Concerted involvement of cooperative proton–electron linkage and water production in the proton pump of cytochrome c oxidase

In cytochrome c oxidase, oxido-reductions of heme a/Cu_A and heme a₃/Cu_B are cooperatively linked to proton transfer at acid/base groups in the enzyme. H⁺/e⁻ cooperative linkage at Fe_a3/Cu_B is envisaged to be involved in proton pump mechanisms confined to the binuclear center. Models have also been proposed which involve a role in proton pumping of cooperative H⁺/e⁻ linkage at heme a (and Cu_A). Observations will be presented on: (i) proton consumption in the reduction of molecular oxygen to H₂O in soluble bovine heart cytochrome c oxidase; (ii) proton release/uptake associated with anaerobic oxidation/reduction of heme a/Cu_A and heme a₃/Cu_B in the soluble oxidase; (iii) H⁺ release in the external phase (i.e. H⁺ pumping) associated with the oxidative (R → O transition), reductive (O → R transition) and a full catalytic cycle (R → O → R transition) of membrane-reconstituted cytochrome c oxidase. A model is presented in which cooperative H⁺/e⁻ linkage at heme a/Cu_A and heme a₃/Cu_B with acid/base clusters, C₁ and C₂ respectively, and protonmotive steps of the reduction of O₂ to water are involved in proton pumping.     

Spectroscopic and Kinetic Investigation of the Fully Reduced and Mixed Valence States of ba3-Cytochrome c Oxidase from Thermus thermophilus: A FOURIER TRANSFORM INFRARED (FTIR) AND TIME-RESOLVED STEP-SCAN FTIR STUDY*

The complete understanding of a molecular mechanism of action requires the thermodynamic and kinetic characterization of different states and intermediates. Cytochrome c oxidase reduces O₂ to H₂O, a reaction coupled to proton translocation across the membrane. Therefore, it is necessary to undertake a thorough characterization of the reduced form of the enzyme and the determination of the electron transfer processes and pathways between the redox-active centers. In this study Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and time-resolved step-scan FTIR spectroscopy have been applied to study the fully reduced and mixed valence states of cytochrome ba₃ from Thermus thermophilus. We used as probe carbon monoxide (CO) to characterize both thermodynamically and kinetically the cytochrome ba₃-CO complex in the 5.25–10.10 pH/pD range and to study the reverse intramolecular electron transfer initiated by the photolysis of CO in the two-electron reduced form. The time-resolved step-scan FTIR data revealed no pH/pD dependence in both the decay of the transient Cu_B¹⁺-CO complex and rebinding to heme a₃ rates, suggesting that no structural change takes place in the vicinity of the binuclear center. Surprisingly, photodissociation of CO from the mixed valence form of the enzyme does not lead to reverse electron transfer from the reduced heme a₃ to the oxidized low-spin heme b, as observed in all the other aa₃ and bo₃ oxidases previously examined. The heme b-heme a₃ electron transfer is guaranteed, and therefore, there is no need for structural rearrangements and complex synchronized cooperativities. Comparison among the available structures of ba₃- and aa₃-cytochrome c oxidases identifies possible active pathways involved in the electron transfer processes and key structural elements that contribute to the different behavior observed in cytochrome ba₃.     

Identification of heme propionate vibrational modes in the resonance Raman spectra of cytochrome c oxidase

The propionate groups of heme a and a₃ in cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) have been postulated to mediate both the electron and proton transfer within the enzyme. To establish structural markers for the propionate groups, their associated vibrational modes were identified in the resonance Raman spectra of CcO from bovine (bCcO) and Rhodobacter sphaeroides (RsCcO). The distinction between the modes from the propionates of heme a and heme a₃, as well as those from the propionates on the pyrrole rings A and D in each heme, was made on the basis of H₂O–D₂O isotope substitution experiments combined with wavelength-selective resonance enhancement (for bCcO) or mutagenesis studies (for RsCcO).     

