Investigation of the interaction of the water oxidising manganese complex of photosystem II with the aqueous solvent environment

Interaction of the water oxidising manganese complex of photosystem II with the aqueous environment has been investigated using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and electron spin echo envelope modulation spectroscopy to detect interaction of [2H]methanol with the complex in the S2 state. The experiments show that the classical S2 multiline signal is associated with a manganese environment which is not exposed to the aqueous medium. An electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy signal, also induced by 200 K illumination, showing 2H modulation by methanol in the medium and a modified multiline electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy signal formed in parallel to it, are suggested to be associated with a second manganese environment exposed to the medium.     

Electron paramagnetic resonance and spectrophotometric studies of the peroxide compounds of manganese-substituted horseradish peroxidase, cytochrome-c peroxidase and manganese-porphyrin model complexes

Peroxide compounds of manganese protoporphyrin IX and its complexes with apo-horseradish peroxidase and apocytochrome-c peroxidase were characterized by electronic absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies. An intermediate formed upon titration of Mn(III)-horseradish peroxidase with hydrogen peroxide exhibited a new electron paramagnetic resonance absorption at g = 5.23 with a definite six-lined 55Mn hyperfine (AMn = 8.2 mT). Neither a porphyrin pi-cation radical nor any other radical in the apoprotein moiety could be observed. The reduced form of Mn-horseradish peroxidase, Mn(II)-horseradish peroxidase, reacted with a stoichiometric amount of hydrogen peroxide to form a peroxide compound whose electronic absorption spectrum was identical with that formed from Mn(III)-horseradish peroxidase. The electronic state of the peroxide compound of manganese horseradish peroxidase was thus concluded to be Mn(IV), S = 3/2. Mn(III)-cytochrome-c peroxidase reacted with stoichiometry quantities of hydrogen peroxide to form a catalytically active intermediate. The electronic absorption spectrum was very similar to that of a higher oxidation state of manganese porphyrin, Mn(V). Since the peroxide compound of manganese cytochrome-c peroxidase retained two oxidizing equivalents per mol of the enzyme (Yonetani, T. and Asakura, T. (1969) J. Biol. Chem. 244, 4580-4588), this peroxide compound might contain an Mn(V) center.     

Towards an artificial model for Photosystem II: a manganese(II,II) dimer covalently linked to ruthenium(II) tris-bipyridine via a tyrosine derivative

In order to model the individual electron transfer steps from the manganese cluster to the photooxidized sensitizer P680+ in Photosystem II (PS II) in green plants, the supramolecular complex 4 has been synthesized. In this complex, a ruthenium(II) tris-bipyridine type photosensitizer has been linked to a manganese(II) dimer via a substituted L-tyrosine, which bridges the manganese ions. The trinuclear complex 4 was characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The excited state lifetime of the ruthenium tris-bipyridine moiety in 4 was found to be about 110 ns in acetonitrile. Using flash photolysis in the presence of an electron acceptor (methylviologen), it was demonstrated that in the supramolecular complex 4 an electron was transferred from the excited state of the ruthenium tris-bipyridine moiety to methylviologen, forming a methylviologen radical and a ruthenium(III) tris-bipyridine moiety. Next, the Ru(III) species retrieved the electron from the manganese(II/II) dimer in an intramolecular electron transfer reaction with a rate constant kET > 1.0 x 10(7) s(-1), generating a manganese(II/III) oxidation state and regenerating the ruthenium(II) photosensitizer. This is the first example of intramolecular electron transfer in a supramolecular complex, in which a manganese dimer is covalently linked to a photosensitizer via a tyrosine unit, in a process which mimics the electron transfer on the donor side of PS II.     

An electron paramagnetic resonance study of the manganese environment within dormant spores of Bacillus megaterium KM

The manganese electron paramagnetic spin resonance spectrum of Bacillis megaterium KM spores is virtually identical at both 77 K and 298 K which suggests that the manganese is present in a crystalline lattice in the spore core. This conclusion is supported by studies of the electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of model systems including Ca: Mn: pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid crystals and manganese bound to protein and lipid standards.     

