Cobalamin Cofactor Research Articles

Understanding the role of electron donors in the reaction catalyzed by Tsrm, a cobalamin-dependent radical S-adenosylmethionine methylase.

The cobalamin-dependent radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzyme TsrM catalyzes the methylation of C2 of L-tryptophan to form 2-methyltryptophan during the biosynthesis of thiostrepton A. Although TsrM is a member of the radical SAM superfamily, unlike all other annotated members, it does not catalyze a reductive cleavage of SAM to a 5'-deoxyadenosyl 5'-radical intermediate. In fact, it has been proposed that TsrM catalyzes its reaction through two polar nucleophilic displacements, with its cobalamin cofactor cycling directly between methylcobalamin (MeCbl) and cob(I)alamin. Nevertheless, the enzyme has been stated to require the action of a reductant, which can be satisfied by dithiothreitol. By contrast, all other annotated RS enzymes require a reductant that exhibits a much lower reduction potential, which is necessary for the reductive cleavage of SAM. Herein, we show that TsrM can catalyze multiple turnovers in the absence of any reducing agent, but only when it is pre-loaded with MeCbl. When hydroxocobalamin (OHCbl) or cob(II)alamin is bound to TsrM, a reductant is required to convert it to cob(I)alamin, which can acquire a methyl group directly from SAM. Our studies suggest that TsrM uses an external reductant to prime its reaction by converting bound OHCbl or cob(II)alamin to MeCbl, and to regenerate the MeCbl form of the cofactor upon adventitious oxidation of the cob(I)alamin intermediate to cob(II)alamin.

Functional Expression and Characterization of Tetrachloroethene Dehalogenase From Geobacter sp.

Reductive dehalogenase (RDase) consists of two parts, RdhA and RdhB. RdhA is the catalytic subunit, harboring a cobalamin cofactor and two Fe–S clusters. RdhA is anchored to the cytoplasmic membrane via the membrane anchoring subunit, RdhB. There are many genes encoding RDases in the genome of organohalide-respiring bacteria, including Dehalococcoides spp. However, most genes have not been functionally characterized. Biochemical studies on RDases have been hampered by difficulties encountered in their expression and purification. In this study, we have expressed, purified and characterized RdhA of RDase for tetrachloroethene (PceA) from Geobacter sp. PceA was expressed as a fusion protein with a trigger factor tag in Escherichia coli. PceA was purified and denatured in aerobic condition. Subsequently, this protein was refolded in the presence of FeCl3, Na2S and cobalamin in anaerobic condition. The reconstituted PceA exhibited dechlorination ability for tetrachloroethene. UV-Vis spectroscopy has shown that it contains cobalamin and Fe-S clusters. Since this method requires anaerobic manipulation only in the reconstituting process and has a relatively high yield, it will enable further biochemical studies of RDases.

Stereochemical and Mechanistic Investigation of the Reaction Catalyzed by Fom3 from Streptomyces fradiae, a Cobalamin-Dependent Radical S-Adenosylmethionine Methylase.

Fom3, a cobalamin-dependent radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) methylase, has recently been shown to catalyze the methylation of carbon 2″ of cytidylyl-2-hydroxyethylphosphonate (HEP-CMP) to form cytidylyl-2-hydroxypropylphosphonate (HPP-CMP) during the biosynthesis of fosfomycin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It has been hypothesized that a 5'-deoxyadenosyl 5'-radical (5'-dA•) generated from the reductive cleavage of SAM abstracts a hydrogen atom from HEP-CMP to prime the substrate for addition of a methyl group from methylcobalamin (MeCbl); however, the mechanistic details of this reaction remain elusive. Moreover, it has been reported that Fom3 catalyzes the methylation of HEP-CMP to give a mixture of the ( S)-HPP and ( R)-HPP stereoisomers, which is rare for an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. Herein, we describe a detailed biochemical investigation of a Fom3 that is purified with 1 equiv of its cobalamin cofactor bound, which is almost exclusively in the form of MeCbl. Electron paramagnetic resonance and Mössbauer spectroscopies confirm that Fom3 contains one [4Fe-4S] cluster. Using deuterated enantiomers of HEP-CMP, we demonstrate that the 5'-dA• generated by Fom3 abstracts the C2″- pro-R hydrogen of HEP-CMP and that methyl addition takes place with inversion of configuration to yield solely ( S)-HPP-CMP. Fom3 also sluggishly converts cytidylyl-ethylphosphonate to the corresponding methylated product but more readily acts on cytidylyl-2-fluoroethylphosphonate, which exhibits a lower C2″ homolytic bond-dissociation energy. Our studies suggest a mechanism in which the substrate C2″ radical, generated upon hydrogen atom abstraction by the 5'-dA•, directly attacks MeCbl to transfer a methyl radical (CH3•) rather than a methyl cation (CH3+), directly forming cob(II)alamin in the process.

