Characterization of a cyanobacterial-like uptake [NiFe] hydrogenase: EPR and FTIR spectroscopic studies of the enzyme from Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

Olga Schröder, Boris Bleijlevens, Thyra E. de Jongh, Zhujun Chen, Tianshu Li, Jörg Fischer, Jochen Förster, Cornelius G. Friedrich, Kimberly A. Bagley, Simon P. J. Albracht, Wolfgang Lubitz

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Fourier transform IR studies on the soluble hydrogenase from Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans are presented. In addition, detailed sequence analyses of the two subunits of the enzyme have been performed. They show that the enzyme belongs to a group of uptake [NiFe] hydrogenases typical for Cyanobacteria. The sequences have also a close relationship to those of the H2-sensor proteins, but clearly differ from those of standard [NiFe] hydrogenases. It is concluded that the structure of the catalytic centre is similar, but not identical, to that of known [NiFe] hydrogenases. The active site in the majority of oxidized enzyme molecules, 97% in cells and more than 50% in the purified enzyme, is EPR-silent. Upon contact with H2 these sites remain EPR-silent and show only a limited IR response. Oxidized enzyme molecules with an EPR-detectable active site show a Nir*-like EPR signal which is light-sensitive at cryogenic temperatures. This is a novelty in the field of [NiFe] hydrogenases. Reaction with H2 converts these active sites to the well-known Nia-C* state. Illumination below 160 K transforms this state into the Nia-L* state. The reversal, in the dark at 200 K, proceeds via an intermediate Ni EPR signal only observed with the H2-sensor protein from Ralstonia eutropha. The EPR-silent active sites in as-isolated and H2-treated enzyme are also light-sensitive as observed by IR spectra at cryogenic temperatures. The possible origin of the light sensitivity is discussed. This study represents the first spectral characterization of an enzyme of the group of cyanobacterial uptake hydrogenases.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry
Volume12
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)212-233
ISSN0949-8257
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes

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