The first spectroscopic model for the S1 state multiline signal of the OEC

The parallel-mode electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of the S(1) state of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) shows a multiline signal centered around g=12, indicating an integer spin system. The series of [Mn(2)(2-OHsalpn)(2)] complexes were structurally characterized in four oxidation levels (Mn(II)(2), Mn(II)Mn(III), Mn(III)(2), and Mn(III)Mn(IV)). By using bulk electrolysis, the [Mn(III)Mn(IV)(2-OHsalpn)(2)(OH)] is oxidized to a species that contains Mn(IV) oxidation state as detected by X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) and that can be formulated as Mn(IV)(4) tetramer. The parallel-mode EPR spectrum of this multinuclear Mn(IV)(4) complex shows 18 well-resolved hyperfine lines center around g=11 with an average hyperfine splitting of 36 G. This EPR spectrum is very similar to that found in the S(1) state of the OEC. This is the first synthetic manganese model complex that shows an S(1)-like multiline spectrum in parallel-mode EPR.     

Gold or silver deposited on layered manganese oxide: a functional model for the water-oxidizing complex in photosystem II

In this report, gold or silver deposited on layered manganese oxide has been synthesized by a simple method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction spectrometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray mapping. The gold deposited on layered manganese oxide showed efficient catalytic activity toward water oxidation in the presence of cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate. The properties associated with this compound suggest it is a functional model for the water-oxidizing complex in photosystem II.     

Structure of the active site of sulfite oxidase. X-ray absorption spectroscopy of the Mo(IV), Mo(V), and Mo(VI) oxidation states

The active site of sulfite oxidase has been investigated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the molybdenum K-edge at 4 K. We have investigated all three accessible molybdenum oxidation states, Mo(IV), Mo(V), and Mo(VI), allowing comparison with the Mo(V) electron paramagnetic resonance data for the first time. Quantitative analysis of the extended X-ray absorption fine structure indicates that the Mo(VI) oxidation state possesses two terminal oxo (Mo = O) and approximately three thiolate-like (Mo-S-) ligands and is unaffected by changes in pH and chloride concentration. The Mo(IV) and Mo(V) oxidation states, however, each have a single oxo ligand plus one Mo-O- (or Mo-N less than) bond, most probably Mo--OH, and two to three thiolate-like ligands. Both reduced forms appear to gain a single chloride ligand under conditions of low pH and high chloride concentration.     

Water cleavage by solar radiation—an inspiring challenge of photosynthesis research

Solar energy exploitation by photosynthetic water cleavage is of central relevance for the development and sustenance of all higher forms of living matter in the biosphere. The key steps of this process take place within an integral protein complex referred to as Photosystem II (PS II) which is anisotropically incorporated into the thylakoid membrane. This minireview concentrates on mechanistic questions related to i) the generation of strongly oxidizing equivalents (holes) at a special chlorophyll a complex (designated as P680) and ii) the cooperative reaction of four holes with two water molecules at a manganese containing unit WOC (water oxidizing complex) resulting in the release of molecular oxygen and four protons. The classical work of Pierre Joliot and Bessel Kok and their coworkers revealed that water oxidation occurs via a sequence of univalent oxidation steps including intermediary redox states S_i (i = number of accumulated holes within the WOC). Based on our current stage of knowledge, an attempt is made a) to identify the nature of the redox states S_i, b) to describe the structural arrangement of the (four) manganese centers and their presumed coordination and ligation within the protein matrix, and c) to propose a mechanism of photosynthetic water oxidation with special emphasis on the key step, i.e. oxygen-oxygen bond formation. It is assumed that there exists a dynamic equilibrium in S₃ with one state attaining the nuclear geometry and electronic configuration of a complexed peroxide. This state is postulated to undergo direct oxidation to complexed dioxygen by univalent electron abstraction with Y_Z ^ox and simultaneous internal ligand to metal charge transfer.Key questions on the mechanism will be raised. The still fragmentary answers to these questions not only reflect our limited knowledge but also illustrate the challenges for future research.Abbreviations b559 cytochrome b559 - BChl bacteriochlorophyll - Chl chlorophyll - CP47 Chl a containing a 47 kDa polypeptide - D1/D2 polypeptides of the PS II reaction center - ENDOR electron nuclear double resonance - EPR electron paramagnetic resonance - ESEEM electron spin echo envelope modulation - EXAFS extended X-ray absorption fine structure - FTIR Fourier transform infrared - NMR nuclear magnetic resonance - P680, P700 photoactive Chl a of PS II and PS I, respectively - PS II Photosystem II - Q_A special plastoquinone of PS II - S_i redox states of WOC - WOC water oxidizing complex - WOS water oxidizing site - UV/VIS ultraviolet/visible - Y_D, Y_Z redox active tyrosines of polypeptides D2 and D1, respectively     