Competitive inhibition of cobalt uptake by zinc and manganese in a pacificProchlorococcusstrain: Insights into metal homeostasis in a streamlined oligotrophic cyanobacterium

AbstractIn order to satisfy metabolic requirements for growth, marine cyanobacteria such asProchlorococcusmust acquire cobalt from seawater and synthesize cobalamin cofactors. Through a series of experiments withProchlorococcusstrain MIT 9215 under cobalt limiting conditions, the mechanism ofProchlorococcus' cobalt uptake was investigated. Due to low quotas,ProchlorococcusMIT 9215 can maintain growth at extremely slow rates of cobalt uptake, circa 1 atom per cell per hour. Cobalt quotas were linearly related to the concentration of inorganic cobalt species, Co′, indicating that the metal binding sites on the transporter are strongly unsaturated with respect to cobalt. When limited by cobalt,Prochlorococcusgrowth rates decreased at high levels of both Zn and Mn, suggesting that both metals compete with cobalt for the same transporter. This effect was not observed under a wide range of Fe, Cu, and Ni concentrations, although the onset of exponential growth was delayed at high Ni. These observations agree with prior characterizations of the periplasmic manganese binding protein MntC, which is probably the main pathway for inorganic cobalt uptake and the locus for Mn and Zn competitive inhibition. The toxicity of zinc toward cobalt limitedProchlorococcusMIT 9215 contrasts with the observation of cobalt‐zinc substitution in eukaryotic phytoplankton and is expected to occur at environmentally relevant concentrations of free zinc and cobalt ions. Thus, the ecological success ofProchlorococcusin the modern ocean may depend on access to cobalt complexed by strong organic ligands that are not subject to competitive inhibition by other metals.

Water-Mediated Carbon-Oxygen Hydrogen Bonding Facilitates S-Adenosylmethionine Recognition in the Reactivation Domain of Cobalamin-Dependent Methionine Synthase.

The C-terminal domain of cobalamin-dependent methionine synthase (MetH) has an essential role in catalyzing the reactivation of the enzyme following the oxidation of its cobalamin cofactor. This reactivation occurs through reductive methylation of the cobalamin using S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) as the methyl donor. Herein, we examine the molecular recognition of AdoMet by the MetH reactivation domain utilizing structural, biochemical, and computational approaches. Crystal structures of the Escherichia coli MetH reactivation domain in complex with AdoMet, the methyl transfer product S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy), and the AdoMet analogue inhibitor sinefungin illustrate that the ligands exhibit an analogous conformation within the solvent-exposed substrate binding cleft of the enzyme. AdoMet binding is stabilized by an intramolecular sulfur-oxygen chalcogen bond between the sulfonium and carboxylate groups of the substrate and by water-mediated carbon-oxygen hydrogen bonding between the sulfonium cation and the side chains of Glu1097 and Glu1128 that bracket the substrate binding cleft. AdoMet and sinefungin exhibited similar binding affinities for the MetH reactivation domain, whereas AdoHcy displayed an affinity for the enzyme that was an order of magnitude lower. Mutations of Glu1097 and Glu1128 diminished the AdoMet/AdoHcy binding selectivity ratio to approximately 2-fold, underscoring the role of these residues in enabling the enzyme to discriminate between the substrate and product. Together, these findings indicate that Glu1097 and Glu1128 in MetH promote high-affinity recognition of AdoMet and that sinefungin and potentially other AdoMet-based methyltransferase inhibitors can abrogate MetH reactivation, which would result in off-target effects associated with alterations in methionine homeostasis and one-carbon metabolism.

