Flavodoxin: A compromise between efficiency and versatility in the electron transfer from Photosystem I to Ferredoxin-NADP reductase

Under iron-deficient conditions Flavodoxin (Fld) replaces Ferredoxin in Anabaena as electron carrier from Photosystem I (PSI) to Ferredoxin-NADP⁺ reductase (FNR). Several residues modulate the Fld interaction with FNR and PSI, but no one appears as specifically critical for efficient electron transfer (ET). Fld shows a strong dipole moment, with its negative end directed towards the flavin ring. The role of this dipole moment in the processes of interaction and ET with positively charged surfaces exhibited by PSI and FNR has been analysed by introducing single and multiple charge reversal mutations on the Fld surface. Our data confirm that in this system interactions do not rely on a precise complementary surface of the reacting molecules. In fact, they indicate that the initial orientation driven by the alignment of dipole moment of the Fld molecule with that of the partner contributes to the formation of a bunch of alternative binding modes competent for the efficient ET reaction. Additionally, the fact that Fld uses different interaction surfaces to dock to PSI and to FNR is confirmed.     

Anabaena flavodoxin as an electron carrier from photosystem I to ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase. Role of flavodoxin residues in protein-protein interaction and electron transfer

Biochemical and structural studies indicate that electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions are critical in the formation of optimal complexes for efficient electron transfer (ET) between ferredoxin-NADP(+) reductase (FNR) and ferredoxin (Fd). Moreover, it has been shown that several charged and hydrophobic residues on the FNR surface are also critical for the interaction with flavodoxin (Fld), although, so far, no key residue on the Fld surface has been found to be the counterpart of such FNR side chains. In this study, negatively charged side chains on the Fld surface have been individually modified, either by the introduction of positive charges or by their neutralization. Our results indicate that although Glu16, Glu20, Glu61, Asp65, and Asp96 contribute to the orientation and optimization of the Fld interaction, either with FNR or with photosystem I (PSI) (presumably through the formation of salt bridges), for efficient ET, none of these side chains is involved in the formation of crucial salt bridges for optimal interaction with FNR. These data support the idea that the FNR-Fld interaction is less specific than the FNR-Fd interaction. However, analysis of the reactivity of these mutated Flds toward the membrane-anchored PSI complex indicated that all mutants, except Glu16Gln, lack the ability to form a stable complex with PSI. Thr12, Thr56, Asn58, and Asn97 are present in the close environment of the isoalloxazine ring of FMN in Anabaena Fld. Their roles in the interaction with and ET to FNR and PSI have also been studied. Mutants at these Fld positions indicate that residues in the close environment of the isoalloxazine ring modulate the ability of Fld to bind to and to exchange electrons with its physiological counterparts.     

Binding Thermodynamics of Ferredoxin:NADP Reductase: Two Different Protein Substrates and One Energetics

The thermodynamics of the formation of binary and ternary complexes between Anabaena PCC 7119 FNR and its substrates, NADP⁺ and Fd, or Fld, has been studied by ITC. Despite structural dissimilarities, the main difference between Fd and Fld binding to FNR relates to hydrophobicity, reflected in different binding heat capacity and number of water molecules released from the interface. At pH 8, the formation of the binary complexes is both enthalpically and entropically driven, accompanied by the protonation of at least one ionizable group. His²⁹⁹ FNR has been identified as the main responsible for the proton exchange observed. However, at pH 10, where no protonation occurs and intrinsic binding parameters can be obtained, the formation of the binary complexes is entropically driven, with negligible enthalpic contribution. Absence of the FMN cofactor in Fld does not alter significantly the strength of the interaction, but considerably modifies the enthalpic and entropic contributions, suggesting a different binding mode. Ternary complexes show negative cooperativity (6-fold and 11-fold reduction in binding affinity, respectively), and an increase in the enthalpic contribution (more favorable) and a decrease in the entropic contribution (less favorable), with regard to the binary complexes energetics.     

