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The X‐ray structures of coenzyme B12 (AdoCbl)‐dependent eliminating isomerases complexed with adenosylmethylcobalamin (AdoMeCbl) have been determined. As judged from geometries, the Co−C bond in diol dehydratase (DD) is not activated even in the presence of substrate. In ethanolamine ammonia‐lyase (EAL), the bond is elongated in the absence of substrate; in the presence of substrate, the complex likely exists in both pre‐ and post‐homolysis states. The impacts of incorporating an extra CH2 group are different in the two enzymes: the DD active site is flexible, and AdoMeCbl binding causes large conformational changes that make DD unable to adopt the catalytic state, whereas the EAL active site is rigid, and AdoMeCbl binding does not induce significant conformational changes. Such flexibility and rigidity of the active sites might reflect the tightness of adenine binding. The structures provide good insights into the basis of the very low activity of AdoMeCbl in these enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radical aminomutases are pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP, a B6 vitamer)-dependent enzymes that require the generation of a 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical to initiate the catalytic cycle, to perform a 1,2 amino group shift reaction. The role of the nitrogen atom of PLP in radical aminomutases has not been investigated extensively yet. We report an alternative synthetic procedure to provide easy access to 1-deazaPLP (dAPLP), an isosteric analog of PLP which acts as a probe for studying the role of the nitrogen atom. Our results revealed that lysine 5,6-aminomutase (5,6-LAM), a radical aminomutase, reconstituted with dAPLP cannot turn over a substrate, demonstrating that the nitrogen atom is essential for radical aminomutases. In contrast, biochemical and spectroscopic studies on the S238A variant reconstituted with PLP revealed a minuscule loss of activity. This apparent anomaly can be explained by a water-mediated rescue of activity in S238A, as if mimicking the active site of lysine 2,3-aminomutase. This study leads to a better comprehension of how enzymes harness the optimum capability of PLP to realize catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Synthetic biological circuits are widely utilized to control microbial cell functions. Natural and synthetic riboswitches are attractive sensor modules for use in synthetic biology applications. However, tuning the fold-change of riboswitch circuits is challenging because a deep understanding of the riboswitch mechanism and screening of mutant libraries is generally required. Therefore, novel molecular parts and strategies for straightforward tuning of the fold-change of riboswitch circuits are needed. Results In this study, we devised a toehold switch-based modulator approach that combines a hybrid input construct consisting of a riboswitch and transcriptional repressor and de-novo-designed riboregulators named toehold switches. First, the introduction of a pair of toehold switches and triggers as a downstream signal-processing module to the hybrid input for coenzyme B12 resulted in a functional riboswitch circuit. Next, several optimization strategies that focused on balancing the expression levels of the RNA components greatly improved the fold-change from 260- to 887-fold depending on the promoter and host strain. Further characterizations confirmed low leakiness and high orthogonality of five toehold switch pairs, indicating the broad applicability of this strategy to riboswitch tuning. Conclusions The toehold switch-based modulator substantially improved the fold-change compared to the previous sensors with only the hybrid input construct. The programmable RNA-RNA interactions amenable to in silico design and optimization can facilitate further development of RNA-based genetic modulators for flexible tuning of riboswitch circuitry and synthetic biosensors.

3,3,3-Trifluoro-1,2-propanediol undergoes complete defluorination in two distinct steps: first, the conversion into 3,3,3-trifluoropropionaldehyde catalyzed by adenosylcobalamin (coenzyme B12)-dependent diol dehydratase; second, non-enzymatic elimination of all three fluorides from this aldehyde to afford malonic semialdehyde (3-oxopropanoic acid), which is decarboxylated to acetaldehyde. Diol dehydratase accepts 3,3,3-trifluoro-1,2-propanediol as a relatively poor substrate, albeit without significant mechanism-based inactivation of the enzyme during catalysis. Optical and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra revealed the steady-state formation of cob(II)alamin and a substrate-derived intermediate organic radical (3,3,3-trifluoro-1,2-dihydroxyprop-1-yl). The coenzyme undergoes Co-C bond homolysis initiating a sequence of reaction by the generally accepted pathway via intermediate radicals. However, the greater steric size of trifluoromethyl and especially its negative impact on the stability of an adjacent radical centre compared to a methyl group has implications for the mechanism of the diol dehydratase reaction. Nevertheless, 3,3,3-trifluoropropionaldehyde is formed by the normal diol dehydratase pathway, but then undergoes non-enzymatic conversion into acetaldehyde, probably via 3,3-difluoropropenal and malonic semialdehyde., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Japanese Biochemical Society. All rights reserved.)