Enhanced Solubilization of Class B Radical S-Adenosylmethionine Methylases by Improved Cobalamin Uptake in Escherichia coli.

The methylation of unactivated carbon and phosphorus centers is a burgeoning area of biological chemistry, especially given that such reactions constitute key steps in the biosynthesis of numerous enzyme cofactors, antibiotics, and other natural products of clinical value. These kinetically challenging reactions are catalyzed exclusively by enzymes in the radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) superfamily and have been grouped into four classes (A-D). Class B radical SAM (RS) methylases require a cobalamin cofactor in addition to the [4Fe-4S] cluster that is characteristic of RS enzymes. However, their poor solubility upon overexpression and their generally poor turnover has hampered detailed in vitro studies of these enzymes. It has been suggested that improper folding, possibly caused by insufficient cobalamin during their overproduction in Escherichia coli, leads to formation of inclusion bodies. Herein, we report our efforts to improve the overproduction of class B RS methylases in a soluble form by engineering a strain of E. coli to take in more cobalamin. We cloned five genes ( btuC, btuE, btuD, btuF, and btuB) that encode proteins that are responsible for cobalamin uptake and transport in E. coli and co-expressed these genes with those that encode TsrM, Fom3, PhpK, and ThnK, four class B RS methylases that suffer from poor solubility during overproduction. This strategy markedly enhances the uptake of cobalamin into the cytoplasm and improves the solubility of the target enzymes significantly.

Efficient methylation of C2 in l-tryptophan by the cobalamin-dependent radical S-adenosylmethionine methylase TsrM requires an unmodified N1 amine

TsrM catalyzes the methylation of C2 in l-tryptophan (Trp). This reaction is the first step in the biosynthesis of the quinaldic acid moiety of the thiopeptide antibiotic thiostrepton, which exhibits potent activity against Gram-positive pathogens. TsrM is a member of the radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) superfamily of enzymes, but it does not catalyze the formation of 5'-deoxyadenosin-5'-yl or any other SAM-derived radical. In addition to a [4Fe-4S] cluster, TsrM contains a cobalamin cofactor that serves as an intermediate methyl carrier in its reaction. However, how this cofactor donates a methyl moiety to the Trp substrate is unknown. Here, we showed that the unmodified N1 position of Trp is important for turnover and that 1-thia-Trp and 1-oxa-Trp serve as competitive inhibitors. We also showed that β-cyclopropyl-Trp undergoes C2 methylation in the absence of cyclopropyl ring opening, disfavoring mechanisms that involve unpaired electron density at C3 of the indole ring. Moreover, we showed that all other indole-substituted analogs of Trp undergo methylation at varying but measurable rates and that the analog 7-aza-Trp, which is expected to temper the nucleophilicity of C2 in Trp, is a very poor substrate. Last, no formation of cob(II)alamin or substrate radicals was observed during the reaction with Trp or any molecule within a tested panel of Trp analogs. In summary, our results are most consistent with a mechanism that involves two polar nucleophilic displacements, the second of which requires deprotonation of the indole nitrogen in Trp during its attack on methylcobalamin.

