Iron-binding Residues Research Articles

Iron Reduction in Dermacentor andersoni Tick Cells Inhibits Anaplasma marginale Replication.

Anaplasma spp. are obligate intracellular, tick-borne, bacterial pathogens that cause bovine and human anaplasmosis. We lack tools to prevent these diseases in part due to major knowledge gaps in our fundamental understanding of the tick–pathogen interface, including the requirement for and molecules involved in iron transport during tick colonization. We determine that iron is required for the pathogen Anaplasma marginale, which causes bovine anaplasmosis, to replicate in Dermacentor andersoni tick cells. Using bioinformatics and protein modeling, we identified three orthologs of the Gram-negative siderophore-independent iron uptake system, FbpABC. Am069, the A. marginale ortholog of FbpA, lacks predicted iron-binding residues according to the NCBI conserved domain database. However, according to protein modeling, the best structural orthologs of Am069 are iron transport proteins from Cyanobacteria and Campylobacter jejuni. We then determined that all three A. marginale genes are modestly differentially expressed in response to altered host cell iron levels, despite the lack of a Ferric uptake regulator or operon structure. This work is foundational for building a mechanistic understanding of iron uptake, which could lead to interventions to prevent bovine and human anaplasmosis.

Iron binding and release properties of transferrin-1 from Drosophila melanogaster and Manduca sexta: Implications for insect iron homeostasis

Transferrins belong to an ancient family of extracellular proteins. The best-characterized transferrins are mammalian proteins that function in iron sequestration or iron transport; they accomplish these functions by having a high-affinity iron-binding site in each of their two homologous lobes. Insect hemolymph transferrins (Tsf1s) also function in iron sequestration and transport; however, sequence-based predictions of their iron-binding residues have suggested that most Tsf1s have a single, lower-affinity iron-binding site. To reconcile the apparent contradiction between the known physiological functions and predicted biochemical properties of Tsf1s, we purified and characterized the iron-binding properties of Drosophila melanogaster Tsf1 (DmTsf1), Manduca sexta Tsf1 (MsTsf1), and the amino-lobe of DmTsf1 (DmTsf1N). Using UV–Vis spectroscopy, we found that these proteins bind iron, but they exhibit shifts in their spectra compared to mammalian transferrins. Through equilibrium dialysis experiments, we determined that DmTsf1 and MsTsf1 bind only one ferric ion; their affinity for iron is high (log K’ = 18), but less than that of the well-characterized mammalian transferrins (log K’ ~ 20); and they release iron under moderately acidic conditions (pH50 = 5.5). Iron release analysis of DmTsf1N suggested that iron binding in the amino-lobe is stabilized by the carboxyl-lobe. These findings will be critical for elucidating the mechanisms of Tsf1 function in iron sequestration and transport in insects.

Drosophila ZIP13 is posttranslationally regulated by iron-mediated stabilization

Drosophila ZIP13 (dZIP13, CG7816/ZIP99C) belongs to the SLC39A family and is connected to iron homeostasis in the fruit fly. In this study, we show that dZIP13 level is strongly regulated by iron. In addition to a mild response to iron at the mRNA level, dZIP13 is strongly regulated at the protein level. This posttranslational regulation by iron also happens when dZIP13 is expressed in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Iron functions to stabilize dZIP13. Domain-swapping experiments between dZIP7 (CG10449/ Catsup) and dZIP13 suggest that the N-terminus of dZIP13 is necessary to mediate this iron regulatory process. Phylogenetic sequence comparison and structural modeling reveal potential iron-binding residues, confirmed by in vitro iron binding assays. Mutations of these potential iron binding sites at the N-terminus, as well as a likely iron binding site at the C-terminus of dZIP13, completely abolish the iron-dependent upregulation in the yeast and the fruit fly. Iron-responsiveness of dZIP13 is consistent with its key role in iron homeostasis. We speculate that this process of dZIP13 regulation, and that of IRE/IRP-controlled ferritin production, work together to better cope with iron repletion in the fly.