Anaerobic bacteria ferment carbohydrates and amino acids to obtain energy for growth. Due to the absence of oxygen and other inorganic electron acceptors, the substrate of a fermentation has to serve as electron donor as well as acceptor, which results in low free energies as compared to that of aerobic oxidations. Until about 10 years ago, anaerobes were thought to exclusively use substrate level phosphorylation (SLP), by which only part of the available energy could be conserved. Therefore, anaerobes were regarded as unproductive and inefficient energy conservers. The discovery of electrochemical Na+ gradients generated by biotin-dependent decarboxylations or by reduction of NAD+ with ferredoxin changed this view. Reduced ferredoxin is provided by oxidative decarboxylation of 2-oxoacids and the recently discovered flavin based electron bifurcation (FBEB). In this review, the two different fermentation pathways of glutamate to ammonia, CO2, acetate, butyrate and H2 via 3-methylaspartate or via 2-hydroxyglutarate by members of the Firmicutes are discussed as prototypical examples in which all processes characteristic for fermentations occur. Though the fermentations proceed on two entirely different pathways, the maximum theoretical amount of ATP is conserved in each pathway. The occurrence of the 3-methylaspartate pathway in clostridia from soil and the 2-hydroxyglutarate pathway in the human microbiome of the large intestine is traced back to the oxygen-sensitivity of the radical enzymes. The coenzyme B12-dependent glutamate mutase in the 3-methylaspartate pathway tolerates oxygen, whereas 2-hydroxyglutaryl-CoA dehydratase is extremely oxygen-sensitive and can only survive in the gut, where the combustion of butyrate produced by the microbiome consumes the oxygen and provides a strict anaerobic environment. Examples of coenzyme B12-dependent eliminases are given, which in the gut are replaced by simpler extremely oxygen sensitive glycyl radical enzymes.

Anaerobic bacteria ferment carbohydrates and amino acids to obtain energy for growth. Due to the absence of oxygen and other inorganic electron acceptors, the substrate of a fermentation has to serve as electron donor as well as acceptor, which results in low free energies as compared to that of aerobic oxidations. Until about 10 years ago, anaerobes were thought to exclusively use substrate level phosphorylation (SLP), by which only part of the available energy could be conserved. Therefore, anaerobes were regarded as unproductive and inefficient energy conservers. The discovery of electrochemical Na+ gradients generated by biotin-dependent decarboxylations or by reduction of NAD+ with ferredoxin changed this view. Reduced ferredoxin is provided by oxidative decarboxylation of 2-oxoacids and the recently discovered flavin based electron bifurcation (FBEB). In this review, the two different fermentation pathways of glutamate to ammonia, CO2, acetate, butyrate and H2 via 3-methylaspartate or via 2-hydroxyglutarate by members of the Firmicutes are discussed as prototypical examples in which all processes characteristic for fermentations occur. Though the fermentations proceed on two entirely different pathways, the maximum theoretical amount of ATP is conserved in each pathway. The occurrence of the 3-methylaspartate pathway in clostridia from soil and the 2-hydroxyglutarate pathway in the human microbiome of the large intestine is traced back to the oxygen-sensitivity of the radical enzymes. The coenzyme B12-dependent glutamate mutase in the 3-methylaspartate pathway tolerates oxygen, whereas 2-hydroxyglutaryl-CoA dehydratase is extremely oxygen-sensitive and can only survive in the gut, where the combustion of butyrate produced by the microbiome consumes the oxygen and provides a strict anaerobic environment. Examples of coenzyme B12-dependent eliminases are given, which in the gut are replaced by simpler extremely oxygen sensitive glycyl radical enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Synthetic biological circuits are widely utilized to control microbial cell functions. Natural and synthetic riboswitches are attractive sensor modules for use in synthetic biology applications. However, tuning the fold-change of riboswitch circuits is challenging because a deep understanding of the riboswitch mechanism and screening of mutant libraries is generally required. Therefore, novel molecular parts and strategies for straightforward tuning of the fold-change of riboswitch circuits are needed. Results: In this study, we devised a toehold switch-based modulator approach that combines a hybrid input construct consisting of a riboswitch and transcriptional repressor and de-novo-designed riboregulators named toehold switches. First, the introduction of a pair of toehold switches and triggers as a downstream signal-processing module to the hybrid input for coenzyme B12 resulted in a functional riboswitch circuit. Next, several optimization strategies that focused on balancing the expression levels of the RNA components greatly improved the fold-change from 260- to 887-fold depending on the promoter and host strain. Further characterizations confirmed low leakiness and high orthogonality of five toehold switch pairs, indicating the broad applicability of this strategy to riboswitch tuning. Conclusions: The toehold switch-based modulator substantially improved the fold-change compared to the previous sensors with only the hybrid input construct. The programmable RNA-RNA interactions amenable to in silico design and optimization can facilitate further development of RNA-based genetic modulators for flexible tuning of riboswitch circuitry and synthetic biosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coenzyme B12-dependent glycerol dehydratase (GDHt) catalyzes the dehydration reaction of glycerol in the presence of adenosylcobalamin to yield 3-hydroxypropanal (3-HPA), which can be converted biologically to versatile platform chemicals such as 1,3-propanediol and 3-hydroxypropionic acid. Owing to the increased demand for biofuels, developing biological processes based on glycerol, which is a byproduct of biodiesel production, has attracted considerable attention recently. In this review, we will provide updates on the current understanding of the catalytic mechanism and structure of coenzyme B12-dependent GDHt, and then summarize the results of engineering attempts, with perspectives on future directions in its engineering.

