Biosorption of Cd(II) and Pb(II) onto brown seaweed, Lobophora variegata (Lamouroux): kinetic and equilibrium studies

The present work deals with the biosorption performance of raw and chemically modified biomass of the brown seaweed Lobophora variegata for removal of Cd(II) and Pb(II) from aqueous solution. The biosorption capacity was significantly altered by pH of the solution delineating that the higher the pH, the higher the Cd(II) and Pb(II) removal. Kinetic and isotherm experiments were carried out at the optimal pH 5.0. The metal removal rates were conspicuously rapid wherein 90% of the total sorption occurred within 90 min. Biomass treated with CaCl₂ demonstrated the highest potential for the sorption of the metal ions with the maximum uptake capacities i.e. 1.71 and 1.79 mmol g⁻¹ for Cd(II) and Pb(II), respectively. Kinetic data were satisfactorily manifested by a pseudo-second order chemical sorption process. The process mechanism consisting of both surface adsorption and pore diffusion was found to be complex. The sorption data have been analyzed and fitted to sorption isotherm of the Freundlich, Langmuir, and Redlich–Peterson models. The regression coefficient for both Langmuir and Redlich–Peterson isotherms were higher than those secured for Freundlich isotherm implying that the biosorption system is possibly monolayer coverage of the L. variegata surface by the cadmium and lead ions. FT-IR studies revealed that Cd(II) and Pb(II) binding to L. variegata occurred primarily through biomass carboxyl groups accompanied by momentous interactions of the biomass amino and amide groups. In this study, we have observed that L. variegata had maximum biosorption capacity for Cd(II) and Pb(II) reported so far for any marine algae. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Speciation studies of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of L-valine in acetonitrile–water mixtures

Abstract

Chemical speciation of binary complexes of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) with L-valine in 0.0-60.0% v/v acetonitrile-water mixtures was studied pH-metrically at an ionic strength of 0.16 mol L^-1 at 303.0 K. The existence of different binary complexes was established from the modelling studies, using the computer program MINIQUAD75. The appropriateness of the model was ascertained by studying the effect of errors in concentrations of the reagents. The trend in variation of stability constants with change in the permittivity of the medium is explained on the basis of electrostatic and non-electrostatic forces. The species distribution diagrams and the plausible equilibria for the formation of the species are also presented.     

Synthesis, characterization and antitumor studies of N-aroyl-N′-thioaroylhydrazines and their Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes

N-Salicyloyl-N-p-hydroxythiobenzohydrazide (H₂STPH) and N-benzoyl-N-thiobenzohydrazide (H₂BTBH) and their Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes were prepared and characterized by physicochemical studies. IR and NMR spectral studies imply dibasic tetradentate behaviour of the ligands bonding through `thiolato' sulfur, enolic oxygen and the two hydrazinic nitrogens in a polymeric fashion. The electronic spectra indicate [Ni(STPH)(H₂O)₂], [Co(STPH)(H₂O)₂] to be distorted octahedral while [Cu(BTBH)] has a square-planar geometry. In vitro antitumor results of the ligand and the complexes on P-815 (murine mastocytoma) and L-929 (murine fibroblast) indicate that these compounds show significant inhibition of ³H-thymidine and ³H-uridine incorporation in DNA and RNA, respectively, in these tumor cells at dose levels of 1, 2.5 and 5 g cm^–3. Antitumor studies suggest that [Cu(BTBH)] has significant dose dependent inhibitory effect on DNA synthesis. In vivo administration of [Cu(BTBH)] and [Ni(STPH)(H₂O)₂] resulted into prolongation of life span of Dalton's Lymphoma (DL) bearing mice.     