Flavodoxin-mediated electron transfer from photosystem I to ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase in Anabaena: role of flavodoxin hydrophobic residues in protein-protein interactions

Three surface hydrophobic residues located at the Anabaena flavodoxin (Fld) putative complex interface with its redox partners were replaced by site-directed mutagenesis. The effects of these replacements on Fld interaction with both its physiological electron donor, photosystem I (PSI), and its electron acceptor, ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase (FNR), were analyzed. Trp57, Ile59, and Ile92 contributed to the optimal orientation and tightening of the FNR:Fld and PSI:Fld complexes. However, these side chains did not appear to be involved in crucial specific interactions, but rather contributed to the obtainment of the optimal orientation and distance of the redox centers required for efficient electron transfer. This supports the idea that the interaction of Fld with its partners is less specific than that of ferredoxin and that more than one orientation is efficient for electron transfer in these transient complexes. Additionally, for some of the analyzed processes, WT Fld seems not to be the most optimized molecular species. Therefore, subtle changes at the isoalloxazine environment not only influence the Fld binding abilities, but also modulate the electron exchange processes by producing different orientations and distances between the redox centers. Finally, the weaker apoflavodoxin interaction with FNR suggests that the solvent-accessible region of FMN plays a role either in complex formation with FNR or in providing the adequate conformation of the FNR binding region in Fld.     

Role of hydrophobic interactions in the flavodoxin mediated electron transfer from photosystem I to ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase in Anabaena PCC 7119

Hydrophobic interactions play an active role in effective complex formation between ferredoxin-NADP(+) reductase (FNR) and ferredoxin (Fd) from Anabaena, where an aromatic amino acid residue on the Fd surface (F65) and three hydrophobic residues (L76, L78, and V136) on the reductase surface have been shown to be essential for the efficient electron transfer (ET) reaction between Fd and FNR (Martínez-Júlvez et al. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 27498-27510). Since in this system flavodoxin (Fld) can efficiently replace Fd in the overall ET process, we have further investigated if such hydrophobic interactions are also critical in complex stabilization and ET in the FNR/Fld association. Different ET behaviors with Fld are observed for some of the mutations made at L76, L78, and V136 of Anabaena FNR. Thus, the ET interaction with Fld is almost completely lost upon introduction of negatively charged side chains at these positions, while more conservative changes in the hydrophobic patch can influence the rates of ET to and from Fld by altering the binding constants and the midpoint redox potentials of the flavin group. Therefore, our results confirm that nonpolar residues in the region close to the FAD group in FNR participate in the establishment of interactions with Fld, which serve to orient the two flavin groups in a manner such that ET is favored. In an attempt to look for the counterpart region of the Fld surface, the effect produced by the replacement of the only two nonpolar residues on the Fld surface, I59 and I92, by a Lys has also been analyzed. The results obtained suggest that these two hydrophobic residues are not critical in the interaction and ET processes with FNR. The reactivity of these I92 and I59 Fld mutants toward the membrane-anchored photosystem I (PSI) complex was also analyzed by laser flash absorption spectroscopy. From these data, significant effects are evident, especially for the I92 position of Fld, both in the association constant for complex formation and in the electron-transfer rate constant in the PSI/Fld system.     

Role of specific residues in coenzyme binding, charge-transfer complex formation, and catalysis in Anabaena ferredoxin NADP-reductase

Two transient charge-transfer complexes (CTC) form prior and upon hydride transfer (HT) in the reversible reaction of the FAD-dependent ferredoxin-NADP⁺ reductase (FNR) with NADP⁺/H, FNR_ox-NADPH (CTC-1), and FNR_rd-NADP⁺ (CTC-2). Spectral properties of both CTCs, as well as the corresponding interconversion HT rates, are here reported for several Anabaena FNR site-directed mutants. The need for an adequate initial interaction between the 2′P-AMP portion of NADP⁺/H and FNR that provides subsequent conformational changes leading to CTC formation is further confirmed. Stronger interactions between the isoalloxazine and nicotinamide rings might relate with faster HT processes, but exceptions are found upon distortion of the active centre. Thus, within the analyzed FNR variants, there is no strict correlation between the stability of the transient CTCs formation and the rate of the subsequent HT. Kinetic isotope effects suggest that, while in the WT, vibrational enhanced modulation of the active site contributes to the tunnel probability of HT; complexes of some of the active site mutants with the coenzyme hardly allow the relative movement of isoalloxazine and nicotinamide rings along the HT reaction. The architecture of the WT FNR active site precisely contributes to reduce the stacking probability between the isoalloxazine and nicotinamide rings in the catalytically competent complex, modulating the angle and distance between the N5 of the FAD isoalloxazine and the C4 of the coenzyme nicotinamide to values that ensure efficient HT processes.     