Biochemical Characterization of Two Insect Serum Transferrins

Proper iron homeostasis is crucial for the overall health of nearly all organisms. One of the key factors in facilitating iron regulation is the family of proteins known as transferrins. Vertebrate transferrins are known for their ability to bind one ferric iron ion in each of their two lobes (N‐and C‐lobe). Binding occurs with high affinity in the blood and other fluids, and transferrin‐bound iron is safely delivered into cells via endocytosis. These functions help to protect against oxidative stress, supply and maintain iron levels, and sequester iron from invading pathogens. The details of transferrin's structure, iron binding residues and cellular uptake mechanism have all been established for vertebrates; however, details have yet to be ironed out for invertebrates. For most insect transferrins, amino acid sequence alignments suggest a similar overall size and structure, but iron binding in only the N‐lobe. Moreover, a putative substitution of the iron‐coordinating histidine residue is found in nearly all insects. These differences in invertebrate transferrins are puzzling and lead to questions about their functionality. As methods for safe and effective pest control strategies continue to improve, it is important to understand the fundamentals of how insect systems work and differ from vertebrates. Our research aims to determine the function(s) of insect transferrin via biochemical and structural analysis, using Drosophila melanogaster and Manduca sexta transferrin (DmTsf1 and MsTsf) as models. We purified DmTsf1 from a baculovirus expression system and MsTsf1 from larval hemolymph. Both proteins were purified by using ammonium sulfate precipitation and a series of column chromatography steps. We showed that apo‐transferrin but not holo‐transferrin can inhibit Escherichia coli growth, suggesting an immune function that relies on iron sequestration. Using equilibrium dialysis, we determined the apparent dissociation constant of apo‐DmTsf1 for iron is 10−18 M (at pH 7.4). Furthermore, these data demonstrated there is only one iron‐binding site. DmTsf1's affinity is less but comparable to mammalian transferrin's affinity for iron, Kd = 10−22 M, suggesting a role in iron sequestration. Analysis of absorbance spectra using different concentrations of metal show that apo‐DmTsf1 can also bind one molar equivalent of copper or zinc ions. Affinity measurements for MsTsf are still underway. Failed attempts to crystallize deglycosylated holo‐DmTsf1 and holo‐MsTsf for X‐ray crystallographic analysis of structure, has led us to express and purify the single N‐lobe of DmTsf1. Once the purification is complete, we will attempt to crystalize the N‐lobe and obtain a structure. With this information, we can identify the iron‐binding residues and compare the novel insect transferrin structure to the many vertebrate structures. We are hopeful that a structure will provide further insight into the functions of insect transferrins. Further biochemical pursuits into the function of insect transferrins will include determining the role of the C‐lobe and how iron from insect transferrins is delivered to cells.Support or Funding InformationNSF: 1656388NIH: R37 GM041247This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

A Biochemical and Structural Look into the Functional Role of Transferrin in D. melanogaster

Transferrins (TFs) are a family of vertebrate and invertebrate proteins that have high affinity for ferric iron. The extensively studied mammalian TFs are typically bilobal in structure and have iron binding sites in both their lobes—critical to their essential role in proper iron sequestration and transport in blood. These sites coordinate iron binding through four conserved residues—aspartate, tyrosine, tyrosine and histidine—and a carbonate ion cofactor. Aside from their function of transporting iron to cells, their ability to sequester and tightly bind iron is a crucial defense against invading pathogens. Many insect TFs show less sequence conservation and have only one iron binding site. They have not been adequately studied for their roles in iron metabolism and immunity. Our research aims to determine the function(s) of insect TF via biochemical and structural analysis using Drosophila melanogaster transferrin (DmTsf1) as a model. We purified DmTsf1 from a baculovirus expression system using ammonium sulfate precipitation, and ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography, and generated apo‐ and holo‐forms. Apo‐DmTsf1 but not holo‐DmTsf1 inhibited Escherichia coli growth, suggesting an immune function that relies on iron sequestration. A homology model of DmTsf1 showed a similar bilobal structure but iron binding in only one lobe. The putative binding residues are glutamate, tyrosine, and tyrosine. If the model is correct, a loss of the histidine residue in DmTsf1 should result in a lower binding affinity for iron. We are using crystallography to identify the actual iron binding residues. Initial protein‐ligand binding kinetics using equilibrium dialysis have shown Apo‐DmTsf1 to indeed having one binding site for ferric iron and a lower Kd of 10−18. Further biochemical pursuits into the role of insect TFs will include examining DmTsf1's ability to bind other metals.Support or Funding InformationNIH NGMS R37 GM041247, NSF IOS 1656388This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Characterization of GA20ox genes in tall and dwarf types coconut (Cocos nucifera L.).