MicroRNAs in eukaryotic cells are thought to control highly complex signal transduction and other biological processes by regulating coding transcripts, accounting for their important role in cellular events in eukaryotes. Recently, a novel class of bacterial RNAs similar in size [18-22 nucleotides (nt)] to microRNAs has been reported. Herein, we describe microRNAs, small RNAs from the oral pathogen Streptococcus sanguinis. The bacteria are normally present in the oral cavities and cause endocarditis by contaminating bloodstreams. Small RNAs were analyzed by deep sequencing. Selected highly expressed small RNAs were further validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and northern blot analyses. We found that skim milk supplement changed the expression of small RNAs S.S-1964 in tandem with the nearby SSA_0513 gene involved in vitamin B12 conversion. We furthermore observed small RNAs secreted via bacterial membrane vesicles. Although their precise function remains unclear, secretable small RNAs may represent an entirely new area of study in bacterial genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CarH is a cobalamin-based photoreceptor which has attracted significant interest due to its complex mechanism involving its organometallic coenzyme-B 12 chromophore. While several experimental and computational studies have sought to understand CarH's mechanism of action, there are still many aspects of the mechanism which remain unclear. While light is needed to activate the Co-C 5′ bond, it is not entirely clear whether reaction pathway involves singlet or triplet diradical states. A recent experimental study implicated triplet pathway and importance of intersystem crossing (ISC) as a viable mechanistic route for photoproduct formation in CarH. Herein, a combined quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics approach (QM/MM) was used to explore the involvement of triplet states in CarH. Two possibilities were explored. The first possibility involved photo-induced homolytic cleavage of the Co-C 5′ where the radical pair (RP) would deactivate to a triplet state (T 0) on the ground state potential energy surface (PES). However, a pathway for the formation of the photoproduct, 4′,5′-anhydroadenosine (anhAdo), on the triplet ground state PES was not energetically feasible. The second possibility involved exploring a manifold of low-lying triplet excited states computed using TD-DFT within the QM/MM framework. Viable crossings of triplet excited states with singlet excited states were identified using semiclassical Landau-Zener theory and the effectiveness of spin-orbit coupling by El-Sayed rules. Several candidates along both the Co-N Im potential energy curve (PEC) and Co-C 5′ /Co-N Im PES were identified, which appear to corroborate experimental findings and implicate the possible role of triplet states in CarH. [Display omitted] • QM/MM calculations employed to explore the role of triplet states in photoreceptor CarH. • Excited state deactivation mechanism involving a triplet diradical was explored. • Manifold of low-lying triplet excited states in CarH computed using TD-DFT. • Landau-Zener theory and El-Sayed rules were used to estimate effective spin-orbit coupling. • Multiple triplet states identified as potential candidates for intersystem crossing in CarH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl), or coenzyme B 12 , is a naturally occurring organometallic compound that serves as a cofactor for enzymes that catalyze intramolecular group-transfer reactions and ribonucleotide reduction in a wide variety of organisms from bacteria to animals. AdoCbl-dependent enzymes are radical enzymes that generate an adenosyl radical by homolysis of the coenzyme's cobalt-carbon (Co-C) bond for catalysis. How do the enzymes activate and cleave the Co-C bond to form the adenosyl radical? How do the enzymes utilize the high reactivity of the adenosyl radical for catalysis by suppressing undesirable side reactions? Our recent structural studies, which aimed to solve these problems with diol dehydratase and ethanolamine ammonia-lyase, established the crucial importance of the steric strain of the Co-C bond and conformational stabilization of the adenosyl radical for coenzyme B 12 catalysis. We outline here our results obtained with these eliminating isomerases and compare them with those obtained with other radical B 12 enzymes., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Coenzyme B12 (AdoCbl) is one of the most biologically active forms of vitamin B12, and continues to be a topic of active research interest. The mechanism of Co-C bond cleavage in AdoCbl, and the corresponding enzymatic reactions are however, not well understood at the molecular level. In this work, time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) has been applied to investigate the photodissociation of coenzyme B12. To reduce computational cost, while retaining the major spectroscopic features of AdoCbl, a truncated model based on ribosylcobalamin (RibCbl) was used to simulate Co-C photodissociation. Equilibrium geometries of RibCbl were obtained by optimization at the DFT/BP86/TZVP level of theory, and low-lying excited states were calculated by TD-DFT using the same functional and basis set. The calculated singlet states, and absorption spectra were simulated in both the gas phase, and water, using the polarizable continuum model (PCM). Both spectra were in reasonable agreement with experimental data, and potential energy curves based on vertical excitations were plotted to explore the nature of Co-C bond dissociation. It was found that a repulsive 3(σCo-C → σ*Co-C) triplet state became dissociative at large Co-C bond distance, similar to a previous observation for methylcobalamin (MeCbl). Furthermore, potential energy surfaces (PESs) obtained as a function of both Co-CRib and Co-NIm distances, identify the S1 state as a key intermediate generated during photoexcitation of RibCbl, attributed to a mixture of a MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) and a σ bonding-ligand charge transfer (SBLCT) states.