Structural analysis of interactions for complex formation between Ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase and its protein partners

The three-dimensional structures of K72E, K75R, K75S, K75Q, and K75E Anabaena Ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase (FNR) mutants have been solved, and particular structural details of these mutants have been used to assess the role played by residues 72 and 75 in optimal complex formation and electron transfer (ET) between FNR and its protein redox partners Ferredoxin (Fd) and Flavodoxin (Fld). Additionally, because there is no structural information available on the interaction between FNR and Fld, a model for the FNR:Fld complex has also been produced based on the previously reported crystal structures and on that of the rat Cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), onto which FNR and Fld have been structurally aligned, and those reported for the Anabaena and maize FNR:Fd complexes. The model suggests putative electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between residues on the FNR and Fld surfaces at the complex interface and provides an adequate orientation and distance between the FAD and FMN redox centers for efficient ET without the presence of any other molecule as electron carrier. Thus, the models now available for the FNR:Fd and FNR:Fld interactions and the structures presented here for the mutants at K72 and K75 in Anabaena FNR have been evaluated in light of previous biochemical data. These structures confirm the key participation of residue K75 and K72 in complex formation with both Fd and Fld. The drastic effect in FNR activity produced by replacement of K75 by Glu in the K75E FNR variant is explained not only by the observed changes in the charge distribution on the surface of the K75E FNR mutant, but also by the formation of a salt bridge interaction between E75 and K72 that simultaneously "neutralizes" two essential positive charged side chains for Fld/Fd recognition.     

Anabaena sp. PCC 7119 flavodoxin as electron carrier from photosystem I to ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase. Role of Trp(57) and Tyr(94)

The influence of the amino acid residues sandwiching the flavin ring in flavodoxin (Fld) from the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7119 in complex formation and electron transfer (ET) with its natural partners, photosystem I (PSI) and ferredoxin-NADP(+) reductase (FNR), was examined in mutants of the key residues Trp(57) and Tyr(94). The mutants' ability to form complexes with either FNR or PSI is similar to that of wild-type Fld. However, some of the mutants exhibit altered kinetic properties in their ET processes that can be explained in terms of altered flavin accessibility and/or thermodynamic parameters. The most noticeable alteration is produced upon replacement of Tyr(94) by alanine. In this mutant, the processes that involve the transfer of one electron from either PSI or FNR are clearly accelerated, which might be attributable to a larger accessibility of the flavin to the reductant. However, when the opposite ET flow is analyzed with FNR, the reduced Y94A mutant transfers electrons to FNR slightly more slowly than wild type. This can be explained thermodynamically from a decrease in driving force due to the significant shift of 137 mV in the reduction potential value for the semiquinone/hydroquinone couple (E(1)) of Y94A, relative to wild type (Lostao, A., Gómez-Moreno, C., Mayhew, S. G., and Sancho, J. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 14334-14344). The behavior of the rest of the mutants can be explained in the same way. Overall, our data indicate that Trp(57) and Tyr(94) do not play any active role in flavodoxin redox reactions providing a path for the electrons but are rather involved in setting an appropriate structural and electronic environment that modulates in vivo ET from PSI to FNR while providing a tight FMN binding.     

Ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase uses the same site for the interaction with ferredoxin and flavodoxin

The enzyme ferredoxin-NADP(+) reductase (FNR) forms a 1 : 1 complex with ferredoxin (Fd) or flavodoxin (Fld) that is stabilised by both electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. The electrostatic interactions occur between acidic residues of the electron transfer (ET) protein and basic residues on the FNR surface. In the present study, several charge-reversal mutants of FNR have been prepared at the proposed site of interaction of the ET protein: R16E, K72E, K75E, K138E, R264E, K290E and K294E. All of these mutants have been assayed for reactivity with Fd and Fld using steady-state and stopped-flow kinetics. Their abilities for complex formation with the ET proteins have also been tested. The data presented here indicate that the mutated residues situated within the FNR FAD-binding domain are more important for achieving maximal ET rates, either with Fd or Fld, than those situated within the NADP(+)-binding domain, and that both ET proteins occupy the same region for the interaction with the reductase. In addition, each individual residue does not appear to participate to the same extent in the different processes with Fd and Fld.     

Docking analysis of transient complexes: interaction of ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase with ferredoxin and flavodoxin

Ferredoxin (Fd) interacts with ferredoxin-NADP(+) reductase (FNR) to transfer two electrons to the latter, one by one, which will finally be used to reduce NADP(+) to NADPH. The formation of a transient complex between Fd and FNR is required for the electron transfer (ET), and extensive mutational and crystallographic studies have been reported to characterize such protein-protein interaction. However, some aspects of the association mechanism still remain unclear. Moreover, in spite of their structural differences, flavodoxin (Fld) can replace Fd in its function and interact with FNR to transfer electrons with only slightly lower efficiency. Although crystallographic structures for the FNR:Fd association have been reported, experimental structural data for the FNR:Fld interaction are highly elusive. We have modeled here the interactions between FNR and both of its protein partners, Fd and Fld, using surface energy analysis, computational rigid-body docking simulations, and interface side-chain refinement. The results, consistent with previous experimental data, suggest the existence of alternative binding modes in these ET proteins.     

Dynamics of the active site architecture in plant-type ferredoxin-NADP reductases catalytic complexes

Kinetic isotope effects in reactions involving hydride transfer and their temperature dependence are powerful tools to explore dynamics of enzyme catalytic sites. In plant-type ferredoxin-NADP⁺ reductases the FAD cofactor exchanges a hydride with the NADP(H) coenzyme. Rates for these processes are considerably faster for the plastidic members (FNR) of the family than for those belonging to the bacterial class (FPR). Hydride transfer (HT) and deuteride transfer (DT) rates for the NADP⁺ coenzyme reduction of four plant-type FNRs (two representatives of the plastidic type FNRs and the other two from the bacterial class), and their temperature dependences are here examined applying a full tunnelling model with coupled environmental fluctuations. Parameters for the two plastidic FNRs confirm a tunnelling reaction with active dynamics contributions, but isotope effects on Arrhenius factors indicate a larger contribution for donor–acceptor distance (DAD) dynamics in the Pisum sativum FNR reaction than in the Anabaena FNR reaction. On the other hand, parameters for bacterial FPRs are consistent with passive environmental reorganisation movements dominating the HT coordinate and no contribution of DAD sampling or gating fluctuations. This indicates that active sites of FPRs are more organised and rigid than those of FNRs. These differences must be due to adaptation of the active sites and catalytic mechanisms to fulfil their particular metabolic roles, establishing a compromise between protein flexibility and functional optimisation. Analysis of site-directed mutants in plastidic enzymes additionally indicates the requirement of a minimal optimal architecture in the catalytic complex to provide a favourable gating contribution.     

Flavodoxin cofactor binding induces structural changes that are required for protein–protein interactions with NADP+ oxidoreductase and pyruvate formate-lyase activating enzyme