The tetranuclear manganese complex of Photosystem II

A polynuclear manganese complex functions in Photosystem II both to accumulate oxidizing equivalents and to bind water and catalyze its four-electron oxidation. Recent electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic studies of the manganese complex show that four manganese ions are required to account for its magnetic properties. The exchange couplings between manganese ions in the S₂ state are characteristic of a Mn₄O₄ cubane-like structure. Based on this structure for the manganese complex in the S₂ state, as well as a consideration of the known properties of the manganese complex in Photosystem II and the coordination chemistry of manganese, structures are proposed for the five intermediate oxidation states of the manganese complex. A molecular mechanism for the formation of an O-O bond and the displacement of O₂ from the S₄ state is suggested.     

Recent pulsed EPR studies of the photosystem II oxygen-evolving complex: implications as to water oxidation mechanisms

The pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) methods of electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) and electron spin echo-electron nuclear double resonance (ESE-ENDOR) are used to investigate the structure of the Photosystem II oxygen-evolving complex (OEC), including the paramagnetic manganese cluster and its immediate surroundings. Recent unpublished results from the pulsed EPR laboratory at UC-Davis are discussed, along with aspects of recent publications, with a focus on substrate and cofactor interactions. New data on the proximity of exchangeable deuterons around the Mn cluster poised in the S(0)-state are presented and interpreted. These pulsed EPR results are used in an evaluation of several recently proposed mechanisms for PSII water oxidation. We strongly favor mechanistic models where the substrate waters bind within the OEC early in the S-state cycle. Models in which the O-O bond is formed by a nucleophilic attack by a Ca(2+)-bound water on a strong S(4)-state electrophile provide a good match to the pulsed EPR data.     

Comparison of the structure of the manganese complex in the S1 and S2 states of the photosynthetic O2-evolving complex: an x-ray absorption spectroscopy study

A Mn-containing enzyme complex is involved in the oxidation of H2O to O2 in algae and higher plants. X-ray absorption spectroscopy is well suited for studying the structure and function of Mn in this enzyme complex. Results of X-ray K-edge and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) studies of Mn in the S1 and S2 states of the photosynthetic O2-evolving complex in photosystem II preparations from spinach are presented in this paper. The S2 state was prepared by illumination at 190 K or by illumination at 277 K in the presence of 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU); these are protocols that limit the photosystem II reaction center to one turnover. Both methods produce an S2 state characterized by a multiline electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal. An additional protocol, illumination at 140 K, produces as a state characterized by the g = 4.1 EPR signal. We have previously observed a shift to higher energy in the X-ray absorption K-edge energy of Mn upon advancement from the dark-adapted S1 state to the S2 state produced by illumination at 190 K [Goodin, D. B., Yachandra, V. K., Britt, R. D., Sauer, K., & Klein, M. P. (1984) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 767, 209-216]. The Mn K-edge spectrum of the 277 K illuminated sample is similar to that produced at 190 K, indicating that the S2 state is similar when produced at 190 or 277 K.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of Anions on the Binding and Oxidation of Divalent Manganese and Iron in Modified Bacterial Reaction Centers

The influence of different anions on the binding and oxidation of manganous and ferrous cations was studied in four mutants of bacterial reaction centers that can bind and oxidize these metal ions. Light-minus-dark difference optical and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies were applied to monitor electron transfer from bound divalent metal ions to the photo-oxidized bacteriochlorophyll dimer in the presence of five different anions. At pH 7, bicarbonate was found to be the most effective for both manganese and iron binding, with dissociation constants around 1 μM in three of the mutants. The pH dependence of the dissociation constants for manganese revealed that only bicarbonate and acetate were able to facilitate the binding and oxidation of the metal ion between pH 6 and 8 where the tight binding in their absence could not otherwise be established. The data are consistent with two molecules of bicarbonate or one molecule of acetate binding to the metal binding site. For ferrous ion, the binding and oxidation was facilitated not only by bicarbonate and acetate, but also by citrate. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra suggest differences in the arrangement of the iron ligands in the presence of the various anions.     

