NB-protein (BchN-BchB) of dark-operative protochlorophyllide reductase is the catalytic component containing oxygen-tolerant Fe-S clusters

FEBS Lett. 2008 Apr 16;582(9):1346-50. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2008.03.018. Epub 2008 Mar 20.

Abstract

Dark-operative protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) oxidoreductase is a nitrogenase-like enzyme consisting of the two components, L-protein (BchL-dimer) and NB-protein (BchN-BchB-heterotetramer). Here, we show that NB-protein is the catalytic component with Fe-S clusters. NB-protein purified from Rhodobacter capsulatus bound Pchlide that was readily converted to chlorophyllide a upon the addition of L-protein and Mg-ATP. The activity of NB-protein was resistant to the exposure to air. A Pchlide-free form of NB-protein purified from a bchH-lacking mutant showed an absorption spectrum suggesting the presence of Fe-S centers. Together with the Fe and sulfide contents, these findings suggested that NB-protein carries two oxygen-tolerant [4Fe-4S] clusters.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Base Sequence
  • Catalytic Domain
  • DNA Primers
  • Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Iron-Sulfur Proteins / metabolism*
  • Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-CH Group Donors / metabolism*
  • Oxygen / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • DNA Primers
  • Iron-Sulfur Proteins
  • Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-CH Group Donors
  • protochlorophyllide reductase
  • Oxygen