Flavodoxin (Fld) conformational changes, thermal stability, and cofactor binding were studied using circular dichroism (CD), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and limited proteolysis. Thermodynamics of apo and holo-Fld folding were examined to discern the features of this important electron transfer protein and to provide data on apo-Fld. With the exception of fluorescence and UV–vis binding experiments with its cofactor flavin mononucleotide (FMN), apo-Fld is almost completely uncharacterized in Escherichia coli. Fld is more structured when the FMN cofactor is bound; the association is tight and driven by enthalpy of binding. Surface plasmon resonance binding experiments were carried out under anaerobic conditions for both apo- and holo-Fld and demonstrate the importance of structure and conformation for the interaction with binding partners. Holo-Fld is capable of associating with NADP⁺-dependent flavodoxin oxidoreductase (FNR) and pyruvate formate-lyase activating enzyme (PFL-AE) whereas there is no detectable interaction between apo-Fld and either protein. Limited proteolysis experiments were analyzed by LC-MS to identify the regions in Fld that are involved in conformation changes upon cofactor binding. Docking software was used to model the Fld/PFL-AE complex to understand the interactions between these two proteins and gain insight into electron transfer reactions from Fld to PFL-AE.     

Real-time optical studies of respiratory Complex I turnover

Reduction of Complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase I) from Escherichia coli by NADH was investigated optically by means of an ultrafast stopped-flow approach. A locally designed microfluidic stopped-flow apparatus with a low volume (0.2 μl) but a long optical path (10 mm) cuvette allowed measurements in the time range from 270 μs to seconds. The data acquisition system collected spectra in the visible range every 50 μs. Analysis of the obtained time-resolved spectral changes upon the reaction of Complex I with NADH revealed three kinetic components with characteristic times of < 270 μs, 0.45–0.9 ms and 3–6 ms, reflecting reduction of different FeS clusters and FMN. The rate of the major (τ = 0.45–0.9 ms) component was slower than predicted by electron transfer theory for the reduction of all FeS clusters in the intraprotein redox chain. This delay of the reaction was explained by retention of NAD⁺ in the catalytic site. The fast optical changes in the time range of 0.27–1.5 ms were not altered significantly in the presence of 10-fold excess of NAD⁺ over NADH. The data obtained on the NuoF E95Q variant of Complex I shows that the single amino acid replacement in the catalytic site caused a strong decrease of NADH binding and/or the hydride transfer from bound NADH to FMN.     

The C-terminal extension of bacterial flavodoxin-reductases: Involvement in the hydride transfer mechanism from the coenzyme

To study the role of the mobile C-terminal extension present in bacterial class of plant type NADP(H):ferredoxin reductases during catalysis, we generated a series of mutants of the Rhodobacter capsulatus enzyme (RcFPR). Deletion of the six C-terminal amino acids beyond alanine 266 was combined with the replacement A266Y, emulating the structure present in plastidic versions of this flavoenzyme. Analysis of absorbance and fluorescence spectra suggests that deletion does not modify the general geometry of FAD itself, but increases exposure of the flavin to the solvent, prevents a productive geometry of FAD:NADP(H) complex and decreases the protein thermal stability. Although the replacement A266Y partially coats the isoalloxazine from solvent and slightly restores protein stability, this single change does not allow formation of active charge-transfer complexes commonly present in the wild-type FPR, probably due to restraints of C-terminus pliability. A proton exchange process is deduced from ITC measurements during coenzyme binding. All studied RcFPR variants display higher affinity for NADP⁺ than wild-type, evidencing the contribution of the C-terminus in tempering a non-productive strong (rigid) interaction with the coenzyme. The decreased catalytic rate parameters confirm that the hydride transfer from NADPH to the flavin ring is considerably hampered in the mutants. Although the involvement of the C-terminal extension from bacterial FPRs in stabilizing overall folding and bent-FAD geometry has been stated, the most relevant contributions to catalysis are modulation of coenzyme entrance and affinity, promotion of the optimal geometry of an active complex and supply of a proton acceptor acting during coenzyme binding.     

Molecular determinants for FMN-binding in Desulfovibrio gigas flavoredoxin

Flavoredoxin participates in Desulfovibrio gigas thiosulfate reduction pathway. Its 3-dimensional model was generated allowing the oxidized riboflavin-5'-phosphate (FMN) site to be predicted. Residues likely to be involved in FMN-binding were identified (N29, W35, T56, K92, H131 and F164) and mutated to alanine. Fluorescence titration with apoprotein showed that FMN is strongly bound in the wild-type protein. Comparison of K(d) values for mutants suggests that interactions with the phosphate group of FMN, contribute more to binding than the interactions with the isoalloxazine ring. The redox potential of bound FMN determined for wild-type and mutants revealed shifts to less negative values. These findings were correlated with the protein structure in order to contribute to a better understanding of the structure-function relationships in flavoredoxin.     

