Asp-66/Asp-67 and Glu-93 significantly affected electron transfer to the two enzymes. Interestingly, D66N/D67N was less efficient in the reaction with FNR than E93Q, whereas this relationship was reversed in the reaction with SiR. The static interaction of the mutant Fds with each the two enzymes was analyzed by gel filtration of a mixture of Fd and each enzyme, and by affinity chromatography on Fd-immobilized resins. The contributions of Asp-66/Asp-67 and Glu-93 were found to be most important for the binding to FNR and SiR, respectively, in accordance with the kinetic data. These results allowed us to map the acidic regions of Fd required for electron transfer and for binding to FNR and SiR and demonstrate that the interaction sites for the two enzymes are at least partly distinct.     

Role of Bradyrhizobium japonicum cytochrome c550 in nitrite and nitrate respiration

Bradyrhizobium japonicum cytochrome c ₅₅₀, encoded by cycA , has been previously suggested to play a role in denitrification, the respiratory reduction of nitrate to dinitrogen. However, the exact role of this cytochrome in the denitrification process is unknown. This study shows that cytochrome c ₅₅₀ is involved in electron transfer to the copper-containing nitrite reductase of B. japonicum , as revealed by the inability of a cycA mutant strain to consume nitrite and, consequently, to grow under denitrifying conditions with nitrite as the electron acceptor. Mutation of cycA had no apparent effect on methylviologen-dependent nitrite reductase activity. However, succinate-dependent nitrite reduction was largely inhibited, suggesting that c ₅₅₀ is the in vivo electron donor to copper-containing nitrite reductase. In addition, this study demonstrates that a cytochrome c ₅₅₀ mutation has a negative effect on expression of the periplasmic nitrate reductase. This phenotype can be rescued by extending the growth period of the cells. A model is proposed whereby a mutation in cycA reduces expression of the cbb ₃-type oxidase, affecting oxygen consumption rate by the cells and consequently preventing maximal expression of the periplasmic nitrate reductase during the first days of the growth period.