Binding of α-synuclein with Fe(III) and with Fe(II) and biological implications of the resultant complexes

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is hallmarked by the abnormal intracellular inclusions (Lewy bodies or LBs) in dopaminergic cells. Amyloidogenic protein α-synuclein (α-syn) and iron (including both Fe(III) and Fe(II)) are both found to be present in LBs. The interaction between iron and α-syn might have important biological relevance to PD etiology. Previously, a moderate binding affinity between α-syn and Fe(II) (5.8 × 10³ M⁻¹) has been measured, but studies on the binding between α-syn and Fe(III) have not been reported. In this work, electrospray mass spectrometry (ES-MS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to study the binding between α-syn and Fe(II) and the redox property of the resultant α-syn-Fe(II) complex. The complex is of a 1:1 stoichiometry and can be readily oxidized electrochemically and chemically (by O₂) to the putative α-syn-Fe(III) complex, with H₂O₂ as a co-product. The reduction potential was estimated to be 0.025 V vs. Ag/AgCl, which represents a shift by −0.550 V vs. the standard reduction potential of the free Fe(III)/Fe(II) couple. Such a shift allows a binding constant between α-syn and Fe(III), 1.2 × 10¹³ M⁻¹, to be deduced. Despite the relatively high binding affinity, α-syn-Fe(III) generated from the oxidation of α-syn-Fe(II) still dissociates due to the stronger tendency of Fe(III) to hydrolyze to Fe(OH)₃ and/or ferrihydrite gel. The roles of α-syn and its interaction with Fe(III) and/or Fe(II) are discussed in the context of oxidative stress, metal-catalyzed α-syn aggregation, and iron transfer processes.     

EPR and Mössbauer studies of benzoyl-CoA reductase

Benzoyl-CoA reductase catalyzes the two-electron transfer from a reduced ferredoxin to the aromatic ring of benzoyl-CoA; this reaction is coupled to stoichiometrical ATP hydrolysis. A very low reduction potential (less than -1 V) is required for the first electron transfer to the aromatic ring. In this work the nature of the redox centers of purified benzoyl-CoA reductase from Thauera aromatica was studied by EPR and M?ssbauer spectroscopy. The results obtained indicated the presence of three [4Fe-4S] clusters. Redox titration studies revealed that the reduction potentials of all three clusters were below -500 mV. The previously reported S = 7/2 state of the enzyme during benzoyl-CoA-independent ATPase activity (Boll, M., Albracht, S. J. P., and Fuchs, G. (1997) Eur. J. Biochem. 244, 840-851) was confirmed by M?ssbauer spectroscopy. Inactivation by oxygen was associated with the irreversible conversion of part of the [4Fe-4S] clusters to [3Fe-4S] clusters. Acetylene stimulated the benzoyl-CoA-independent ATPase activity and induced novel EPR signals with g(av) >2. The presence of simple cubane clusters in benzoyl-CoA reductase as the sole redox-active metal centers demonstrates novel aspects of [4Fe-4S] clusters since they adopt the role of elemental sodium or lithium which are used as electron donors in the analogous chemical Birch reduction of aromatic rings.     

X-ray absorption spectroscopic analysis of Fe(II) and Cu(II) forms of a herbicide-degrading α-ketoglutarate dioxygenase

 The first step in the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) by Ralstonia eutropha JMP134 is catalyzed by the α-ketoglutarate (α-KG)-dependent dioxygenase TfdA. Previously, EPR and ESEEM studies on inactive Cu(II)-substituted TfdA suggested a mixture of nitrogen/oxygen coordination with two imidazole-like ligands. Differences between the spectra for Cu TfdA and α-KG- and 2,4-D-treated samples were interpreted as a rearrangement of the g–tensor principal axis system. Herein, we report the use of X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to further characterize the metal coordination environment of Cu TfdA as well as that in the active, wild-type Fe(II) enzyme. The EXAFS data are interpreted in terms of four N/O ligands (two imidazole-like) in the Cu TfdA sample and six N/O ligands (one or two imidazole-like) in the Fe TfdA sample. Addition of α-KG results in no significant structural change in coordination for Cu or Fe TfdA. However, addition of 2,4-D results in a decrease in the number of imidazole ligands in both Cu and Fe TfdA. Since this change is seen both in the Fe and Cu EXAFS, loss of one histidine ligand upon 2,4-D addition best describes the phenomenon. These XAS data clearly demonstrate that changes occur in the atomic environment of the metallocenter upon substrate binding. Received: 3 July 1998 / Accepted: 13 October 1998     