Coenzyme B12-dependent enzymes such as ethanolamine ammonia lyase have remarkable catalytic power and some unique properties that enable detailed analysis of the reaction chemistry and associated dynamics. By selectively deuterating the substrate (ethanolamine) and/or the β-carbon of the 5′-deoxyadenosyl moiety of the intrinsic coenzyme B12, it was possible to experimentally probe both the forward and reverse hydrogen atom transfers between the 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical and substrate during single-turnover stopped-flow measurements. These data are interpreted within the context of a kinetic model where the 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical intermediate may be quasi-stable and rearrangement of the substrate radical is essentially irreversible. Global fitting of these data allows estimation of the intrinsic rate constants associated with CoC homolysis and initial H-abstraction steps. In contrast to previous stopped-flow studies, the apparent kinetic isotope effects are found to be relatively small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl), or coenzyme B12, is a cofactor for enzymes important in metabolism in humans (and other mammals) and bacteria. AdoCbl contains a Co-C bond and is extremely light sensitive, but, until recently, this light sensitivity appeared to have no physiological function. Recently, AdoCbl has been found to act as cofactor for a photoreceptor protein (CarH) that controls the expression of DNA coding for transcription of the proteins needed for synthesis of carotenes in certain non-photosynthetic bacteria. In 2015, the X-ray crystal structures of two dark states of the photoreceptor protein from the bacterium Thermus thermophilus were determined: CarH bound to AdoCbl and CarH bound to a large portion of the cognate DNA operator (and AdoCbl); a light state was also determined in which CarH was bound to cobalamin in which the Co-C bond had been broken. The breaking of the Co-C bond of Ado-Cbl acts as a trigger for the regulatory switch that allows the transcription of DNA. In the two dark states AdoCbl is bound to a conserved histidine from CarH, which displaces the lower 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole ligand of AdoCbl. In the light state the 5’-deoxyadenosyl group of AdoCbl is replaced by a second histidine from CarH, giving a bis-histidine cobalamin and 4’,5’-anhydroadenosine. Genes for B12-dependent photoreceptors are widespread in bacteria. Control of DNA transcription may represent an evolutionarily ancient function of AdoCbl, possibly pre-dating its function as a protein cofactor. Significance: • A new function for adenosylcobalamin, a light-sensitive form of vitamin B12 with a Co-C bond, has been discovered in bacteria • Some non-photosynthetic bacteria use adenosylcobalamin as a cofactor for the protein CarH, which controls DNA transcription • Three X-ray crystal structures of CarH have been determined: bound to adenosylcobalamin, DNA and after light exposure • A mechanism of action for CarH, based on its structure and on model reactions of vitamin B12, is proposed

Highlights: [•] X-ray structures of cobalamin radical enzymes catalyzing eliminations were solved. [•] Structure-based refined mechanisms explain the experimental results reported to date. [•] Radical catalysis of a cobalamin enzyme is supported by theoretical calculations. [•] Chaperones reactivate cobalamin radical enzymes by releasing damaged cofactors. [•] Radical status of cobalamin enzymes is maintained by coenzyme recycling systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research in our laboratory focuses on the role of metal ions and their complexes in structure formation and folding of nucleic acids. Large catalytic RNAs, like group II introns and some riboswitches, as well as shorter RNAs and DNAs containing modified nucleotides for the assembly of nanodevices are examined. Abundant metal ions like Mg2+ or natural metabolites like coenzyme B12 are in the center of interest, but also other metal ions, complexes thereof and B12 derivatives are applied with the aim to understand the largely unknown and manifold non-covalent interactions with nucleic acids. We apply a multitude of techniques, including potentiometric pH titrations, NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, gel electrophoresis and single molecule FRET experiments. Here we briefly summarize each of our research topics emphasizing the interaction of coenzyme B12 and its derivatives with the btuB riboswitch of E. coli. This highly conserved sequence, found in the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of the btuB mRNA, is involved in the regulation of the btuB protein expression. After a summary on the historical discovery of such riboswitches and their mechanism of action, we shortly focus on our own contributions to understand the structural equilibrium, high affinity and selectivity of the interaction between this specific RNA sequence and the largest and most complex cellular metabolite, coenzyme B12.

The CarH photoreceptor exploits of the light-sensing ability of coenzyme B 12 (adenosylcobalamin = AdoCbl) to perform its catalytic function, which includes large-scale structural changes to regulate transcription. In daylight, transcription is activated in CarH via the photo-cleavage of the Co-C 5′ bond of coenzyme B 12. Subsequently, the photoproduct, 4′,5′-anhydroadenosine (anhAdo) is formed inducing dissociation of the CarH tetramer from DNA. Several experimental studies have proposed that hydridocoblamin (HCbl) may be formed in process with anhAdo. The photolytic cleavage of the Co-C 5′ bond of AdoCbl was previously investigated using photochemical techniques and the involvement of both singlet and triplet excited states were explored. Herein, QM/MM calculations were employed to probe (1) the photolytic processes which may involve singlet excited states, (2) the mechanism of anhAdo formation, and (3) whether HCbl is a viable intermediate in CarH. Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations indicate that the mechanism of photodissociation of the Ado ligand involves the ligand field (LF) portion of the lowest singlet excited state (S 1) potential energy surface (PES). This is followed by deactivation to a point on the S 0 PES where the Co-C 5′ bond remains broken. This species corresponds to a singlet diradical intermediate. From this point, the PES for anhAdo formation was explored, using the Co-C 5′ and Co-C 4′ bond distances as active coordinates, and a local minimum representing anhAdo and HCbl formation was found. The transition state (TS) for the formation of the Co-H bond of HCbl was located and its identity was confirmed by a single imaginary frequency of i 1592 cm−1. Comparisons to experimental studies and the potential role of rotation around the N -glycosidic bond of the Ado ligand were discussed. [Display omitted] • QM/MM calculations employed to explore formation of the photoproduct in CarH. • Potential energy surface for photoproduct (4′,5′-anhydroadenosine) formation computed. • Hydridocobalamin is formed with 4′,5′-anhydroadenosine from a diradical intermediate. • Transition state for the Co-H bond formation located. •. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT 3-Hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) can be produced from glycerol through two sequential enzymatic reactions that are catalyzed by a coenzyme B12-dependent glycerol dehydratase and an NAD(P)+-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), respectively. Pseudomonas denitrificans synthesizes coenzyme B12 under aerobic conditions, where NAD(P)+ is regenerated efficiently. Hence, it is considered an ideal host for the production of 3-HP from glycerol under aerobic conditions. In this study, recombinant strains of P. denitrificans were developed and their potential for the production of 3-HP from glycerol was evaluated. When the enzymes, glycerol dehydratase (DhaB) and glycerol dehydratase reactivase (GdrAB), of Klebsiella pneumoniae were expressed heterologously, P. denitrificans could produce 3-HP at 37.7 mmol/L with 62% (mol/mol) yield on glycerol. Glucose was required as the carbon and energy sources for cell growth. The overexpression of heterologous ALDH was not essential; however, the titer and yield of 3-HP were improved to 54.7 mmol/L and 67% (mol/mol), respectively, when an ALDH gene ( puuC) from K. pneumoniae was overexpressed. One serious drawback hindering the use of P. denitrificans as a recombinant host for 3-HP production is that it oxidizes 3-HP to malonate and utilizes 3-HP as a carbon source for growth. This is the first report on the development and use of recombinant P. denitrificans for 3-HP production from glycerol. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013;110: 3177-3187. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coenzyme B12 can assist radical enzymes that accomplish the vicinal interchange of a hydrogen atom with a functional group. It has been proposed that the CoC bond homolysis of coenzyme B12 to cob(II)alamin and the 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical is aided by hydrogen bonding of the corrin C19H to the 3′-O of the ribose moiety of the incipient 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical, which is stabilized by 30 kJ mol−1 (B. Durbeej et al., Chem. Eur. J. 2009, 15, 8578-8585). The diastereoisomers ( R)- and ( S)-2,3-dihydroxypropylcobalamin were used as models for coenzyme B12. A downfield shift of the NMR signal for the C19H proton was observed for the ( R)-isomer ( δ=4.45 versus 4.01 ppm for the ( S)-isomer) and can be ascribed to an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the C19H and the oxygen of CHOH. Crystal structures of ( R)- and ( S)-2,3-dihydroxypropylcobalamin showed C19H⋅⋅⋅O distances of 3.214(7) Å ( R-isomer) and 3.281(11) Å ( S-isomer), which suggest weak hydrogen-bond interactions (−Δ G<6 kJ mol−1) between the CHOH of the dihydroxypropyl ligand and the C19H. Exchange of the C19H, which is dependent on the cobalt redox state, was investigated with cob(I)alamin, cob(II)alamin, and cob(III)alamin by using NMR spectroscopy to monitor the uptake of deuterium from deuterated water in the pH range 3-11. No exchange was found for any of the cobalt oxidation states. 3′,5′-Dideoxyadenosylcobalamin, but not the 2′,5′-isomer, was found to act as a coenzyme for glutamate mutase, with a 15-fold lower kcat/ KM than 5′-deoxyadenosylcobalamin. This indicates that stabilization of the 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical by a hydrogen bond that involves the C19H and the 3′-OH group of the cofactor is, at most, 7 kJ mol−1 (−Δ G). Examination of the crystal structure of glutamate mutase revealed additional stabilizing factors: hydrogen bonds between both the 2′-OH and 3′-OH groups and glutamate 330. The actual strength of a hydrogen bond between the C19H and the 3′-O of the ribose moiety of the 5′-deoxyadenosyl group is concluded not to exceed 6 kJ mol−1 (−Δ G). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coenzyme B12 can assist radical enzymes that accomplish the vicinal interchange of a hydrogen atom with a functional group. It has been proposed that the CoC bond homolysis of coenzyme B12 to cob(II)alamin and the 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical is aided by hydrogen bonding of the corrin C19H to the 3′-O of the ribose moiety of the incipient 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical, which is stabilized by 30 kJ mol−1 (B. Durbeej et al., Chem. Eur. J. 2009, 15, 8578-8585). The diastereoisomers ( R)- and ( S)-2,3-dihydroxypropylcobalamin were used as models for coenzyme B12. A downfield shift of the NMR signal for the C19H proton was observed for the ( R)-isomer ( δ=4.45 versus 4.01 ppm for the ( S)-isomer) and can be ascribed to an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the C19H and the oxygen of CHOH. Crystal structures of ( R)- and ( S)-2,3-dihydroxypropylcobalamin showed C19H⋅⋅⋅O distances of 3.214(7) Å ( R-isomer) and 3.281(11) Å ( S-isomer), which suggest weak hydrogen-bond interactions (−Δ G<6 kJ mol−1) between the CHOH of the dihydroxypropyl ligand and the C19H. Exchange of the C19H, which is dependent on the cobalt redox state, was investigated with cob(I)alamin, cob(II)alamin, and cob(III)alamin by using NMR spectroscopy to monitor the uptake of deuterium from deuterated water in the pH range 3-11. No exchange was found for any of the cobalt oxidation states. 3′,5′-Dideoxyadenosylcobalamin, but not the 2′,5′-isomer, was found to act as a coenzyme for glutamate mutase, with a 15-fold lower kcat/ KM than 5′-deoxyadenosylcobalamin. This indicates that stabilization of the 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical by a hydrogen bond that involves the C19H and the 3′-OH group of the cofactor is, at most, 7 kJ mol−1 (−Δ G). Examination of the crystal structure of glutamate mutase revealed additional stabilizing factors: hydrogen bonds between both the 2′-OH and 3′-OH groups and glutamate 330. The actual strength of a hydrogen bond between the C19H and the 3′-O of the ribose moiety of the 5′-deoxyadenosyl group is concluded not to exceed 6 kJ mol−1 (−Δ G). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Adenosylcobalamin (coenzyme B12) serves as the cofactor for a group of enzymes that catalyze unusual rearrangement or elimination reactions. The role of the cofactor as the initiator of reactive free radicals needed for these reactions is well established. Less clear is how these enzymes activate the coenzyme towards homolysis and control the radicals once generated. The availability of high resolution X-ray structures combined with detailed kinetic and spectroscopic analyses have allowed several adenosylcobalamin enzymes to be computationally modeled in some detail. Computer simulations have generally obtained good agreement with experimental data and provided valuable insight into the mechanisms of these unusual reactions. Importantly, atomistic modeling of the enzymes has allowed the role of specific interactions between protein, substrate and coenzyme to be explored, leading to mechanistic predictions that can now be tested experimentally. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Radical SAM enzymes and Radical Enzymology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Vitamin B12 is an animal origin nutrient of a substantial importance in human diet. Its concentration in foodstuffs is low and its chemical forms are diverse, which significantly hampers its precise determination. The determination method of choice is HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) coupled with inductively-coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The main disadvantage of this method is high instrumentation cost and complexity of handling. The aim of this work was to develop a novel approach for determination of vitamin B12 bio-active forms in beef and beef liver. The proposed method comprises the following steps: (i) vitamin B12 is cleaved off from peptides using thermal denaturation in a weakly acidic environment; (ii) sample is cleaned-up using liquid-liquid extraction and reversed phase solid phase extraction; and finally (iii) vitamin B12 is determined using HPLC and single-quadrupole mass spectrometer with ESI source. Vitamin B12 concentrations in various beef meats were in the 2.84–3.95μg 100g−1 range. Average B12 concentration in beef liver was 153,60μg 100g−1 (n=15). Major forms of B12 present in beef meat include adenosine cobalamin (AdoCbl) and in smaller quantities hydroxycobalamin (OHCbl). Major forms of vitamin B12 present in beef liver include OHCbl (48.2%), AdoCbl (33.8%), methylocobalamin (MeCbl, 16.3%), and cyanocobalamin (CNCbl, 1.7%). Thermal treatment noticeably decreases B12 the content in meat. Depending on conditions of treatment, B12 concentrations in the 1.04–2.20μg 100g−1 range were found in processed meats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Our mechanistic understanding of the conversion of vitamin B12 into coenzyme B12 (a.k.a. adenosylcobalamin, AdoCbl) has been substantially advanced in recent years. Insights into the multiple roles played by ATP:cob(I)alamin adenosyltransferase (ACA) enzymes have emerged through the crystallographic, spectroscopic, biochemical, and mutational analyses of wild-type and variant proteins. ACA enzymes circumvent the thermodynamic barrier posed by the very low redox potential associated with the reduction of cob(II)alamin to cob(I)alamin by generating a unique four-coordinate cob(II)alamin intermediate that is readily converted to cob(I)alamin by physiological reductants. ACA enzymes not only synthesize AdoCbl but also they deliver it to the enzymes that use it, and in some cases, enzymes in which its function is needed to maintain the fidelity of the AdoCbl delivery process have been identified. Advances in our understanding of ACA enzyme function have provided valuable insights into the role of specific residues, and into why substitutions of these residues have profound negative effects on human health. From an applied science standpoint, a better understanding of the adenosylation reaction may lead to more efficient ways of synthesizing AdoCbl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our mechanistic understanding of the conversion of vitamin B12 into coenzyme B12 (a.k.a. adenosylcobalamin, AdoCbl) has been substantially advanced in recent years. Insights into the multiple roles played by ATP:cob(I)alamin adenosyltransferase (ACA) enzymes have emerged through the crystallographic, spectroscopic, biochemical, and mutational analyses of wild-type and variant proteins. ACA enzymes circumvent the thermodynamic barrier posed by the very low redox potential associated with the reduction of cob(II)alamin to cob(I)alamin by generating a unique four-coordinate cob(II)alamin intermediate that is readily converted to cob(I)alamin by physiological reductants. ACA enzymes not only synthesize AdoCbl but also they deliver it to the enzymes that use it, and in some cases, enzymes in which its function is needed to maintain the fidelity of the AdoCbl delivery process have been identified. Advances in our understanding of ACA enzyme function have provided valuable insights into the role of specific residues, and into why substitutions of these residues have profound negative effects on human health. From an applied science standpoint, a better understanding of the adenosylation reaction may lead to more efficient ways of synthesizing AdoCbl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The methods of homologous high-level expression and simple large-scale purification for coenzyme B12-dependent ethanolamine ammonia-lyase of Escherichia coli were developed. The eutB and eutC genes in the eut operon encoded the large and small subunits of the enzyme, respectively. The enzyme existed as the heterododecamer α6β6. Upon active-site titration with adeninylpentylcobalamin, a strong competitive inhibitor for coenzyme B12, the binding of 1 mol of the inhibitor per mol of the αβ unit caused complete inhibition of enzyme, in consistent with its subunit structure. EPR spectra indicated the formation of substrate-derived radicals during catalysis and the binding of cobalamin in the base-on mode, i.e. with 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole coordinating to the cobalt atom. The purified wild-type enzyme underwent aggregation and inactivation at high concentrations. Limited proteolysis with trypsin indicated that the N-terminal region is not essential for catalysis. His-tagged truncated enzymes were similar to the wild-type enzyme in catalytic properties, but more resistant to p-chloromercuribenzoate than the wild-type enzyme. A truncated enzyme was highly soluble even in the absence of detergent and resistant to aggregation and oxidative inactivation at high concentrations, indicating that a short N-terminal sequence is sufficient to change the solubility and stability of the enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses how coenzyme B12 was repurposed for photoregulation of gene expression. It explains the photoregulation of gene regulation, along with its biological roles in radical enzymes. The authors showed that B12-binding protein AerR binds CrtJ when carrying aquocobalamin, the aerobic photoproduct of adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl).