Template synthesis of novel carboxamide dinuclear copper (II) complex: spectral characterization and reactivity towards calf-thymus DNA

Dinuclear complexes Bis [aqua 1,8-(1,2-dicarboxamido benzene) 3,6-diazaoctane copper (II)/nickel (II)] tetrachloride (1 and 2) were synthesized by a two component one-pot metal template condensation between phthalic anhydride and 1,8-diamino 3,6-diazaoctane. Elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, electronic absorption, infra-red, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, atomic absorption, and electron spray mass spectral studies have been performed to probe the nature and structure of the complexes. The interaction of copper (II) complex with calf thymus (CT-DNA) has been studied by using absorption, emission and circular dichoric spectral methods, viscometry, and cyclic voltammetry. A strong hyperchromism along with a red shift in UV bands and hypochromism in the ligand field band of the complex 1 on interaction with CT-DNA imply a covalent mode of DNA binding. This is further confirmed by studying the reactivity of complex 1 using circular dichroism and viscosity measurements. The variation in relative emission intensity of DNA-bound ethidium bromide observed upon treatment with the complex 1 parallel the trend of DNA binding studies. Cyclic voltammetry studies reveal that the complex 1 prefers to bind to DNA in Cu(II) rather than Cu(I) oxidation state.     

Determination of the number and location of the manganese binding sites of DNA quadruplexes in solution by EPR and NMR.

The paramagnetic metal ion Mn2+ has been used to probe the electrostatic potentials of a DNA quadruplex that has two quartets with an overall fold of the chair type. A quadruplex with a basket type structure has also been examined. The binding of the paramagnetic ion manganese to these quadruplex DNAs has been investigated by solution state electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies. The EPR results indicate that the DNA aptamer, d(GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG), binds two manganese ions and that the binding constants for each of these sites is approximately 10(5) M-1. The NMR results indicate that the binding sites of the manganese are in the narrow grooves of this quadruplex DNA. The binding sites of the DNA quadruplex formed by dimers of d(GGGGTTTTGGGG) which forms a basket structure are also in the narrow groove. These results indicate that the close approach of phosphates in the narrow minor grooves of the quadruplex structures provide strong binding sites for the manganese ions and that EPR and NMR monitoring of manganese binding can be used to distinguish between the different types of quadruplex structures.     

EPR studies of the water oxidizing complex in the S1 and the higher S states: the manganese cluster and Y(Z) radical

The parallel polarization electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) method has been applied to investigate manganese EPR signals of native S1 and S3 states of the water oxidizing complex (WOC) in photosystem (PS) II. The EPR signals in both states were assigned to thermally excited states with S=1, from which zero-field interaction parameters D and E were derived. Three kinds of signals, the doublet signal, the singlet-like signal and g=11-15 signal, were detected in Ca2+-depleted PS II. The g=11-15 signal was observed by parallel and perpendicular modes and assigned to a higher oxidation state beyond S2 in Ca2+-depleted PS II. The singlet-like signal was associated with the g=11-15 signal but not with the Y(Z) (the tyrosine residue 161 of the D1 polypeptide in PS II) radical. The doublet signal was associated with the Y(Z) radical as proved by pulsed electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) and ENDOR-induced EPR. The electron transfer mechanism relevant to the role of Y(Z) radical was discussed.     

Chloroperoxidase: P-450 type absorption in the absence of sulfhydryl groups.