M?ssbauer studies of aconitase. Substrate and inhibitor binding, reaction intermediates, and hyperfine interactions of reduced 3Fe and 4Fe clusters

Active beef heart aconitase contains a [4Fe-4S] cluster. One iron of the cluster, Fea, is labile and can be removed easily by oxidation in air to yield the [3Fe-4S]1+ cluster of inactive aconitase. We have previously shown that substrate binds to Fea. We have continued our M?ssbauer studies by further investigating the active and inactive forms of the enzyme. When active aconitase, [4Fe-4S]2+, is mixed with substrate, two species (substrates or intermediates bound to Fea) labeled S1 and S2 are obtained. With the nitroanalogs of citrate and isocitrate, thought to be transition state analogs, and fluorocitrate, species S2, but not S1, is observed, suggesting that S2 represents a carbanion transition state complex. We have prepared M?ssbauer samples by rapid mix/rapid freeze techniques. Using either citrate, isocitrate or cis-aconitate, the natural substrates, we have been able to detect at 0 degree C reaction intermediates in the 5-35 ms time range and, studying enzyme substrate interactions at subzero temperatures in a water/methanol/ethylene glycol solvent, we have observed new species when substrates were added at -60 degrees C. Details of these experiments are given, although in neither case can unique interpretations be offered at this time. We have also investigated reduced active aconitase ([4Fe-4S]1+; EPR at g = 1.94) in the presence of substrate with material selectively enriched with 57Fe in either Fea or the other three cluster sites. The spectra were analyzed with a spin Hamiltonian, and the results are discussed and interpreted in terms of three inequivalent Fe sites in the cluster. Finally, we have studied enzyme containing the reduced [3Fe-4S]0 cluster. There is no indication that citrate binds to the 3Fe cluster, and since no significant activity was observed, we conclude that aconitase containing a 3Fe cluster is not active in either oxidation state.     

Synthesis and spectroscopic studies of platinum(II) complexes of N,N′-dicyclohexylethylenediamine

The platinum(II) complexes of the formula [Pt(DCHEDA)X₂], where DCHEDA is N,N′-dicyclohexylethylenediamine and X⁻ is CL⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, 0.5C₂O₄²⁻ (oxalate), 0.5C₃H₂O₄²⁻ (malonate), 0.5C₉H₄O₆²⁻ (4-carboxyphthalate), 0.5S₂O₃²⁻ or 0.5SO₄²⁻, have been synthesized and characterized by UVVis, IR, and ¹H NMR spectral techniques. All the above complexes are non-electrolytes in DMF/H₂O, except the sulphate complex which becomes a 1:1 electrolyte after incubation for 24 h at 28 °C. The halide complexes were also studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and these data suggest that there is π-bonding from platinum to halide in these complexes. The oxalate, malonate and sulphate bind in their complexes as bidentate ligands to platinum through two oxygen atoms whereas the thiosulphate in its complex binds as a bidentate ligand to platinum through one oxygen atom and one sulphur atom.     

EPR and M?ssbauer studies of protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase. Characterization of a new Fe2+ environment

Protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase from Pseudomonas testosteroni has been purified to homogeneity and crystallized. The iron containing, extradiol dioxygenase is shown to be composed of two subunit types (alpha, Mr = 17,700 and beta, Mr = 33,800) in a 1:1 ratio; such a composition has not been observed for other extradiol dioxygenases. The 4.2 K M?ssbauer spectrum of native protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase prepared from cells grown in 57Fe-enriched media consists of a doublet with quadrupole splitting, delta EQ = 2.22 mm/s, and isomer shift delta Fe = 1.28 mm/s, demonstrating a high spin Fe2+ site. These parameters, and the temperature dependence of delta EQ, are unique among enzymes but are strikingly similar to those reported for the reaction center of the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides R-26, suggesting very similar ligand environments. The Fe2+ of protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase can be oxidized, for instance by H2O2, to yield high spin Fe3+ with EPR g values around g = 6 (and g = 4.3). In the oxidized state, protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase is inactive; the iron, however, can be rereduced by ascorbate to yield active enzyme. Our data suggest that protocatechuate binds to Fe2+; the spectra indicate that the ligand binding is heterogenous. The M?ssbauer spectra observed here are fundamentally different from those reported earlier (Zabinski, R., Münck, E., Champion, P., and Wood, J. M. (1972) Biochemistry 11, 3212-3219). The spectra of the earlier (reconstituted) preparations, which had substantially lower specific activities, probably reflect adventitiously bound Fe3+. We discuss here how adventitiously bound iron can be identified and removed. The Fe2+ which is present in native protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase and its complexes with substrates and inhibitors reacts quantitatively with nitric oxide to produce a species with electronic spin S = 3/2. The EPR and M?ssbauer spectra of these complexes compare favorably with EDTA . Fe(II) . NO. We have studied the latter complex extensively and have analyzed the M?ssbauer spectra with an S = 3/2 spin Hamiltonian. EPR spectra show that protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase-NO complexes with substrates or inhibitors are heterogeneous and consist of several well defined subspecies. The data show that NO, and presumably also O2, has access to the active site Fe2+ in the enzyme-substrate complex. The use of EPR-detectable NO complexes as a rapid and sensitive tool for the study of the EPR silent active site iron of extradiol dioxygenases is discussed.     

Synthesis and characterization of β-diketiminate germanium(II) and tin(II) bromides

The equimolar reaction of a β-diketiminate lithium salt LLi(OEt₂) [L = HC(CMeNAr)₂; Ar = 2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃] with either GeBr₂ or SnBr₂ in diethyl ether affords the synthetically useful monomeric β-diketiminate-element halides LGeBr (1) and LSnBr (2), respectively. Both are soluble in hydrocarbon solvents, stable in inert atmosphere, and have been characterized by elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Computer-augmented modeling studies of Pb(II) and Cd(II) complexes with maleic acid in ethylene glycol–water mixture

Chemical speciation of binary complexes of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions with maleic acid have been studied pH metrically in the concentration range of 0–50% v/v ethylene glycol (EG)–water mixtures maintaining an ionic strength of 0.16 molL^?1 at 303 K. Alkalimetric titrations were carried out in different relative concentrations of metal and maleic acid. Stability constants of various models of binary complexes were refined with MINIQUAD75. The best-fit chemical models were selected based on statistical parameters and residual analysis. The species detected are ML₂, ML₃, and ML₂H for Pb(II) and Cd(II). The chemical speciation, metal bioavailability, and transportation are explained based on the distribution diagrams.     

Structure of microbial communities performing the simultaneous reduction of Fe(II)EDTA.NO2−and Fe(III)EDTA−

BioDeNOx is a combined physicochemical and biological process for the removal of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from flue gas. In the present study, two anaerobic bioreactors performing BioDeNOx were run consecutively (RUN-1 and RUN-2) at a dilution rate of 0.01 h⁻¹ with Fe(II)EDTA.NO²⁻ and Fe(III)EDTA⁻ as electron acceptors and ethanol as electron donor. The measured protein concentration of the reactor biomass of both runs was 120 mg/l. Different molecular methods were used to determine the identity and abundance of the bacterial populations in both bioreactors. Bacillus azotoformans strain KT-1 was recognized as a key player in Fe(II)EDTA.NO²⁻ reduction. PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of the reactor biomass showed a greater diversity in RUN-2 than in RUN-1. Enrichments of Fe(II)EDTA.NO²⁻ and Fe(III)EDTA⁻ reducers and activity assays were conducted using the biomass from RUN-2 as an inoculum. The results on substrate turnover, overall microbial diversity, and enrichments and finally activity assays confirmed that ethanol was used as electron donor for Fe(II)EDTA.NO²⁻ reduction. In addition, the Fe(III)EDTA⁻ reduction rate of the microbial community proved to be feasible enough to run the bioreactors, ruling out the chemical reduction of Fe(III)EDTA⁻ with sulfide as was proposed by other researchers.     