Coconuts (Cocos nucifera L.) are divided by the height into tall and dwarf types. In many plants the short phenotype was emerged by mutation of the GA20ox gene encoding the enzyme involved in gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis. Two CnGA20ox genes, CnGA20ox1 and CnGA20ox2, were cloned from tall and dwarf types coconut. The sequences, gene structures and expressions were compared. The structure of each gene comprised three exons and two introns. The CnGA20ox1 and CnGA20ox2 genes consisted of the coding region of 1110 and 1131bp, encoding proteins of 369 and 376 amino acids, respectively. Their amino acid sequences are highly homologous to GA20ox1 and GA20ox2 genes of Elaeis guineensis, but only 57% homologous to each other. However, the characteristic amino acids two histidines and one aspartic acid which are the two iron (Fe2+) binding residues, and arginine and serine which are the substrate binding residues of the dioxygenase enzyme in the 20G-FeII_Oxy domain involved in GA biosynthesis, were found in the active site of both enzymes. The evolutionary relationship of their proteins revealed three clusters in vascular plants, with two subgroups in dicots and three subgroups in monocots. This result confirmed that CnGA20ox was present as multi-copy genes, and at least two groups CnGA20ox1 and CnGA20ox2 were found in coconut. The nucleotide sequences of CnGA20ox1 gene in both coconut types were identical but its expression was about threefolds higher in the leaves of tall coconut than in those of dwarf type which was in good agreement with their height. In contrast, the nucleotide sequences of CnGA20ox2 gene in the two coconut types were different, but the expression of CnGA20ox2 gene could not be detected in either coconut type. The promoter region of CnGA20ox1 gene was cloned, and the core promoter sequences and various cis-elements were found. The CnGA20ox1 gene should be responsible for the height in coconut, which is different from other plants because no mutation was present in CnGA20ox1 gene of dwarf type coconut.

Mechanisms by Which Salt Concentration Moderates the Dynamics of Human Serum Transferrin.

The dynamical and thermodynamic behavior of human transferrin (hTf) protein in saline aqueous solution of various concentrations is studied. hTf is an essential transport protein circulating iron in the blood and delivering it to tissues. It displays highly pH dependent cooperativity between the two lobes, each carrying an iron, and forms a tight complex with the receptor during endocytosis, eventually recycled to the serum after iron release. Molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the effects of the amount of salt on protein conformation and dynamics to analyze the structure-function relationship in free hTf at serum pH. To monitor the ionic strength dependence, four different ionic concentrations, 0, 50, 130, and 210 mM NaCl for two protonation states of the iron coordination site is considered. Two mechanisms by which salt affects hTf are disclosed. In the totally closed state where iron coordinating tyrosines are deprotonated, the addition of even 50 mM of salt alters the electrostatic potential distribution around the protein, opening energetic pathways for tyrosine protonation from nearby charged residues as a required first step for iron release. Once domain opening is observed, conformational plasticity renders the iron binding site more accessible by the solvent. At this second stage of iron release, R124 in the N-lobe is identified as kinetically significant anion binding site that accommodates chloride ions and allosterically communicates with the iron binding residues. Opening motions are maximized at 150 mM IS in the N-lobe, and at 210 mM in the C-lobe. The extra mobility in the latter is thought to preclude binding of hTf to its receptor. Thus, the physiological IS is optimal for exposing iron for release from hTf. However, the calculated binding affinities of iron show that even in the most open conformations, iron dissociation needs to be accompanied by chelators.