Effective Pumping Proton Collection Facilitated by a Copper Site (CuB) of Bovine Heart Cytochrome c Oxidase,Revealed by a Newly Developed Time-resolved Infrared System

X-ray structural and mutational analyses have shown that bovine heart cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) pumps protons electrostatically through a hydrogen bond network using net positive charges created upon oxidation of a heme iron (located near the hydrogen bond network) for O₂ reduction. Pumping protons are transferred by mobile water molecules from the negative side of the mitochondrial inner membrane through a water channel into the hydrogen bond network. For blockage of spontaneous proton back-leak, the water channel is closed upon O₂ binding to the second heme (heme a₃) after complete collection of the pumping protons in the hydrogen bond network. For elucidation of the structural bases for the mechanism of the proton collection and timely closure of the water channel, conformational dynamics after photolysis of CO (an O₂ analog)-bound CcO was examined using a newly developed time-resolved infrared system feasible for accurate detection of a single C=O stretch band of α-helices of CcO in H₂O medium. The present results indicate that migration of CO from heme a₃ to Cu_B in the O₂ reduction site induces an intermediate state in which a bulge conformation at Ser-382 in a transmembrane helix is eliminated to open the water channel. The structural changes suggest that, using a conformational relay system, including Cu_B, O₂, heme a₃, and two helix turns extending to Ser-382, Cu_B induces the conformational changes of the water channel that stimulate the proton collection, and senses complete proton loading into the hydrogen bond network to trigger the timely channel closure by O₂ transfer from Cu_B to heme a₃.     

Mechanisms for enzymatic reduction of nitric oxide to nitrous oxide - A comparison between nitric oxide reductase and cytochrome c oxidase

Cytochrome c oxidases (CcO) reduce O₂ to H₂O in the respiratory chain of mitochondria and many aerobic bacteria. In addition, some species of CcO can also reduce NO to N₂O and water while others cannot. Here, the mechanism for NO-reduction in CcO is investigated using quantum mechanical calculations. Comparison is made to the corresponding reaction in a “true” cytochrome c-dependent NO reductase (cNOR). The calculations show that in cNOR, where the reduction potentials are low, the toxic NO molecules are rapidly reduced, while the higher reduction potentials in CcO lead to a slower or even impossible reaction, consistent with experimental observations. In both enzymes the reaction is initiated by addition of two NO molecules to the reduced active site, forming a hyponitrite intermediate. In cNOR, N₂O can then be formed using only the active-site electrons. In contrast, in CcO, one proton-coupled reduction step most likely has to occur before N₂O can be formed, and furthermore, proton transfer is most likely rate-limiting. This can explain why different CcO species with the same heme a₃-Cu active site differ with respect to NO reduction efficiency, since they have a varying number and/or properties of proton channels. Finally, the calculations also indicate that a conserved active site valine plays a role in reducing the rate of NO reduction in CcO.     

Single-electron photoreduction of the PM intermediate of cytochrome c oxidase

The P_M → F transition of the catalytic cycle of cytochrome c oxidase from bovine heart was investigated using single-electron photoreduction and monitoring the subsequent events using spectroscopic and electometric techniques. The P_M state of the oxidase was generated by exposing the oxidized enzyme to CO plus O₂. Photoreduction results in rapid electron transfer from heme a to oxoferryl heme a₃ with a time constant of about 0.3 ms, as indicated by transients at 605 nm and 580 nm. This rate is ∼ 5-fold more rapid than the rate of electron transfer from heme a to heme a₃ in the F → O transition, but is significantly slower than formation of the F state from the P_R intermediate in the reaction of the fully reduced enzyme with O₂ to form state F (70–90 μs). The ∼ 0.3 ms P_M → F transition is coincident with a rapid photonic phase of transmembrane voltage generation, but a significant part of the voltage associated with the P_M → F transition is generated much later, with a time constant of 1.3 ms. In addition, the P_M → F transition of the R. sphaeroides oxidase was also measured and also was shown to have two phases of electrogenic proton transfer, with τ values of 0.18 and 0.85 ms.     