Clinical or ATPase domain mutations in ABCD4 disrupt the interaction between the vitamin B12-trafficking proteins ABCD4 and LMBD1

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin (Cbl)), in the cofactor forms methyl-Cbl and adenosyl-Cbl, is required for the function of the essential enzymes methionine synthase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, respectively. Cbl enters mammalian cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis of protein-bound Cbl followed by lysosomal export of free Cbl to the cytosol and further processing to these cofactor forms. The integral membrane proteins LMBD1 and ABCD4 are required for lysosomal release of Cbl, and mutations in the genes LMBRD1 and ABCD4 result in the cobalamin metabolism disorders cblF and cblJ. We report a new (fifth) patient with the cblJ disorder who presented at 7 days of age with poor feeding, hypotonia, methylmalonic aciduria, and elevated plasma homocysteine and harbored the mutations c.1667_1668delAG [p.Glu556Glyfs*27] and c.1295G>A [p.Arg432Gln] in the ABCD4 gene. Cbl cofactor forms are decreased in fibroblasts from this patient but could be rescued by overexpression of either ABCD4 or, unexpectedly, LMBD1. Using a sensitive live-cell FRET assay, we demonstrated selective interaction between ABCD4 and LMBD1 and decreased interaction when ABCD4 harbored the patient mutations p.Arg432Gln or p.Asn141Lys or when artificial mutations disrupted the ATPase domain. Finally, we showed that ABCD4 lysosomal targeting depends on co-expression of, and interaction with, LMBD1. These data broaden the patient and mutation spectrum of cblJ deficiency, establish a sensitive live-cell assay to detect the LMBD1-ABCD4 interaction, and confirm the importance of this interaction for proper intracellular targeting of ABCD4 and cobalamin cofactor synthesis.

Cofactor Editing by the G-protein Metallochaperone Domain Regulates the Radical B12 Enzyme IcmF

IcmF is a 5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl)-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the carbon skeleton rearrangement of isobutyryl-CoA to butyryl-CoA. It is a bifunctional protein resulting from the fusion of a G-protein chaperone with GTPase activity and the cofactor- and substrate-binding mutase domains with isomerase activity. IcmF is prone to inactivation during catalytic turnover, thus setting up its dependence on a cofactor repair system. Herein, we demonstrate that the GTPase activity of IcmF powers the ejection of the inactive cob(II)alamin cofactor and requires the presence of an acceptor protein, adenosyltransferase, for receiving it. Adenosyltransferase in turn converts cob(II)alamin to AdoCbl in the presence of ATP and a reductant. The repaired cofactor is then reloaded onto IcmF in a GTPase-gated step. The mechanistic details of cofactor loading and offloading from the AdoCbl-dependent IcmF are distinct from those of the better characterized and homologous methylmalonyl-CoA mutase/G-protein chaperone system.

Two distinct pools of B12 analogs reveal community interdependencies in the ocean

Organisms within all domains of life require the cofactor cobalamin (vitamin B12), which is produced only by a subset of bacteria and archaea. On the basis of genomic analyses, cobalamin biosynthesis in marine systems has been inferred in three main groups: select heterotrophic Proteobacteria, chemoautotrophic Thaumarchaeota, and photoautotrophic Cyanobacteria. Culture work demonstrates that many Cyanobacteria do not synthesize cobalamin but rather produce pseudocobalamin, challenging the connection between the occurrence of cobalamin biosynthesis genes and production of the compound in marine ecosystems. Here we show that cobalamin and pseudocobalamin coexist in the surface ocean, have distinct microbial sources, and support different enzymatic demands. Even in the presence of cobalamin, Cyanobacteria synthesize pseudocobalamin-likely reflecting their retention of an oxygen-independent pathway to produce pseudocobalamin, which is used as a cofactor in their specialized methionine synthase (MetH). This contrasts a model diatom, Thalassiosira pseudonana, which transported pseudocobalamin into the cell but was unable to use pseudocobalamin in its homolog of MetH. Our genomic and culture analyses showed that marine Thaumarchaeota and select heterotrophic bacteria produce cobalamin. This indicates that cobalamin in the surface ocean is a result of de novo synthesis by heterotrophic bacteria or via modification of closely related compounds like cyanobacterially produced pseudocobalamin. Deeper in the water column, our study implicates Thaumarchaeota as major producers of cobalamin based on genomic potential, cobalamin cell quotas, and abundance. Together, these findings establish the distinctive roles played by abundant prokaryotes in cobalamin-based microbial interdependencies that sustain community structure and function in the ocean.