Comparison and characterization of the [Fe4S4]2+/3+ centre in the wild-type and C77S mutated HiPIPs from Chromatium vinosum monitored by Mössbauer, 57Fe ENDOR and EPR spectroscopies

M?ssbauer, 57Fe ENDOR, CW and pulsed EPR experiments were performed on the reduced and the oxidized high-potential iron proteins (HiPIPs) of the wild type (WT) and the C77S mutant from Chromatium vinosum. The EPR spectra of the oxidized WT and mutant show three species respectively having nearly the same g-values but strongly changed spectral contributions. Relaxation times were estimated for oxidized WT and mutant at T = 5 K with pulsed EPR. A-tensor components of both iron pairs were obtained by 57Fe ENDOR, proving a similar magnetic structure for the WT and the mutant. Electronic relaxation has to be taken into account at T = 5 K in native and mutated oxidized HiPIPs to achieve agreement between M?ssbauer and 57Fe ENDOR spectroscopies. The M?ssbauer spectroscopy shows that the oxidized cluster contains a pure ferric and a mixed-valence iron pair coupled antiparallel. While all cluster irons from reduced C. vinosum WT are indistinguishable in the M?ssbauer spectrum, the reduced C77S mutant shows a non-equivalence between the serine-bound and the three cysteine-ligated iron ions. The M?ssbauer parameters confirm a loss of the covalent character of the iron bond when S is replaced by O and indicate a shift of the cluster's electron cloud towards the serine. M?ssbauer spectra of the oxidized mutant can be simulated with two models: model I introduces a single electronic isomer with the serine always ligated to a ferric iron. Model II assumes two equally populated electronic isomers with the serine ligated to a ferric iron and a mixed-valence iron, respectively. The latter model is in better agreement with EPR and NMR.     

Synthesis,DNA/BSA binding studies and in vitro biological assay of nickel(II) complexes incorporating tridentate aroylhydrazone and triphenylphosphine ligands

Abstract

Two new nickel (II) triphenylphosphine complexes derived from tridentate aroylhydrazone ligands [H₂L¹ = 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)benzohydrazone and H₂L² = N′-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-2-hydroxybenzoylhydrazone] and triphenylphosphine were prepared and their molecular structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Both nickel(II) complexes showed slightly distorted square planar geometry with one tridentate aroylhydrazone ligand coordinated through ONO donor atoms and one triphenylphosphine ligand coordinated to the nickel center through the phosphorus atom. DNA interaction studies indicated that both complexes possessed higher affinity to herring sperm DNA (HS-DNA) than the corresponding free aroylhydrazone ligand. Molecular docking investigations showed that both complexes could bind to DNA through intercalation of the phenyl rings between adjacent base pairs in the double helix. Meanwhile, bovine serum albumin (BSA) binding studies revealed the complexes could effectively interact with BSA and change the secondary structure of BSA. Further pharmacological evaluations of the synthesized complexes by in vitro antioxidant assays demonstrated high antioxidant activity against NO· and O₂˙^? radicals. The anticancer activity of each complex was assessed through in vitro cytotoxicity assays (CCK-8 kit) toward A549 and MCF-7 cancer cell and normal L-02 cell lines. Significantly, the Ni(II) complex derived from H₂L¹ ligand was found to be more effective cytotoxic toward MCF-7cancerous cell with the IC₅₀ value equaled 9.7?μM, which showed potent cytotoxic activity over standard drug cisplatin.

