A V-Nitrogenase Variant Containing a Citrate-Substituted Cofactor

Newcomb, MP; Lee, CC; Tanifuji, K; Jasniewski, AJ; Liedtke, J; Ribbe, MW; Hu, Y

HERO ID

6308320

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2019

Language

English

PMID

31747483

HERO ID 6308320
In Press No
Year 2019
Title A V-Nitrogenase Variant Containing a Citrate-Substituted Cofactor
Authors Newcomb, MP; Lee, CC; Tanifuji, K; Jasniewski, AJ; Liedtke, J; Ribbe, MW; Hu, Y
Journal ChemBiochem
Volume 21
Issue 12
Page Numbers 1742-1748
Abstract Nitrogenases catalyze the ambient reduction of N2 and CO at its cofactor site. Herein we present a biochemical and spectroscopic characterization of an Azotobacter vinelandii V nitrogenase variant expressing a citrate-substituted cofactor. Designated VnfDGKCit , the catalytic component of this V nitrogenase variant has an αβ2 (δ) subunit composition and carries an 8Fe P* cluster and a citrate-substituted V cluster analogue in the αβ dimer, as well as a 4Fe cluster in the "orphaned" β-subunit. Interestingly, when normalized based on the amount of cofactor, VnfDGKCit shows a shift of N2 reduction from H2 evolution toward NH3 formation and an opposite shift of CO reduction from hydrocarbon formation toward H2 evolution. These observations point to a role of the organic ligand in proton delivery during catalysis and imply the use of different reaction sites/mechanisms by nitrogenase for different substrate reductions. Moreover, the increased NH3 /H2 ratio upon citrate substitution suggests the possibility to modify the organic ligand for improved ammonia synthesis in the future.
Doi 10.1002/cbic.201900654
Pmid 31747483
Wosid WOS:000502663200001
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English