Kinetic studies on cytochrome c oxidase by combined EPR and reflectance spectroscopy after rapid freezing

1. Techniques and experiments are described concerned with the millisecond kinetics of EPR-detectable changes brought about in cytochrome c oxidase by reduced cytochrome c and, after reduction with various agents, by reoxidation with O₂ or ferricyanide. Some experiments in the presence of ligands are also reported. Light absorption was monitored by low-temperature reflectance spectroscopy.2. In the rapid phase of reduction of cytochrome c oxidase by cytochrome c (< 50 ms) approx. 0.5 electron equivalent per hame a is transferred mainly to the low-spin heme component of cytochrome c oxidase and partly to the EPR-detectable copper. In a slow phase (> 1 s) the copper is reoxidized and high-spin ferric heme signals appear with a predominant rhombic component. Simultaneously the absorption band at 655 nm decreases and the Soret band at 444 nm appears between the split Soret band (442 and 447 nm) of reduced cytochrome a.3. On reoxidation of reduced enzyme by oxygen all EPR and optical features are restored within 6 ms. On reoxidation by O₂ in the presence of an excess of reduced cytochrome c, states can be observed where the low-spin heme and copper signals are largely absent but the absorption at 655 nm is maximal, indicating that the low-spin heme and copper components are at the substrate side and the component(s) represented in the 655 nm absorption at the O₂ side of the system. On reoxidation with ferricyanide the 655 nm absorption is not readily restored but a ferric high-spin heme, represented by a strong rhombic signal, accumulates.4. On reoxidation of partly reduced enzyme by oxygen, the rhombic high-spin signals disappear within 6 ms, whereas the axial signals disappear more slowly, indicating that these species are not in rapid equilibrium. Similar observations are made when partly reduced enzyme is mixed with CO.5. The results of this and the accompanying paper are discussed and on this basis an assignment of the major EPR signals and of the 655 nm absorption is proposed, which in essence is that published previously (Hartzell, C. R., Hansen, R. E. and Beinert, H. (1973) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S. 70, 2477–2481). Both the low-spin (g = 3; 2.2; 1.5) and slowly appearing high-spin (g = 6; 2) signals are attributed to ferric cytochrome a, whereas the 655 nm absorption is thought to arise from ferric cytochrome a₃, when it is present in a state of interaction with EPR-undetectable copper. Alternative possibilities and possible inconsistencies with this proposal are discussed.     

Individual heme a and heme a3 contributions to the Soret absorption spectrum of the reduced bovine cytochrome c oxidase

Bovine cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) contains two hemes, a and a₃, chemically identical but differing in coordination and spin state. The Soret absorption band of reduced aa₃-type cytochrome c oxidase consists of overlapping bands of the hemes a²⁺ and a₃²⁺. It shows a peak at ～444 nm and a distinct shoulder at ～425 nm. However, attribution of individual spectral lineshapes to hemes a²⁺ and a₃²⁺ in the Soret is controversial. In the present work, we characterized spectral contributions of hemes a²⁺ and a₃²⁺ using two approaches. First, we reconstructed bovine CcO heme a²⁺ spectrum using a selective Ca²⁺-induced spectral shift of the heme a²⁺. Second, we investigated photobleaching of the reduced Thermus thermophilus ba₃- and bovine aa₃-oxidases in the Soret induced by femtosecond laser pulses in the Q-band. The resolved spectra show splitting of the electronic B_0x-, B_0y-transitions of both reduced hemes. The heme a²⁺ spectrum is shifted to the red relative to heme a₃²⁺ spectrum. The ～425 nm shoulder is mostly attributed to heme a₃²⁺.     

Solid-gas carbonylation of aryloxide rhodium(I) complexes: stepwise reaction forming Vaska-type complexes