Zinc and the iron donor frataxin regulate oligomerization of the scaffold protein to form new Fe–S cluster assembly centers

Early studies of the bacterial Fe-S cluster assembly system provided structural details for how the scaffold protein and the cysteine desulfurase interact. This work and additional work on the yeast and human systems elucidated a conserved mechanism for sulfur donation but did not provide any conclusive insights into the mechanism for iron delivery from the iron donor, frataxin, to the scaffold. We previously showed that oligomerization is a mechanism by which yeast frataxin (Yfh1) can promote assembly of the core machinery for Fe-S cluster synthesis both in vitro and in cells, in such a manner that the scaffold protein, Isu1, can bind to Yfh1 independent of the presence of the cysteine desulfurase, Nfs1. Here, in the absence of Yfh1, Isu1 was found to exist in two forms, one mostly monomeric with limited tendency to dimerize, and one with a strong propensity to oligomerize. Whereas the monomeric form is stabilized by zinc, the loss of zinc promotes formation of dimer and higher order oligomers. However, upon binding to oligomeric Yfh1, both forms take on a similar symmetrical trimeric configuration that places the Fe-S cluster coordinating residues of Isu1 in close proximity of iron-binding residues of Yfh1. This configuration is suitable for docking of Nfs1 in a manner that provides a structural context for coordinate iron and sulfur donation to the scaffold. Moreover, distinct structural features suggest that in physiological conditions the zinc-regulated abundance of monomeric vs. oligomeric Isu1 yields [Yfh1]·[Isu1] complexes with different Isu1 configurations that afford unique functional properties for Fe-S cluster assembly and delivery.

MavN is a Legionella pneumophila vacuole-associated protein required for efficient iron acquisition during intracellular growth

Iron is essential for the growth and virulence of most intravacuolar pathogens. The mechanisms by which microbes bypass host iron restriction to gain access to this metal across the host vacuolar membrane are poorly characterized. In this work, we identify a unique intracellular iron acquisition strategy used by Legionella pneumophila. The bacterial Icm/Dot (intracellular multiplication/defect in organelle trafficking) type IV secretion system targets the bacterial-derived MavN (more regions allowing vacuolar colocalization N) protein to the surface of the Legionella-containing vacuole where this putative transmembrane protein facilitates intravacuolar iron acquisition. The ΔmavN mutant exhibits a transcriptional iron-starvation signature before its growth is arrested during the very early stages of macrophage infection. This intracellular growth defect is rescued only by the addition of excess exogenous iron to the culture medium and not a variety of other metals. Consistent with MavN being a translocated substrate that plays an exclusive role during intracellular growth, the mutant shows no defect for growth in broth culture, even under severe iron-limiting conditions. Putative iron-binding residues within the MavN protein were identified, and point mutations in these residues resulted in defects specific for intracellular growth that are indistinguishable from the ΔmavN mutant. This model of a bacterial protein inserting into host membranes to mediate iron transport provides a paradigm for how intravacuolar pathogens can use virulence-associated secretion systems to manipulate and acquire host iron.

Multicopper oxidase-1 orthologs from diverse insect species have ascorbate oxidase activity

Members of the multicopper oxidase (MCO) family of enzymes can be classified by their substrate specificity; for example, ferroxidases oxidize ferrous iron, ascorbate oxidases oxidize ascorbate, and laccases oxidize aromatic substrates such as diphenols. Our previous work on an insect multicopper oxidase, MCO1, suggested that it may function as a ferroxidase. This hypothesis was based on three lines of evidence: RNAi-mediated knock down of Drosophila melanogaster MCO1 (DmMCO1) affects iron homeostasis, DmMCO1 has ferroxidase activity, and DmMCO1 has predicted iron binding residues. In our current study, we expanded our focus to include MCO1 from Anopheles gambiae, Tribolium castaneum, and Manduca sexta. We verified that MCO1 orthologs have similar expression profiles, and that the MCO1 protein is located on the basal surface of cells where it is positioned to oxidize substrates in the hemolymph. In addition, we determined that RNAi-mediated knock down of MCO1 in A. gambiae affects iron homeostasis. To further characterize the enzymatic activity of MCO1 orthologs, we purified recombinant MCO1 from all four insect species and performed kinetic analyses using ferrous iron, ascorbate and two diphenols as substrates. We found that all of the MCO1 orthologs are much better at oxidizing ascorbate than they are at oxidizing ferrous iron or diphenols. This result is surprising because ascorbate oxidases are thought to be specific to plants and fungi. An analysis of three predicted iron binding residues in DmMCO1 revealed that they are not required for ferroxidase or laccase activity, but two of the residues (His374 and Asp380) influence oxidation of ascorbate. These two residues are conserved in MCO1 orthologs from insects and crustaceans; therefore, they are likely to be important for MCO1 function. The results of this study suggest that MCO1 orthologs function as ascorbate oxidases and influence iron homeostasis through an unknown mechanism.