The oxidation state of the two half-cystine residues in the native ferric form of chloroperoxidase and in the reduced ferrous chloroperoxidase has been examined in order to evaluate the role of sulfhydryl groups as determinants of P-450 type spectra. M?ssbauer and optical spectroscopy studies indicate that the ferrous forms of P-450cam and chloroperoxidase have very similar or identical heme environments. Model studies have suggested that sulfhydryl groups may function as axial ligands for developing P-450 character. However, chemical studies involving both sulfhydryl reagents and amperometric titrations show that neither the ferric nor the chemically produced ferrous forms of chloroperoxidase contain a sulfhydryl group. These results rule out the hypothesis that sulfhydryl groups are unique components for P-450 absorption characteristics. The optical and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of the nitric oxide complex of chloroperoxidase have been obtained and compared to those of myoglobin, hemoglobin, and cytochrome c and horseradish peroxidase. The EPR spectrum of the NO-ferrous chloroperoxidase complex, which is similar to that of cytochrome P-450cam, does not show the extra nitrogen hyperfine structure which appears to be characteristic of those hemoproteins which have a nitrogen atom as an axial heme ligand.     

Spectroscopic studies of the manganese complex of Photosystem II

Our recent EPR and EXAFS experiments investigating the structure of the oxygen-evolving complex of PS II are discussed. PS II treatments which affect the cofactors calcium and chloride have been used to poise samples in modified forms of the S-states, S₁, S₂ and S₃. X-ray absorption studies indicate a similar overall structure for the manganese complex between treated and native samples although the influence of the treatments and cofactors is observed. Manganese oxidation (or oxidation of a ligand to the manganese cluster) is indicated to occur on each of the transitions S₁ S₂ and S₂ S₃ in these modified samples. The cluster appears to contain at least two inequivalent Mn-Mn pairs. In the native samples the Mn-Mn distance is 2.7 Å, but in samples where the calcium site is affected, one of the pairs has a 3.0 Å Mn-Mn distance. The intensity of the 3.3/3.6 Å interaction is reduced on sodium chloride treatment (calcium depletion) perhaps indicating calcium binding close to the manganese cluster. From EPR data we also propose that treatments which affect calcium and chloride binding cause a modification of the native S₂ state, slow the reduction of Y_z and allow an S3 EPR signal to be observed following illumination. The origin of the S3 EPR signal, a modified S₃ or S₂ X where X is an organic radical of unknown charge, is discussed in relation to the results from the EXAFS studies.Abbreviations EPR electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy - EXAFS extended X-ray absorption fine structure - HTG n-heptyl -d-thioglucoside - MES 2(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid - OEC oxygen evolving complex - PPBQ phenyl-1,4-benzoquinone - PS II Photosystem II - Y_z redox active tyrosine     

Mimicking the electron donor side of Photosystem II in artificial photosynthesis

This review focuses on our recent efforts in synthetic ruthenium–tyrosine–manganese chemistry mimicking the donor side reactions of Photosystem II. Tyrosine and tryptophan residues were linked to ruthenium photosensitizers, which resulted in model complexes for proton-coupled electron transfer from amino acids. A new mechanistic model was proposed and used to design complexes in which the mechanism could be switched between concerted and step-wise proton-coupled electron transfer. Moreover, a manganese dimer linked to a ruthenium complex could be oxidized in three successive steps, from Mn₂^II,II to Mn₂^III,IV by the photo-oxidized ruthenium sensitizer. This was possible thanks to a charge compensating ligand exchange in the manganese complex. Detailed studies of the ligand exchange suggested that at high water concentrations, each oxidation step is coupled to a proton-release of water-derived ligands, analogous to the oxidation steps of the manganese cluster of Photosystem II.     

Evidence for the absence of photoreduction of the metal centers of cytochrome C oxidase by X-irradiation

Samples of X-irradiated cytochrome c oxidase were examined by electron paramagnetic resonance and optical spectroscopy. Both radiation from the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory and a conventional X-ray source (W target) were utilized. The X-ray flux from these sources ranges from 10(9) to 10(13) photons/s. No evidence was found for photoreduction of the metal centers in the enzyme by X-ray photons. These results demonstrate that the integrity of cytochrome c oxidase is maintained using the conditions under which X-ray absorption measurements are presently being made.