Aryloxide rhodium(I) complexes Rh(OAr)(PPh₃)₃ (1a: Ar=C₆Cl₅, 1b: Ar=C₆F₅, 1c: Ar=C₆H₄-NO₂-4) react with CO in toluene solutions to produce Vaska-type complexes trans-Rh(OAr)(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (2a: Ar=C₆Cl₅, 2b: Ar=C₆F₅, 2c: Ar=C₆H₄-NO₂-4). Carbonylation of a similar complex with PMe₃ ligands, Rh(OC₆H₄-NO₂-4)(PMe₃)₃ (3c), also forms trans-Rh(OC₆H₄-NO₂-4)(CO)(PMe₃)₂ (4c). Molecular structures of the complexes are determined by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. Complex 1a reacts with CO in the absence of solvent to produce a mixture of 2a and complex A, the latter of which shows the IR and ¹³C{¹H} signals due to the carbonyl ligand at different positions from those of 2a. Addition of Et₂O to the above mixture turns it into analytically pure 2a. Carbonylation of 1b and 1c under the solvent-free conditions produces complexes B and C as the respective products of the solid-gas reaction. Recrystallization of B and C turns them into 2b and 2c, respectively. Complex 3c also reacts with CO in the solid state to form a mixture of 4c and complex D, although the latter complex is converted slowly into 4c even in the solid state.     

Synthesis and coordination chemistry of tripodal dialkyl[1,2-bis(diethylcarbamoyl)ethyl]phosphonates with lanthanide nitrates

Trifunctional dialkyl [1,2-bis(diethylcarbamoyl)- ethyl] phosphonates, (RO)₂P(O)CH[C(O)N(C₂H₅)₂]- [CH₂C(O)N(C₂H₅)₂] R  CH₃, C₂H₅, i-C₃H₇, n-C₆H₁₃ were prepared from the respective sodium salts, Na[(RO)₂P(O)CHC(O)N(C₂H₅)₂] and N,N- diethylchloroacetamide, and they were characterized by elemental analysis, mass, infrared and NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structure of (i-C₃H₇O)₂- P(O)CH[C(O)N(C₂H₅)₂][CH₂C(O)N(C₂H₅)₂] was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and found to crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a=15.589(6), b=9.783(4), c= 16.283(7) Å, β = 110.90(3)°, Z = 4 and V= 2320(2) ų. The structure was solved by direct methods and blocked least-squares refinement converged with Rf = 5.7% and R_wF= 4.4% on 2266 unique data with F>4σ(F). Important bond distances include PO 1.459(3) Å, CHCO 1.228(3) Å and CHCH₂CO 1.223(3) Å. The coordination chemistry of the ligand with several lanthanides was examined, and the structure of the complex Gd(NO₃)₃{[(i-C₃H₇O)₂P(O)CH[C(O)N(C₂H₅)₂][CH₂C(O)N(C₂H₅)₂]}₂·H₂O was determined. The complex crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with a = 13.524(5), b = 22.033(4), c = 19.604(4) Å β = 106.22(2)°, Z = 4 and V= 5609(3) ų. The structure was solved by heavy atom techniques and blocked least-squares refinement converged with R_F = 5.9% and R_wF = 4.1% on 5275 reflections with F > 4σ(F). Both trifunctional ligands were found to bond to Gd(III) through only the phosphoryl oxygen atoms. The remainder of the Gd coordination sphere was composed of three bidentate nitrate oxygen atoms and an oxygen bonded water molecule. Several important bond distances include GdO(phosphoryl)_av = 2.343(5) Å, GdO(nitrate)_av = 2.475(7) Å, GdO(water) = 2.354(5) Å, PO(phosphoryl)_av = 1.467(6) Å, CHCO_av = 1.242(10) Å and CHCH₂CO_av = 1.209(11) Å.     

The Protein Effect in the Structure of Two Ferryl-Oxo Intermediates at the Same Oxidation Level in the Heme Copper Binuclear Center of Cytochrome c Oxidase