Multicopper oxidase-1 is a ferroxidase essential for iron homeostasis in Drosophila melanogaster

Multicopper ferroxidases catalyze the oxidation of ferrous iron to ferric iron. In yeast and algae, they participate in cellular uptake of iron; in mammals, they facilitate cellular efflux. The mechanisms of iron metabolism in insects are still poorly understood, and insect multicopper ferroxidases have not been identified. In this paper, we present evidence that Drosophila melanogaster multicopper oxidase-1 (MCO1) is a functional ferroxidase. We identified candidate iron-binding residues in the MCO1 sequence and found that purified recombinant MCO1 oxidizes ferrous iron. An association between MCO1 function and iron homeostasis was confirmed by two observations: RNAi-mediated knockdown of MCO1 resulted in decreased iron accumulation in midguts and whole insects, and weak knockdown increased the longevity of flies fed a toxic concentration of iron. Strong knockdown of MCO1 resulted in pupal lethality, indicating that MCO1 is an essential gene. Immunohistochemistry experiments demonstrated that MCO1 is located on the basal surfaces of the digestive system and Malpighian tubules. We propose that MCO1 oxidizes ferrous iron in the hemolymph and that the resulting ferric iron is bound by transferrin or melanotransferrin, leading to iron storage, iron withholding from pathogens, regulation of oxidative stress, and/or epithelial maturation. These proposed functions are distinct from those of other known ferroxidases. Given that MCO1 orthologues are present in all insect genomes analyzed to date, this discovery is an important step toward understanding iron metabolism in insects.

Lipocalin-2 controls neuronal excitability and anxiety by regulating dendritic spine formation and maturation

Psychological stress causes adaptive changes in the nervous system directed toward maintaining homoeostasis. These biochemical and structural mechanisms regulate animal behavior, and their malfunction may result in various forms of affective disorders. Here we found that the lipocalin-2 (Lcn2) gene, encoding a secreted protein of unknown neuronal function, was up-regulated in mouse hippocampus following psychological stress. Addition of lipocalin-2 to cultured hippocampal neurons reduced dendritic spine actin's mobility, caused retraction of mushroom spines, and inhibited spine maturation. These effects were further enhanced by inactivating iron-binding residues of Lcn-2, suggesting that they were facilitated by the iron-free form of Lcn-2. Concurrently, disruption of the Lcn2 gene in mice promoted stress-induced increase in spine density and caused an increase in the proportion of mushroom spines. The above changes correlated with higher excitability of CA1 principal neurons and with elevated stress-induced anxiety in Lcn-2(-/-) mice. Our study demonstrates that lipocalin-2 promotes stress-induced changes in spine morphology and function to regulate neuronal excitability and anxiety.

Structural studies on human 2-oxoglutarate dependent oxygenases

2-Oxoglutarate and ferrous iron-dependent oxygenases have emerged as an important family of human enzymes that catalyse hydroxylations and related demethylation reactions. Their substrates in humans include proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and small molecules. They play roles in collagen biosynthesis, hypoxic sensing, regulation of gene expression and lipid biosynthesis/metabolism. Structural analyses, principally employing crystallography, have revealed that all of these oxygenases possess a double-stranded β-helix core fold that supports a highly conserved triad of iron binding residues and a less well conserved 2-oxoglutarate co-substrate binding site. The 2-oxoglutarate binds to the iron in a bidentate manner via its 1-carboxylate and 2-oxo groups. The primary substrate binding elements are more variable and can involve mobile elements.