Axial Ligation and Redox Changes at the Cobalt Ion in Cobalamin Bound to Corrinoid Iron-Sulfur Protein (CoFeSP) or in Solution Characterized by XAS and DFT.

A cobalamin (Cbl) cofactor in corrinoid iron-sulfur protein (CoFeSP) is the primary methyl group donor and acceptor in biological carbon oxide conversion along the reductive acetyl-CoA pathway. Changes of the axial coordination of the cobalt ion within the corrin macrocycle upon redox transitions in aqua-, methyl-, and cyano-Cbl bound to CoFeSP or in solution were studied using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at the Co K-edge in combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, supported by metal content and cobalt redox level quantification with further spectroscopic methods. Calculation of the highly variable pre-edge X-ray absorption features due to core-to-valence (ctv) electronic transitions, XANES shape analysis, and cobalt-ligand bond lengths determination from EXAFS has yielded models for the molecular and electronic structures of the cobalt sites. This suggested the absence of a ligand at cobalt in CoFeSP in α-position where the dimethylbenzimidazole (dmb) base of the cofactor is bound in Cbl in solution. As main species, (dmb)CoIII(OH2), (dmb)CoII(OH2), and (dmb)CoIII(CH3) sites for solution Cbl and CoIII(OH2), CoII(OH2), and CoIII(CH3) sites in CoFeSP-Cbl were identified. Our data support binding of a serine residue from the reductive-activator protein (RACo) of CoFeSP to the cobalt ion in the CoFeSP-RACo protein complex that stabilizes Co(II). The absence of an α-ligand at cobalt not only tunes the redox potential of the cobalamin cofactor into the physiological range, but is also important for CoFeSP reactivation.

357. A Mouse Model of Cobalamin A (cblA) Class Isolated Methymalonic Academy (MMA) Provides Unique Platform for Testing Gene and Cell Therapies

Isolated Methylmalonic Acidemia (MMA) comprises a relatively common and heterogeneous group of inborn errors of metabolism. Most affected individuals display severe multisystemic disease with episodes of metabolic instability, chronic renal disease, and neurological complications. The most severe clinical presentations are typically associated with complete loss of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MUT) enzymatic activity. MUT converts methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA within mitochondria but defects in the transport or synthesis of its cobalamin co-factor also variably impair MUT activity. Previous mouse models of Mut MMA generated by our group have been critical to developing gene therapy for MMA but have either displayed neonatal lethality or required concomitant transgenesis for viability. Thus, the need for ameliorated models to further investigate disease-associated pathophysiology and facilitate gene therapy studies exists. We have therefore constructed a mouse model of an attenuated form of isolated MMA, the cblA subtype, by using homologous recombination to create a deletion allele of Mmaa, the enzyme that performs the gated transfer of adenosylcobalamin to Mut and protects Mut from oxidative inactivation. Patients with the cblA subtype of MMA can have variable presentations, spanning the full spectrum of MMA associated symptoms and pathology, yet always harbor an element of clinical and biochemical responsiveness to injectable B12.Mmaa-/- mice were born in mendelian proportions, exhibited decreased survival after weaning (P<0.0001), weighed 50% less than littermates at 6 months (P<0.0001), lacked immunoreactive Mmaa and Mmaa mRNA in multiple tissues, including the liver, and manifested severe metabolic perturbations. Plasma methylmalonic acid concentrations ranged between 63.88-1641.91 µM, representing a 62-fold or more elevation over age matched littermates. Mmaa-/- mice also display diminished 1-C-13 propionate oxidative capacity (P<0.0001) and hepatic complex IV activity (P=0.002). Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of hepatic megamitochondria and abnormal proximal renal tubular mitochondria. The glomerular filtration rate, measured using FITC-sinistrin decay, showed that Mmaa-/- mice have diminished kidney function compared to heterozygous littermates. Following hydroxycobalamin administration, Mmaa-/- mice had improved survival and increased weight (P=0.0003), which was associated with improved 1-13C-propionate oxidative capacity.This new mouse model fully recapitulates the clinical and biochemical features seen in cblA patients, and provides a robust platform for testing gene and cell therapies for MMA because affected mice are relatively severe but survive until weaning. These animals also offer the opportunity to longitudinally examine disease biomarkers and more easily assay vectors across a wide age range.

Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Characterization of the Iron–Sulfur and Cobalamin Cofactors of TsrM, an Unusual Radical S-Adenosylmethionine Methylase

TsrM, an annotated radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzyme, catalyzes the methylation of carbon 2 of the indole ring of L-tryptophan. Its reaction is the first step in the biosynthesis of the unique quinaldic acid moiety of thiostrepton A, a thiopeptide antibiotic. The appended methyl group derives from SAM; however, the enzyme also requires cobalamin and iron-sulfur cluster cofactors for turnover. In this work we report the overproduction and purification of TsrM and the characterization of its metallocofactors by UV-visible, electron paramagnetic resonance, hyperfine sublevel correlation (HYSCORE), and Mössbauer spectroscopies as well as protein-film electrochemistry (PFE). The enzyme contains 1 equiv of its cobalamin cofactor in its as-isolated state and can be reconstituted with iron and sulfide to contain one [4Fe-4S] cluster with a site-differentiated Fe(2+)/Fe(3+) pair. Our spectroscopic studies suggest that TsrM binds cobalamin in an uncharacteristic five-coordinate base-off/His-off conformation, whereby the dimethylbenzimidazole group is replaced by a non-nitrogenous ligand, which is likely a water molecule. Electrochemical analysis of the protein by PFE indicates a one-electron redox feature with a midpoint potential of -550 mV, which is assigned to a [4Fe-4S](2+)/[4Fe-4S](+) redox couple. Analysis of TsrM by Mössbauer and HYSCORE spectroscopies suggests that SAM does not bind to the unique iron site of the cluster in the same manner as in other radical SAM (RS) enzymes, yet its binding still perturbs the electronic configuration of both the Fe/S cluster and the cob(II)alamin cofactors. These biophysical studies suggest that TsrM is an atypical RS enzyme, consistent with its reported inability to catalyze formation of a 5'-deoxyadenosyl 5'-radical.

Structure of a bacterial microcompartment shell protein bound to a cobalamin cofactor.

The EutL shell protein is a key component of the ethanolamine-utilization microcompartment, which serves to compartmentalize ethanolamine degradation in diverse bacteria. The apparent function of this shell protein is to facilitate the selective diffusion of large cofactor molecules between the cytoplasm and the lumen of the microcompartment. While EutL is implicated in molecular-transport phenomena, the details of its function, including the identity of its transport substrate, remain unknown. Here, the 2.1 Å resolution X-ray crystal structure of a EutL shell protein bound to cobalamin (vitamin B12) is presented and the potential relevance of the observed protein-ligand interaction is briefly discussed. This work represents the first structure of a bacterial microcompartment shell protein bound to a potentially relevant cofactor molecule.

ATP-induced electron transfer by redox-selective partner recognition.

Thermodynamically unfavourable electron transfers are enabled by coupling to an energy-supplying reaction. How the energy is transduced from the exergonic to the endergonic process is largely unknown. Here we provide the structural basis for an energy transduction process in the reductive activation of B12-dependent methyltransferases. The transfer of one electron from an activating enzyme to the cobalamin cofactor is energetically uphill and relies on coupling to an ATPase reaction. Our results demonstrate that the key to coupling is, besides the oxidation state-dependent complex formation, the conformational gating of the electron transfer. Complex formation induces a substitution of the ligand at the electron-accepting Co ion. Addition of ATP initiates electron transfer by provoking conformational changes that destabilize the complex. We show how remodelling of the electron-accepting Co(2+) promotes ATP-dependent electron transfer; an efficient strategy not seen in other electron-transferring ATPases.

