Distinct properties underlie flavin-based electron bifurcation in a novel electron transfer flavoprotein FixAB from <i>Rhodopseudomonas palustris</i>.
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Abstract | :
A newly recognized third fundamental mechanism of energy conservation in biology, electron bifurcation, uses free energy from exergonic redox reactions to drive endergonic redox reactions. Flavin-based electron bifurcation furnishes low-potential electrons to demanding chemical reactions, such as reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia. We employed the heterodimeric flavoenzyme FixAB from the diazotrophic bacterium to elucidate unique properties that underpin flavin-based electron bifurcation. FixAB is distinguished from canonical electron transfer flavoproteins (ETFs) by a second FAD that replaces the AMP of canonical ETF. We exploited near-UV-visible CD spectroscopy to resolve signals from the different flavin sites in FixAB and to interrogate the putative bifurcating FAD. CD aided in assigning the measured reduction midpoint potentials (° values) to individual flavins, and the ° values tested the accepted model regarding the redox properties required for bifurcation. We found that the higher-° flavin displays sequential one-electron (1-e) reductions to anionic semiquinone and then to hydroquinone, consistent with the reactivity seen in canonical ETFs. In contrast, the lower-° flavin displayed a single two-electron (2-e) reduction without detectable accumulation of semiquinone, consistent with unstable semiquinone states, as required for bifurcation. This is the first demonstration that a FixAB protein possesses the thermodynamic prerequisites for bifurcating activity, and the separation of distinct optical signatures for the two flavins lays a foundation for mechanistic studies to learn how electron flow can be directed in a protein environment. We propose that a novel optical signal observed at long wavelength may reflect electron delocalization between the two flavins. |
Year of Publication | :
2018
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Journal | :
The Journal of biological chemistry
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Volume | :
293
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Issue | :
13
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Number of Pages | :
4688-4701
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Date Published | :
2018
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ISSN Number | :
0021-9258
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URL | :
https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0021-9258(20)39773-8
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DOI | :
10.1074/jbc.RA117.000707
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Short Title | :
J Biol Chem
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