The [NiFe] hydrogenase from Allochromatium vinosum studied in EPR-detectable states: H/D exchange experiments that yield new information about the structure of the active site
B. Bleijlevens et al., The [NiFe] hydrogenase from Allochromatium vinosum studied in EPR-detectable states: H/D exchange experiments that yield new information about the structure of the active site, J BIOL I CH, 6(8), 2001, pp. 763-769
In this study we report on thus-far unobserved proton hyperfine couplings i
n the well-known EPR signals of [NiFe] hydrogenases. The preparation of the
enzyme in several highly homogeneous states allowed us to carefully re-exa
mine the Ni-u*, Ni-r*, Ni-a-C* and Ni-a-L* EPR signals which are present in
most [NiFe] hydrogenases. At high resolution (modulation amplitude 0.57 G)
, clear indications for hyperfine interactions were observed in the g(z) li
ne of the Ni-r* EPR signal. The hyperfine pattern became more pronounced in
(H2O)-H-2. Simulations of the spectra suggested the interaction of the Ni-
based unpaired electron with two equivalent, non-exchangeable protons (A(1.
2) = 13.2 MHz) and one exchangeable proton (A(3) = 6.6 MHz) in the Ni-r* st
ate. Interaction with an exchangeable proton could not be observed in the N
iu* EPR signal. The identity of the three protons is discussed and correlat
ed to available ENDOR data. It is concluded that the NiFe centre in the Ni-
r* state contains a hydroxide ligand bound to the nickel, which is pointing
towards the gas channel rather than to iron.