A Patient With an Inborn Error of Vitamin B12 Metabolism (cblF) Detected by Newborn Screening

A neonate, who was found to have an elevated C3/C2 ratio and minimally elevated propionylcarnitine on newborn screening, was subsequently identified as having the rare cblF inborn error of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) metabolism. This disorder is characterized by the retention of unmetabolized cobalamin in lysosomes such that it is not readily available for cellular metabolism. Although cultured fibroblasts from the patient did not show the expected functional abnormalities of the cobalamin-dependent enzymes, methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and methionine synthase, they did show reduced synthesis of the active cobalamin cofactors adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin. Mutation analysis of LMBRD1 established that the patient had the cblF disorder. Treatment was initiated promptly, and the patient showed a robust response to regular injections of cyanocobalamin, and she was later switched to hydroxocobalamin. Currently, at 3 years of age, the child is clinically well, with appropriate development. Adjusted newborn screening cutoffs in Ontario allowed detection of a deficiency that might not have otherwise been identified, allowing early treatment and perhaps preventing the adverse sequelae seen in some untreated patients.

Reductive Dechlorination of TCE by Chemical Model Systems in Comparison to Dehalogenating Bacteria: Insights from Dual Element Isotope Analysis (13C/12C, 37Cl/35Cl)

Chloroethenes like trichloroethene (TCE) are prevalent environmental contaminants, which may be degraded through reductive dechlorination. Chemical models such as cobalamine (vitamin B12) and its simplified analogue cobaloxime have served to mimic microbial reductive dechlorination. To test whether in vitro and in vivo mechanisms agree, we combined carbon and chlorine isotope measurements of TCE. Degradation-associated enrichment factors ε(carbon) and ε(chlorine) (i.e., molecular-average isotope effects) were -12.2‰ ± 0.5‰ and -3.6‰ ± 0.1‰ with Geobacter lovleyi strain SZ; -9.1‰ ± 0.6‰ and -2.7‰ ± 0.6‰ with Desulfitobacterium hafniense Y51; -16.1‰ ± 0.9‰ and -4.0‰ ± 0.2‰ with the enzymatic cofactor cobalamin; -21.3‰ ± 0.5‰ and -3.5‰ ± 0.1‰ with cobaloxime. Dual element isotope slopes m = Δδ(13)C/ Δδ(37)Cl ≈ ε(carbon)/ε(chlorine) of TCE showed strong agreement between biotransformations (3.4 to 3.8) and cobalamin (3.9), but differed markedly for cobaloxime (6.1). These results (i) suggest a similar biodegradation mechanism despite different microbial strains, (ii) indicate that transformation with isolated cobalamin resembles in vivo transformation and (iii) suggest a different mechanism with cobaloxime. This model reactant should therefore be used with caution. Our results demonstrate the power of two-dimensional isotope analyses to characterize and distinguish between reaction mechanisms in whole cell experiments and in vitro model systems.

Late onset of symptoms in an atypical patient with the cblJ inborn error of vitamin B12 metabolism: Diagnosis and novel mutation revealed by exome sequencing