Identification of the intermediates and determination of their structures in the reduction of dioxygen to water by cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) are particularly important to understanding both O₂ activation and proton pumping by the enzyme. In this work, we report the products of the rapid reaction of O₂ with the mixed valence form (Cu_A²⁺, heme a³⁺, heme a₃²⁺-Cu_B¹⁺) of the enzyme. The resonance Raman results show the formation of two ferryl-oxo species with characteristic Fe(IV)=O stretching modes at 790 and 804 cm⁻¹ at the peroxy oxidation level (P_M). Density functional theory calculations show that the protein environment of the proximal H-bonded His-411 determines the strength of the distal Fe(IV)=O bond. In contrast to previous proposals, the P_M intermediate is also formed in the reaction of Y167F with O₂. These results suggest that in the fully reduced enzyme, the proton pumping ν_Fe(IV)=O = 804 cm⁻¹ to ν_Fe(IV)=O = 790 cm⁻¹ transition (P→F, where P is peroxy and F is ferryl) is triggered not only by electron transfer from heme a to heme a₃ but also by the formation of the H-bonded form of the His-411-Fe(IV)=O conformer in the proximal site of heme a₃. The implications of these results with respect to the role of an O=Fe(IV)-His-411-H-bonded form to the ring A propionate of heme a₃-Asp-399-H₂O site and, thus, to the exit/output proton channel (H₂O) pool during the proton pumping P→F transition are discussed. We propose that the environment proximal to the heme a₃ controls the spectroscopic properties of the ferryl intermediates in cytochrome oxidases.     

A heteronuclear (Pt,Zn) complex of 1-methyluracil with different coordination geometries (square-planar and square-pyramidal) of the two metals

Reaction of cis-(NH₃)₂Pt(1-MeU)₂ (1-MeU = 1- methyluracil anion, C₅H₅N₂O₂) with ZnSO₄·7H₂O leads to the formation of a dinuclear complex of composition [(NH₃)₂Pt(C₅H₅N₂O₂)₂Zn(H₂O)₃]SO₄· 2H₂O. The compound crystallizes in space group P2₁/c with a = 10.534(1), b = 17.933(2), c = 11.490(1) Å, β=94.61(1)°, Z=4. The structure was refined to R=0.043 and R_w=0.061. In this compound, Pt is coordinated through N3 to the 1-MeU ligand, while Zn is bound through the two O4 oxygens and completes its distorted square-pyramidal coordination sphere by three aqua ligands. The positions of the two metals relative to their basal donor atoms and the shortness of the PtZn separation (2.760(1) Å) suggest a bonding interaction between the two metals. Using ¹H NMR spectroscopy, a formation constant of ca. 114 1 mol^?1 for the Pt, Zn complex has been estimated.     

Elevated Proton Leak of the Intermediate OH in Cytochrome c Oxidase

The kinetics of the formation and relaxation of transmembrane electric potential (Δψ) during the complete single turnover of CcO was studied in the bovine heart mitochondrial and the aa₃-type Paracoccus denitrificans enzymes incorporated into proteoliposome membrane. The real-time Δψ kinetics was followed by the direct electrometry technique. The prompt oxidation of CcO and formation of the activated, oxidized (O_H) state of the enzyme leaves the enzyme trapped in the open state that provides an internal leak for protons and thus facilitates dissipation of Δψ (τ^app ≤ 0.5-0.8 s). By contrast, when the enzyme in the O_H state is rapidly re-reduced by sequential electron delivery, Δψ dissipates much slower (τ^app > 3 s). In P. denitrificans CcO proteoliposomes the accelerated Δψ dissipation is slowed down by a mutational block of the proton conductance through the D-, but not K-channel. We concluded that in contrast to the other intermediates the O_H state of CcO is vulnerable to the elevated internal proton leak that proceeds via the D-channel.     

Temperature-dependent structural transition following X-ray-induced metal center reduction in oxidized cytochrome c oxidase

Cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) is the terminal enzyme in the electron transfer chain in the inner membrane of mitochondria. It contains four metal redox centers, two of which, Cu_B and heme a₃, form the binuclear center (BNC), where dioxygen is reduced to water. Crystal structures of CcO in various forms have been reported, from which ligand-binding states of the BNC and conformations of the protein matrix surrounding it have been deduced to elucidate the mechanism by which the oxygen reduction chemistry is coupled to proton translocation. However, metal centers in proteins can be susceptible to X-ray-induced radiation damage, raising questions about the reliability of conclusions drawn from these studies. Here, we used microspectroscopy-coupled X-ray crystallography to interrogate how the structural integrity of bovine CcO in the fully oxidized state (O) is modulated by synchrotron radiation. Spectroscopic data showed that, upon X-ray exposure, O was converted to a hybrid O∗ state where all the four metal centers were reduced, but the protein matrix was trapped in the genuine O conformation and the ligands in the BNC remained intact. Annealing the O∗ crystal above the glass transition temperature induced relaxation of the O∗ structure to a new R∗ structure, wherein the protein matrix converted to the fully reduced R conformation with the exception of helix X, which partly remained in the O conformation because of incomplete dissociation of the ligands from the BNC. We conclude from these data that reevaluation of reported CcO structures obtained with synchrotron light sources is merited.     