Enzymatic oxidation of manganese ions catalysed by laccase

The principal possibility of enzymatic oxidation of manganese ions by fungal Trametes hirsuta laccase in the presence of oxalate and tartrate ions, whereas not for plant Rhus vernicifera laccase, was demonstrated. Detailed kinetic studies of the oxidation of different enzyme substrates along with oxygen reduction by the enzymes show that in air-saturated solutions the rate of oxygen reduction by the T2/T3 cluster of laccases is fast enough not to be a readily noticeable contribution to the overall turnover rate. Indeed, the limiting step of the oxidation of high-redox potential compounds, such as chelated manganese ions, is the electron transfer from the electron donor to the T1 site of the fungal laccase.     

Redox tuning of the catalytic activity of soluble fumarate reductases from Shewanella

Many enzymes involved in bioenergetic processes contain chains of redox centers that link the protein surface, where interaction with electron donors or acceptors occurs, to a secluded catalytic site. In numerous cases these redox centers can transfer only single electrons even when they are associated to catalytic sites that perform two-electron chemistry. These chains provide no obvious contribution to enhance chemiosmotic energy conservation, and often have more redox centers than those necessary to hold sufficient electrons to sustain one catalytic turnover of the enzyme. To investigate the role of such a redox chain we analyzed the transient kinetics of fumarate reduction by two flavocytochromes c₃ of Shewanella species while these enzymes were being reduced by sodium dithionite. These soluble monomeric proteins contain a chain of four hemes that interact with a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) catalytic center that performs the obligatory two electron–two proton reduction of fumarate to succinate. Our results enabled us to parse the kinetic contribution of each heme towards electron uptake and conduction to the catalytic center, and to determine that the rate of fumarate reduction is modulated by the redox stage of the enzyme, which is defined by the number of reduced centers. In both enzymes the catalytically most competent redox stages are those least prevalent in a quasi-stationary condition of turnover. Furthermore, the electron distribution among the redox centers during turnover suggested how these enzymes can play a role in the switch between respiration of solid and soluble terminal electron acceptors in the anaerobic bioenergetic metabolism of Shewanella.     

The surface structure of a complex substrate revealed by enzyme kinetics and Freundlich constants for α-amylase interaction with the surface of starch

Background

Starch is a main source of carbohydrate in human diets, but differences are observed in postprandial glycaemia following ingestion of different foods containing identical starch contents. Such differences reflect variations in rates at which different starches are digested in the intestine. In seeking explanations for these differences, we have studied the interaction of α-amylase with starch granules. Understanding this key step in digestion should help with a molecular understanding for observed differences in starch digestion rates.

Methods

For enzymes acting upon solid substrates, a Freundlich equation relates reaction rate to enzyme adsorption at the surface. The Freundlich exponent (n) equals 2/3 for a liquid-smooth surface interface, 1/3 for adsorption to exposed edges of ordered structures and 1.0 for solution–solution interfaces. The topography of a number of different starch granules, revealed by Freundlich exponents, was compared with structural data obtained by differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total internal reflectance (FTIR-ATR).

Results

Enzyme binding rate and FTIR-ATR peak ratio were directly proportional to n and Δ_gelH was inversely related to n. Amylase binds fastest to solubilised starch and to granules possessing smooth surfaces at the solid–liquid interface and slowest to granules possessing ordered crystalline surfaces.

Conclusions

Freundlich exponents provide information about surface blocklet structures of starch that supplements knowledge obtained from physical methods.

General Significance

Nanoscale structures at the surface of starch granules influence hydrolysis by α-amylase. This can be important in understanding how dietary starch is digested with relevance to diabetes, cardiovascular health and cancer.