Inborn errors of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) metabolism are characterized by decreased production of active cobalamin cofactors and subsequent deficiencies in the activities of methionine synthase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. With the recent discovery of the cblJ defect in two patients with phenotypes mimicking the cblF defect, there are nine genes known to be involved in cobalamin metabolism. The new defect is caused by mutations in the ABCD4 gene, encoding an ABC transporter. At the moment, there is no clear distinction between the cblJ and cblF defects either clinically or biochemically, and both defects result in blocks in the transport of cobalamin from the lysosome to the cytoplasm. A patient was diagnosed with hyperhomocysteinemia and methylmalonic aciduria at the age of 8years. Incorporations of both [14C]propionate and [14C]methyltetrahydrofolate in cultured fibroblasts were within reference ranges and thus too high to allow for complementation analysis. We observed decreased synthesis of both adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin and accumulation of unmetabolized cyanocobalamin. Exome sequencing was performed to identify causative mutation(s) and Sanger re-sequencing was performed to validate segregation of mutation in the family. By this approach, a homozygous mutation, c.423C>G, in the ABCD4 gene was identified. Here, we report the successful application of exome sequencing for diagnosis of a rare inborn error of vitamin B12 metabolism in a patient whose unusual presentation precluded diagnosis using standard biochemical and genetic approaches. The patient represents only the third known patient with the cblJ disorder.

Ethanol Lowers Glutathione in Rat Liver and Brain and Inhibits Methionine Synthase in a Cobalamin-Dependent Manner

Methionine synthase (MS) is a ubiquitous enzyme that requires vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate for the methylation of homocysteine to methionine. Previous studies have shown that acute or chronic ethanol (ETOH) administration results in the inhibition of MS and depletion of glutathione (GSH), and it has been proposed that GSH is required for the synthesis of methylcobalamin (MeCbl). We measured GSH levels and investigated the ability of different cobalamin cofactors [cyano- (CNCbl), glutathionyl- (GSCbl), hydroxo- (OHCbl), and MeCbl] to support MS activity in liver and brain cortex from control and ETOH-treated rats. In control animals, MS activity was higher in liver than in cortex for all cobalamins and MeCbl-based activity was higher than for other cofactors. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) was required for OHCbl, CNCbl, and GSCbl-based activity, but not for MeCbl. Feeding an ETOH-containing diet for four weeks caused a significant decrease in liver MS activity, in a cobalamin-dependent manner (OHCbl ≥ CNCbl > GSCbl > MeCbl). In brain cortex, OHCbl, CNCbl, and GSCbl-based activity was reduced by ETOH treatment, but MeCbl-based activity was unaffected. GSH levels were reduced by ETOH treatment in both liver and cortex homogenates, and addition of GSH restored OHCbl-based MS activity to control levels. Betaine administration had no significant effect on GSH levels or MS activity in either control or ETOH-fed groups. The ETOH-induced decrease in OHCbl-based MS activity is secondary to decreased GSH levels and a decreased ability to synthesize MeCbl. The ability of MeCbl to completely offset ETOH inhibition in brain cortex, but not liver, suggests tissue-specific differences in the GSH-dependent regulation of MS activity.

Insights into the reactivation of cobalamin-dependent methionine synthase

Cobalamin-dependent methionine synthase (MetH) is a modular protein that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from methyltetrahydrofolate to homocysteine to produce methionine and tetrahydrofolate. The cobalamin cofactor, which serves as both acceptor and donor of the methyl group, is oxidized once every approximately 2,000 catalytic cycles and must be reactivated by the uptake of an electron from reduced flavodoxin and a methyl group from S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet). Previous structures of a C-terminal fragment of MetH (MetH(CT)) revealed a reactivation conformation that juxtaposes the cobalamin- and AdoMet-binding domains. Here we describe 2 structures of a disulfide stabilized MetH(CT) ((s-s)MetH(CT)) that offer further insight into the reactivation of MetH. The structure of (s-s)MetH(CT) with cob(II)alamin and S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine represents the enzyme in the reactivation step preceding electron transfer from flavodoxin. The structure supports earlier suggestions that the enzyme acts to lower the reduction potential of the Co(II)/Co(I) couple by elongating the bond between the cobalt and its upper axial water ligand, effectively making the cobalt 4-coordinate, and illuminates the role of Tyr-1139 in the stabilization of this 4-coordinate state. The structure of (s-s)MetH(CT) with aquocobalamin may represent a transient state at the end of reactivation as the newly remethylated 5-coordinate methylcobalamin returns to the 6-coordinate state, triggering the rearrangement to a catalytic conformation.