The effect of mitochondrial energization on cytochrome c oxidase kinetics as measured at low temperatures. I. The reaction with carbon monoxide

The kinetics of CO binding by the cytochrome c oxidase of pigeon heart mitochondria were studied as a function of membrane energization at temperatures from 180 to 280°K in an ethylene glycol/water medium. Samples energized by ATP showed acceleration of CO binding compared to those untreated or uncoupled by carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone but only at relatively low temperatures and high CO concentrations. Experiments using samples in a “mixed valency” (partially oxidized) state showed that the acceleration of ligand binding is not due to the formation of a partially oxidized state via reverse electron transport.It is concluded that in the deenergized state one CO molecule can be closely associated with the cytochrome a₃ heme site without actually being bound to the heme iron; in the energized state, two or more ligand molecules can occupy this intermediate position.The change in the apparent ligand capacity of a region near the heme iron in response to energization is evidence for an interaction between cytochrome oxidase and the ATPase system. Furthermore, these results suggest a control mechanism for O₂ binding.     

Crystal and molecular structures of cyclomaltoheptaose inclusion complexes with HI and with methanol

β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD; cyclomaltoheptaose; cyclohepta-amylose; C₄₂H₇₀O₃₅) crystallises from aqueous solutions of HI and of MeOH in the form of stout prisms, which are isomorphous to each other with monoclinic space-group P2₁; cell constants for C₄₂H₇₀O₃₅ · 2HI · 8 H₂O: a = 21.25(3), b = 10.28(2), c = 15.30(2) Å, β = 113.25(9)°, and Z = 2; and for C₄₂H₇₀O₃₅ · MeOH · 6.5 H₂O: a = 21.03(3), b = 10.11(2), c = 15.33(2) Å, β = 111.02(9)°, and Z = 2. X-ray counter data were used to determine the structures of both crystals, which belong to the cage type, with β-CD molecules in nearly identical, “round” shapes. In the HI complex, one I^- is located inside, and one outside, the β-CD cavity; in the MeOH complex, the MeOH is within the cavity. The cavity is closed at the O-2,O-3 side by adjacent β-CD molecules, and at the O-6 side by water molecules hydrogen-bonded to the guest and to surrounding β-CD molecules. Interstices between β-CD molecules are filled by water of hydration molecules in distorted co-ordination.     

Exploring O2 Diffusion in A-Type Cytochrome c Oxidases: Molecular Dynamics Simulations Uncover Two Alternative Channels towards the Binuclear Site

Cytochrome c oxidases (Ccoxs) are the terminal enzymes of the respiratory chain in mitochondria and most bacteria. These enzymes couple dioxygen (O₂) reduction to the generation of a transmembrane electrochemical proton gradient. Despite decades of research and the availability of a large amount of structural and biochemical data available for the A-type Ccox family, little is known about the channel(s) used by O₂ to travel from the solvent/membrane to the heme a₃-Cu_B binuclear center (BNC). Moreover, the identification of all possible O₂ channels as well as the atomic details of O₂ diffusion is essential for the understanding of the working mechanisms of the A-type Ccox. In this work, we determined the O₂ distribution within Ccox from Rhodobacter sphaeroides, in the fully reduced state, in order to identify and characterize all the putative O₂ channels leading towards the BNC. For that, we use an integrated strategy combining atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations (with and without explicit O₂ molecules) and implicit ligand sampling (ILS) calculations. Based on the 3D free energy map for O₂ inside Ccox, three channels were identified, all starting in the membrane hydrophobic region and connecting the surface of the protein to the BNC. One of these channels corresponds to the pathway inferred from the X-ray data available, whereas the other two are alternative routes for O₂ to reach the BNC. Both alternative O₂ channels start in the membrane spanning region and terminate close to Y288_I. These channels are a combination of multiple transiently interconnected hydrophobic cavities, whose opening and closure is regulated by the thermal fluctuations of the lining residues. Furthermore, our results show that, in this Ccox, the most likely (energetically preferred) routes for O₂ to reach the BNC are the alternative channels, rather than the X-ray inferred pathway.     