Abbreviations A549 human lung carcinoma cell

BSA bovine serum albumin

CCK-8 Cell Counting Kit-8

DFT density functional theory

DNA deoxyribonucleic acid

DPPH˙ 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl

H₂L¹ 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)benzohydrazone N′-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-2-hydroxybenzoylhydrazone

H₂L² N′-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-2-hydroxybenzoylhydrazone

HOMO highest occupied molecular orbital

IC₅₀ the 50% activity

L-02 human normal liver cell

LOMO lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO)

MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cell

NO˙ nitric oxide

O₂˙^? superoxide anion

SOD superoxide dismutase

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma     

Biological activity of Pd(II) complexes with mono- and disubstituted pyridines—Experimental and theoretical studies

Due to the similarity between Pd and Pt, the complexes of palladium(II) can be considered as potential anticancer agents. Activity of six PdCl₂(X₂Py)₂ complexes (Py = pyridine, and X = CH₃ or Cl) was measured by MTT test using MCF7, CCRF-SB, PC3 and human B-lymphoblastoid cell lines. We found that the effect of PdCl₂(X_nPy)₂ was cell-specific and time-dependent. Obtained results were discussed and compared with the activation parameters calculated for the hydrolysis of PdCl₂(X_nPy)₂, indicating a correlation between viability of MCF7 and CCRF-SB cells and rates of hydrolysis of the Pd(II) complexes.     

Synthesis, Characterization and Antitumor Studies of Mn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) Complexes of N-Nicotinoyl-N′-o-Hydroxythiobenzhydrazide

A new ligand N-Nicotinoyl-N-o-hydroxythiobenzhydrazide (H₂Notbh) forms complexes [Mn(Notbh)(H₂O)], [M(Notbh)] [M=Ni(II) Cu(II) and Zn(II)] which were characterized by various physico-chemical techniques. All the metal complexes were observed to inhibit the growth of tumor in vitro, whereas, ligand did not. In vivo administration of these complexes resulted in prolongation of survival of tumor bearing mice. Tumor bearing mice administered with metal complexes showed reversal of tumor growth associated induction of apoptosis in lymphocytes. The paper discusses the possible mechanisms and therapeutic implication of the H₂Notbh and its metal complexes in tumor regression and tumor growth associated immunosuppression.     

3D-QSAR and docking studies of pentacycloundecylamines at the sigma-1 (σ1) receptor

Pentacycloundecylamine (PCU) derived compounds have been shown to be promising lead structures for the development of novel drug candidates aimed at a variety of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Here we show for the first time a 3D quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) for a series of aza-PCU-derived compounds with activity at the sigma-1 (σ₁) receptor. A comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) model was developed with a partial least squares cross validated (q²) regression value of 0.6, and a non-cross validated r² of 0.9. The CoMFA model was effective at predicting the sigma-1 activities of a test set with an r² >0.7. We also describe here the docking of the PCU-derived compounds into a homology model of the sigma-1 (σ₁) receptor, which was developed to gain insight into binding of these cage compounds to the receptor. Based on docking studies we evaluated in a [³H]pentazocine binding assay an oxa-PCU, NGP1-01 (IC₅₀ = 1.78 μM) and its phenethyl derivative (IC₅₀ = 1.54 μM). Results from these studies can be used to develop new compounds with specific affinity for the sigma-1(σ₁) receptor.     

M?ssbauer studies on the metal-thiolate cluster formation in Fe(II)-metallothionein