Stringency of the 2-His–1-Asp Active-Site Motif in Prolyl 4-Hydroxylase

The non-heme iron(II) dioxygenase family of enzymes contain a common 2-His–1-carboxylate iron-binding motif. These enzymes catalyze a wide variety of oxidative reactions, such as the hydroxylation of aliphatic C–H bonds. Prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4H) is an α-ketoglutarate-dependent iron(II) dioxygenase that catalyzes the post-translational hydroxylation of proline residues in protocollagen strands, stabilizing the ensuing triple helix. Human P4H residues His412, Asp414, and His483 have been identified as an iron-coordinating 2-His–1-carboxylate motif. Enzymes that catalyze oxidative halogenation do so by a mechanism similar to that of P4H. These halogenases retain the active-site histidine residues, but the carboxylate ligand is replaced with a halide ion. We replaced Asp414 of P4H with alanine (to mimic the active site of a halogenase) and with glycine. These substitutions do not, however, convert P4H into a halogenase. Moreover, the hydroxylase activity of D414A P4H cannot be rescued with small molecules. In addition, rearranging the two His and one Asp residues in the active site eliminates hydroxylase activity. Our results demonstrate a high stringency for the iron-binding residues in the P4H active site. We conclude that P4H, which catalyzes an especially demanding chemical transformation, is recalcitrant to change.

PHF8, a gene associated with cleft lip/palate and mental retardation, encodes for an Nε-dimethyl lysine demethylase

Mutations of human PHF8 cluster within its JmjC encoding exons and are linked to mental retardation (MR) and a cleft lip/palate phenotype. Sequence comparisons, employing structural insights, suggest that PHF8 contains the double stranded beta-helix fold and ferrous iron binding residues that are present in 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenases. We report that recombinant PHF8 is an Fe(II) and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent N(epsilon)-methyl lysine demethylase, which acts on histone substrates. PHF8 is selective in vitro for N(epsilon)-di- and mono-methylated lysine residues and does not accept trimethyl substrates. Clinically observed mutations to the PHF8 gene cluster in exons encoding for the double stranded beta-helix fold and will therefore disrupt catalytic activity. The PHF8 missense mutation c.836C>T is associated with mild MR, mild dysmorphic features, and either unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate in two male siblings. This mutant encodes a F279S variant of PHF8 that modifies a conserved hydrophobic region; assays with both peptides and intact histones reveal this variant to be catalytically inactive. The dependence of PHF8 activity on oxygen availability is interesting because the occurrence of fetal cleft lip has been demonstrated to increase with maternal hypoxia in mouse studies. Cleft lip and other congenital anomalies are also linked indirectly to maternal hypoxia in humans, including from maternal smoking and maternal anti-hypertensive treatment. Our results will enable further studies aimed at defining the molecular links between developmental changes in histone methylation status, congenital disorders and MR.

An interaction between leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 and transferrin of ayu, Plecoglossus altivelis

Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screens were used to test for interactions between leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) and a liver cDNA expression library of ayu, Plecoglossus altivelis. Of the 9 independent interacting clones identified, 7 were identical and closely related to transferrin (Tf) genes of fish, while the other two were related to c-type lectin genes. The interaction between ayu Tf (aTf) and ayu LECT2 (aLECT2) was confirmed by in vitro co-immunoprecipitation of the two proteins. Y2H assays using different parts of the two proteins showed that the segment aTf185–289 was not involved in the interaction with mature aLECT2, while the transit peptide of aLECT2 couldn't interact with entire aTf. Computer analysis revealed that aTf185–289, which contained two iron binding residues, Tyr197 and His253, was located at the N-terminus of aTf N-lobe. Strong interactions were also determined between LECT2 and Tf from the same animal, such as croceine croaker, Larimichthys crocea and mouse, Mus musculus. However, no cross-species interactions were determined. Based on published data, the Tf–LECT2 interaction is suggested to be most possibly involved in the body's defense against infection.