The preparation and x-ray crystal structures of bis(4R-oxazolidine-4′-carboxylato)copper(II) (R = methyl,phenyl)

The base-catalyzed condensation reactions of formaldehyde with the copper(II) chelates of α-alanine and C-phenylglycine result in the formation of bis(4R-oxazolidine-4′-carboxylato)copper(II) where R = methyl and phenyl respectively. The 4-methyl complex, C₁₀H₂₀N₂O₈Cu, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with a = 9.141(2), b = 7.335(3), c = 11.112(3) Å, β = 103.87(2)° and Z = 2. The structure has been refined to R = 0.026 and R_w = 0.031 based on 749 independent reflections collected, 651 used. The geometry about copper is essentially a (4 + 2)-elongated octahedral structure. The 4-phenyl derivative, C₂₀H₂₀N₂O₆Cu, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 11.939(4), b = 8.887(2), c = 8.611(3) Å, β = 95.61(3)° and Z = 2. Refinement of the structure converged to R = 0.062 and R_w = 0.071 based on 1003 reflections collected and 865 used. The structure of the 4-phenyl complex resembles that of the 4-methyl derivative and differs mainly from the latter in being anhydrous.     

Preparation,crystal and molecular structure of aquadichlorobis(ethylpyridine)-oxovanadium

The compound VOCl₂·2(3-Etpy)·H₂O (Etpy = ethylpyridine) was prepared by slow hydrolysis of the toluene suspension obtained from the reaction of VCl₄ with 3-ethylpyridine The crystal was found to be monoclinic C2/c, Z = 4, ϱ(calc.) = 1.426 × 10³ kg m⁻³, a = 13.281(5), b = 13.989(7), c = 9.277(8) Å, V = 1723(2) ų β = 90.53(5)°.Final full matrix least-square refinement with anisotropic thermal parameters for all non-hydrogen atoms gave R = 0.039, R_w = 0.042, R_g = 0.053. The vanadium atom is hexacoordinate with the pyridine ligands in mutually trans positions in the plane containing the Cl atoms. The O vanadyl atom is in an axial position trans to the coordinated H₂O molecule, and the OVO line is a binary axis for the molecule.     

Doxorubicin Inactivates Myocardial Cytochrome c Oxidase in Rats: Cardioprotection by Mito-Q

Doxorubicin (DOX) is used for treating various cancers. Its clinical use is, however, limited by its dose-limiting cardiomyopathy. The exact mechanism of DOX-induced cardiomyopathy still remains unknown. The goals were to investigate the molecular mechanism of DOX-induced cardiomyopathy and cardioprotection by mitoquinone (Mito-Q), a triphenylphosphonium-conjugated analog of coenzyme Q, using a rat model. Rats were treated with DOX, Mito-Q, and DOX plus Mito-Q for 12 weeks. The left ventricular function as measured by two-dimensional echocardiography decreased in DOX-treated rats but was preserved during Mito-Q plus DOX treatment. Using low-temperature ex vivo electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), a time-dependent decrease in heme signal was detected in heart tissues isolated from rats administered with a cumulative dose of DOX. DOX attenuated the EPR signals characteristic of the exchange interaction between cytochrome c oxidase (CcO)-Fe(III) heme a₃ and Cu_B. DOX and Mito-Q together restored these EPR signals and the CcO activity in heart tissues. DOX strongly downregulated the stable expression of the CcO subunits II and Va and had a slight inhibitory effect on CcO subunit I gene expression. Mito-Q restored CcO subunit II and Va expressions in DOX-treated rats. These results suggest a novel cardioprotection mechanism by Mito-Q during DOX-induced cardiomyopathy involving CcO.