The stepwise 57Fe(II)-thiolate cluster formation in rabbit liver metallothionein-2 (MT) has been followed at pH 8.5 using M?ssbauer spectroscopy. The zero-field spectra recorded at 4.2 K exhibit at all stages of filling one virtually identical single quadrupole splitting delta EQ and isomer shift delta as found for reduced rubredoxin (Rdred) or the model compound [Fe(II)(SPh)4]2-, thus indicating an Fe(II)-tetrathiolate coordination. A similar conclusion was reached also in previous electronic absorption studies [M. Good and M. Vasák (1986) Biochemistry 25,8353--8356]. The M?ssbauer spectra obtained in the presence of a magnetic field were analyzed on the basis of a spin-Hamiltonian formalism resulting in M?ssbauer parameters similar to those for Rdred and the inorganic model compound [Fe(II)(SPh)4]2-. The identity of the M?ssbauer parameters of partially and fully metal-occupied MT suggests that a comparable distortion of the metal binding sites must exist. Simulation of the spectra revealed that the Fe(II) ions in the partially metal-occupied 57Fe(II)4-MT form appear to be magnetically isolated, whereas in the fully metal-saturated 57Fe(II)7-MT form a ratio of 3:4 of paramagnetic to diamagnetic subspectra was obtained. The latter result suggests the existence of three isolated metal binding sites and a metal-thiolate cluster containing four metal ions. In the light of structure determinations of MT containing Zn(II) and/or Cd(II) [W. Braun et al. (1986) J. Mol. Biol. 187, 125-129, and W. F. Furrey et al. (1986) Science (Wash. DC) 231, 704-710], which revealed two metal-thiolate clusters containing three and four metal ions, respectively, and involving all 20 cysteine residues in metal binding, the appearance of M?ssbauer parameters characteristic of three isolated Fe(II) sites in 57Fe(II)7-MT is peculiar and deserves further studies. It is concluded, moreover, that the four-metal cluster is diamagnetic with the four Fe(II) ions being antiferromagnetically coupled. The appearance of magnetic coupling above four Fe(II) equivalents bound to apoMT indicates that the cluster formation occurs in a two-step process.     

Simultaneous interpretation of Mössbauer, EPR and 57Fe ENDOR spectra of the [Fe4S4] cluster in the high-potential iron protein I Ectothiorhodospira halophila

4 S₄]^3 + and the reduced [Fe₄S₄]^2 + clusters in the high-potential iron protein I from Ectothiorhodospira halophila were measured in a temperature range from 5 K to 240 K. EPR measurements and ⁵⁷Fe electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) experiments were carried out with the oxidized protein. In the oxidized state the cluster has a net spin S = 1/2 and is paramagnetic. As common in [Fe₄S₄]^3 + clusters, the M?ssbauer spectrum was simulated with two species contributing equally to the absorption area: two Fe^3 + atoms couple to the “ferric-ferric” pair, and one Fe^2 + and one Fe^3 + atom give the “ferric-ferrous pair”. For the simulation of the M?ssbauer spectrum, g-values were taken from EPR measurements. A-tensor components were determined by ⁵⁷Fe ENDOR experiments that turned out to be a necessary source of estimating parameters independently. In order to obtain a detailed agreement of M?ssbauer and ENDOR data, electronic relaxation has to be taken into account. Relaxing the symmetry condition in a way that the electric field gradient tensor does not coincide with g- and A-tensors yielded an even better agreement of experimental and theoretical M?ssbauer spectra. Spin-spin and spin-lattice relaxation times were estimated by pulsed EPR; the former turned out to be the dominating mechanism at T = 5 K. Relaxation times measured by pulsed EPR and obtained from the M?ssbauer fit were compared and yield nearly identical values. The reduced cluster has one additional electron and has a diamagnetic (S = 0) ground state. All the four irons are indistinguishable in the M?ssbauer spectrum, indicating a mixed-valence state of Fe^2.5 + for each. Received: 15 February 1999 / Accepted: 31 August 1999     

Solution structure of Fe(II)–azide–bleomycin derived from NMR data: transition from Fe(II)–bleomycin to Fe(II)–azide–bleomycin as derived from NMR data and structural calculations

The coordination cage of the metal center in Fe(II)-bleomycin has been proposed to consist of the secondary amines in β-aminoalanine, the pyrimidinylpropionamide and imidazole rings, and the amide nitrogen in β-hydroxyhistidine as equatorial ligands, and the primary amine in β-aminoalanine and either the carbamoyl group in mannose or a solvent molecule occupying the axial sites. With the aim of supporting or not supporting coordination of a water molecule to the metal center in Fe(II)-bleomycin, the solution structure of Fe(II)-azide-bleomycin has been derived from NMR data. The structural changes that occur in Fe(II)-bleomycin upon azide binding have been monitored by comparing the experimental results with those obtained from the calculated structures for both bleomycin adducts. The results of this investigation strongly support a model of Fe(II)-bleomycin with six endogenous ligands as the most likely structure held in solution by this metallobleomycin in the absence of DNA.