Evidence That Two Enzyme-derived Histidine Ligands Are Sufficient for Iron Binding and Catalysis by Factor Inhibiting HIF (FIH)

A 2-His-1-carboxylate triad of iron binding residues is present in many non-heme iron oxygenases including the Fe(II) and 2-oxoglutarate (2OG)-dependent dioxygenases. Three variants (D201A, D201E, and D201G) of the iron binding Asp-201 residue of an asparaginyl hydroxylase, factor inhibiting HIF (FIH), were made and analyzed. FIH-D201A and FIH-D201E did not catalyze asparaginyl hydroxylation, but in the presence of a reducing agent, they displayed enhanced 2OG turnover when compared with wild-type FIH. Turnover of 2OG by FIH-D201A was significantly stimulated by the addition of HIF-1alpha(786-826) peptide. Like FIH-D201A and D201E, the D201G variant enhanced 2OG turnover but rather unexpectedly catalyzed asparaginyl hydroxylation. Crystal structures of the FIH-D201A and D201G variants in complex with Fe(II)/Zn(II), 2OG, and HIF-1alpha(786-826/788-806) implied that only two FIH-based residues (His-199 and His-279) are required for metal binding. The results indicate that variation of 2OG-dependent dioxygenase iron-ligating residues as a means of functional assignment should be treated with caution. The results are of mechanistic interest in the light of recent biochemical and structural analyses of non-heme iron and 2OG-dependent halogenases that are similar to the FIH-D201A/G variants in that they use only two His-residues to ligate iron.

Erythrocytosis Caused by Mutations in the PHD2 and VHL Genes.

Human diseases have provided important insights into the function of fundamental physiological processes, and studying erythrocytosis has increased our understanding of the oxygen sensing pathway. In some cases this rare disorder arises specifically from dysregulation of the erythropoietin (Epo) axis. Epo gene transcription is under the control of a negative feedback mechanism involving the kidneys, which sense tissue hypoxia at the molecular level via the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) transcription complex. Both subunits of the HIF complex, alpha and beta, are constitutively expressed but only the beta subunit is detectable in the presence of oxygen. Key prolines in the oxygen degradation domain of HIFalpha are hydroxylated by a family of prolyl hydroxylase enzymes, PHD1-3. Of these PHD2 has the most widespread tissue distribution. Upon hydroxylation of HIF, the von Hippel Lindau (VHL) protein, a component of an E3 ligase complex, promotes the ubiquitination of the alpha subunit. HIFalpha is then targeted to the proteasome and the transcription of HIF target genes is prevented. In hypoxia the activity of the PHD enzymes is low and the HIF complex assembles causing upregulation of genes such as Epo. Over the last ten years we have maintained a registry of individuals with erythrocytosis. To date 181 patients have been included with clinical details and consented DNA samples have been collected. There is a preponderance of males with ratio of 1.7 males to each female. The mean age of erythrocytosis individuals on the registry is 37 years. The majority of erythrocytosis patients have inappropriately normal (46%) or raised (26%) serum Epo levels as compared to PV, where the Epo level is often undetectable. Thus it can be inferred that dysregulation of the Epo axis via the oxygen sensing pathway would be a significant cause of erythrocytosis. Consequently, PHD2 and VHL have been investigated. We have now identified 2 different mutations, Pro317Arg and Arg371His, in PHD2. In the tertiary structure of PHD2, Pro317and Arg371 are close to essential iron binding residues and furthermore suggest the location of a HIF binding groove. The Arg200Trp VHL mutation, commonly described as the Chuvash mutation, has been detected in 8 Asian families and their large kindred. Two Western European individuals were found to be compound heterozygous for the Arg200Trp and either the novel Pro192Thr or Gly144Arg variants. Intriguingly 2 further individuals possess one wild type and one mutated allele, Arg200Trp or Leu188Val. Screening other genes of the oxygen sensing pathway has failed to reveal further defects in these individuals. In summary, defects in the oxygen sensing pathway are associated with the development of erythrocytosis. Mutations in VHL are more common than PHD2 and highlight the importance of these proteins in the maintenance of red cell homeostasis.

