The Asp245-->Asn mutant of Coprinus cinereus peroxidase. Characterization by 1H-NMR spectroscopy and comparison with the wild-type enzyme.

Abstract

The resting, fluoride-ligated and cyanide-ligated states of the Asp245-->Asn mutant of Coprinus cinereus peroxidase (D245N CIP) have been characterized using 1H-NMR spectroscopy in conjunction with parallel studies of the wild-type enzyme. Analysis of the spectra of resting state D245N CIP over the pH range 5-10 has uncovered the existence of three high-spin species in dynamic equilibrium with each other. The predominant species at neutral pH is six-coordinate high-spin (6-c HS), with a distal water molecule as the sixth ligand. This species is in slow exchange on the NMR time scale with a second six-coordinate high-spin species (6-c HS*) and a five-coordinate high-spin species (5-c HS**), toward acidic and alkaline pH values, respectively. The 6-c HS* species appears to be unique and is proposed to differ from the 6-c HS species by protonation of the proximal His residue, whereas the 5-c HS** species lacks the proximal His ligand and is coordinated by a hydroxyl group. In sharp contrast, wild-type CIP is a five-coordinate high-spin (5-c HS) species over the same pH range. The D245N CIP mutant also exhibits a greater affinity for fluoride than wild-type CIP. The 1H-NMR spectrum of cyanide-ligated D245N CIP, assigned using two-dimensional methods, differs significantly from that of the wild-type enzyme. Perturbations to heme and heme-linked proton resonances are rationalised in terms of the loss or significant weakening of the hydrogen bond between His183 N delta 1H and the side-chain of residue 245 when Asp is replaced by Asn. This subtle interaction directly affects the heme pocket structure of CIP both proximal and distal to the heme plane.