The Biochemical Characterization of Ferret Carotene-9′, 10′-Monooxygenase Catalyzing Cleavage of Carotenoids in Vitro and in Vivo

Previous studies have shown that beta-carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase catalyzes the cleavage of beta-carotene at the central carbon 15,15'-double bond but cleaves lycopene with much lower activity. However, expressing the mouse carotene 9',10'-monooxygenase (CMO2) in beta-carotene/lycopene-synthesizing and -accumulating Escherichia coli strains leads to both a color shift and formation of apo-10'-carotenoids, suggesting the oxidative cleavage of both carotenoids at their 9',10'-double bond. Here we provide information on the biochemical characterization of CMO2 of the ferret, a model for human carotenoid metabolism, in terms of the kinetic analysis of beta-carotene/lycopene cleavage into beta-apo-10'-carotenal/apo-10'-lycopenal in vitro and the formation of apo-10'-lycopenoids in ferrets in vivo. We demonstrate that the recombinant ferret CMO2 catalyzes the excentric cleavage of both all-trans-beta-carotene and the 5-cis- and 13-cis-isomers of lycopene at the 9',10'-double bond but not all-trans-lycopene. The cleavage activity of ferret CMO2 was higher toward lycopene cis-isomers as compared with beta-carotene as substrate. Iron was an essential co-factor for the reaction. Furthermore, all-trans-lycopene supplementation in ferrets resulted in significant accumulation of cis-isomers of lycopene and the formation of apo-10'-lycopenol, as well as up-regulation of the CMO2 expression in lung tissues. In addition, in vitro incubation of apo-10'-lycopenal with the post-nuclear fraction of hepatic homogenates of ferrets resulted in the production of both apo-10'-lycopenoic acid and apo-10'-lycopenol, respectively, depending upon the presence of NAD+ or NADH as cofactors. Our finding of bioconversion of cis-isomers of lycopene into apo-10'-lycopenoids by CMO2 is significant because cis-isomers of lycopene are a predominant form of lycopene in mammalian tissues and apo-lycopenoids may have specific biological activities related to human health.

Crystal structure of 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid 3,4‐dioxygenase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae: A special subgroup of the type III extradiol dioxygenases

3-Hydroxyanthranilic acid 3,4-dioxygenase (3HAO) is a non-heme ferrous extradiol dioxygenase in the kynurenine pathway from tryptophan. It catalyzes the conversion of 3-hydroxyanthranilate (HAA) to quinolinic acid (QUIN), an endogenous neurotoxin, via the activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and the precursor of NAD(+) biosynthesis. The crystal structure of 3HAO from S. cerevisiae at 2.4 A resolution shows it to be a member of the functionally diverse cupin superfamily. The structure represents the first eukaryotic 3HAO to be resolved. The enzyme forms homodimers, with two nickel binding sites per molecule. One of the bound nickel atoms occupies the proposed ferrous-coordinated active site, which is located in a conserved double-strand beta-helix domain. Examination of the structure reveals the participation of a series of residues in catalysis different from other extradiol dioxygenases. Together with two iron-binding residues (His49 and Glu55), Asp120, Asn51, Glu111, and Arg114 form a hydrogen-bonding network; this hydrogen-bond network is key to the catalysis of 3HAO. Residues Arg101, Gln59, and the substrate-binding hydrophobic pocket are crucial for substrate specificity. Structure comparison with 3HAO from Ralstonia metallidurans reveals similarities at the active site and suggests the same catalytic mechanism in prokaryotic and eukaryotic 3HAO. Based on sequence comparison, we suggest that bicupin of human 3HAO is the first example of evolution from a monocupin dimer to bicupin monomer in the diverse cupin superfamilies. Based on the model of the substrate HAA at the active site of Y3HAO, we propose a mechanism of catalysis for 3HAO.