Coenzyme B12-dependent diol and glycerol dehydratases are isofunctional enzymes, which catalyze dehydration of 1, 2-diols to produce corresponding aldehydes. Although the two types of dehydratases have high sequence homology, glycerol dehydratase is a soluble cytosolic enzyme, whereas diol dehydratase is a low-solubility enzyme associated with carboxysome-like polyhedral organelles. Since both the N-terminal 20 and 16 amino acid residues of the β and γ subunits, respectively, are indispensable for the low solubility of diol dehydratase, we constructed glycerol dehydratase-based chimeric enzymes which carried N-terminal portions of the β and γ subunits of diol dehydratase in the corresponding subunits of glycerol dehydratase. Addition of the diol dehydratase-specific N-terminal 34 and 33 amino acid residues of the β and γ subunits, respectively, was not enough to lower the solubility of glycerol dehydratase. A chimeric enzyme which carries the low homology region (residues 35–60) of the diol dehydratase β subunit in addition to the diol dehydratase-specific extra-regions of β and γ subunits showed low solubility comparable to diol dehydratase, although its hydropathy plot does not show any prominent hydrophobic peaks in these regions. It was thus concluded that short N-terminal sequences are sufficient to change the solubility of the enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article illustrates how the combined computational/spectroscopic methodology used in our studies of metal centers in proteins and cofactors can be applied to vitamin B12 and its biologically relevant derivatives. The B12 cofactors have long fascinated chemists because of their complex structures and unusual reactivities in biological systems; however, their electronic absorption (Abs) spectra have remained largely unassigned. In this study, Abs, circular dichroism (CD), magnetic CD (MCD), and resonance Raman spectroscopic techniques are used to probe the electronic excited states of various Co3+ Cbl species that differ with respect to their upper axial ligand. Spectroscopic data for each species are analyzed within the framework of time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) to assign the major spectral features and to generate experimentally validated bonding descriptions. A simple model is presented that explains why the identity of the upper axial ligand has a major effect on the Co–Nax bond strength, whereas the lower axial ligand does not appreciably modulate the nature of the Co–C bond. Impli- cations of these results with respect to enzymatic Co–C bond activation are discussed.

The X-ray structure of the diol dehydratase–adeninylpentylcobalamin complex revealed that the adenine moiety of adenosylcobalamin is anchored in the adenine-binding pocket of the enzyme by hydrogen bonding of N3 with the side chain OH group of Serα224, and of 6-NH2, N1 and N7 with main chain amide groups of other residues. A salt bridge is formed between the ε-NH2 group of Lysβ135 and the phosphate group of cobalamin. To assess the importance of adenine anchoring and ion pairing, Serα224 and Lysβ135 mutants of diol dehydratase were prepared, and their catalytic properties investigated. The Sα224A, Sα224N and Kβ135E mutants were 19–2% as active as the wild-type enzyme, whereas the Kβ135A, Kβ135Q and Kβ135R mutants retained 58–76% of the wild-type activity. The presence of a positive charge at the β135 residue increased the affinity for cobalamins but was not essential for catalysis, and the introduction of a negative charge there prevented the enzyme–cobalamin interaction. The Sα224A and Sα224N mutants showed a kcat/ kinact value that was less than 2% that of the wild-type, whereas for Lysβ135 mutants this value was in the range 25–75%, except for the Kβ135E mutant (7%). Unlike the wild-type holoenzyme, the Sα224N and Sα224A holoenzymes showed very low susceptibility to oxygen in the absence of substrate. These findings suggest that Serα224 is important for cobalt–carbon bond activation and for preventing the enzyme from being inactivated. Upon inactivation of the Sα224A holoenzyme during catalysis, cob(II)alamin accumulated, and a trace of doublet signal due to an organic radical disappeared in EPR. 5′-Deoxyadenosine was formed from the adenosyl group, and the apoenzyme itself was not damaged. This inactivation was thus considered to be a mechanism-based one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactions of diol dehydratase with 3-unsaturated 1,2-diols and thioglycerol were investigated. Holodiol dehydratase underwent rapid and irreversible inactivation by either 3-butene-1,2-diol, 3-butyne-1,2-diol or thioglycerol without catalytic turnovers. In the inactivation, the Co–C bond of adenosylcobalamin underwent irreversible cleavage forming unidentified radicals and cob(II)alamin that resisted oxidation even in the presence of oxygen. Two moles of 5′-deoxyadenosine per mol of enzyme was formed as an inactivation product from the coenzyme adenosyl group. Inactivated holoenzymes underwent reactivation by diol dehydratase-reactivating factor in the presence of ATP, Mg2+ and adenosylcobalamin. It was thus concluded that these substrate analogues served as mechanism-based inactivators or pseudosubstrates, and that the coenzyme was damaged in the inactivation, whereas apoenzyme was not damaged. In the inactivation by 3-unsaturated 1,2-diols, product radicals stabilized by neighbouring unsaturated bonds might be unable to back-abstract the hydrogen atom from 5′-deoxyadenosine and then converted to unidentified products. In the inactivation by thioglycerol, a product radical may be lost by the elimination of sulphydryl group producing acrolein and unidentified sulphur compound(s). H2S or sulphide ion was not formed. The loss or stabilization of product radicals would result in the inactivation of holoenzyme, because the regeneration of the coenzyme becomes impossible. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Homolytic cobalt–carbon bond cleavages of methylcobalamin (coenzyme B12) and a B12 analogue, [(DH)2(CH3)Co(py)] ((DH)2 =bis(dimethylglyoximate), py=pyridine) by UVA irradiation induced effective DNA strand scission by generated methyl radical under anaerobic conditions. The efficiency of DNA strand scission is drastically changed depending on the type of generated radicals. For example, the photoexcitation of 5′-deoxyladenosylcobalamin (one of coenzyme B12) under anaerobic condition results in less effective DNA cleavage. No DNA cleavage has occurred under photoirradiation of (DH)2(PhCH2)Co(py), because the reactivity of benzyl radical formed by Co–C bond cleavage is much lower than that of methyl radical. The photoreactivity of coenzyme B12 and organocobaloximes toward DNA nucleotides was also examined in order to compare the reactivity with those of DNA cleavage. In contrast to the efficient DNA strand scission by photoirradiation of methylcobalamin and (DH)2(CH3)Co(py) in the absence of oxygen, the photoirradiation in the presence of oxygen under otherwise the same experimental conditions resulted in no DNA cleavage. This indicates that the DNA cleavage by alkyl radicals is suppressed by molecular oxygen, because alky radicals are converted to the much less reactive alkylperoxyl radicals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Adenosylcobalamin-dependent diol and glycerol dehydratases are isofunctional enzymes and undergo mechanism-based inactivation by a physiological substrate glycerol during catalysis. Inactivated holoenzymes are reactivated by their own reactivating factors that mediate the ATP-dependent exchange of an enzyme-bound, damaged cofactor for free adenosylcobalamin through intermediary formation of apoenzyme. The reactivation takes place in two steps: (a) ADP-dependent cobalamin release and (b) ATP-dependent dissociation of the resulting apoenzyme–reactivating factor complexes. The in vitro experiments with purified proteins indicated that diol dehydratase-reactivating factor (DDR) cross-reactivates the inactivated glycerol dehydratase, whereas glycerol dehydratase-reactivating factor (GDR) did not cross-reactivate the inactivated diol dehydratase. We investigated the molecular basis of their specificities in vitro by using purified preparations of cognate and noncognate enzymes and reactivating factors. DDR mediated the exchange of glycerol dehydratase-bound cyanocobalamin for free adeninylpentylcobalamin, whereas GDR cannot mediate the exchange of diol dehydratase-bound cyanocobalamin for free adeninylpentylcobalamin. As judged by denaturing PAGE, the glycerol dehydratase–DDR complex was cross-formed, although the diol dehydratase–GDR complex was not formed. There were no specificities of reactivating factors in the ATP-dependent dissociation of enzyme–reactivating factor complexes. Thus, it is very likely that the specificities of reactivating factors are determined by the capability of reactivating factors to form complexes with apoenzymes. A modeling study based on the crystal structures of enzymes and reactivating factors also suggested why DDR cross-forms a complex with glycerol dehydratase, and why GDR does not cross-form a complex with diol dehydratase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of adenosylcobalamin-dependent dioldehydrase with 1,2-propanediol gives rise to a radical intermediate observable by EPR spectroscopy. This reaction requires a monovalent cation such as potassium ion. The radical signal arises from the formation of a radical pair comprised of the Co(II) of cob(II)alamin and a substrate-related radical generated upon hydrogen abstraction by the 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical. The high-field asymmetric doublet arising from the organic radical has allowed investigation of its composition and environment through the use of EPR spectroscopic techniques. To characterize the protonation state of the oxygen substituents in the radical intermediate, X-band EPR spectroscopy was performed in the presence of D2O and compared to the spectrum in H2O. Results indicate that the unpaired electron of the steady-state radical couples to a proton on the C(1) hydroxyl group. Other spectroscopic experiments were performed, using either potassium or thallous ion as the activating monovalent cation, in an attempt to exploit the magnetic nature of the 205,203Tl nucleus to identify any intimate interaction of the radical intermediate with the activating cation. The radical intermediate in complex with dioldehydrase, cob(II)alamin and one of the activating monovalent cations was observed using EPR, ENDOR, and ESEEM spectroscopy. The spectroscopic evidence did not implicate a direct coordination of the activating cation and the substrate derived radical intermediate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Kinetic isotope effects provide a powerful method to investigate the mechanisms of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, but often other slow steps in the reaction such as substrate binding or product release suppress the isotopically sensitive step. For reactions at methyl groups, this limitation may be overcomed by measuring the isotope effect by an intra-molecular competition experiment. This requires the synthesis of substrates containing regio-specifically mono- or di-deuterated methyl groups. To facilitate the mechanistic investigations of the adenosylcobalamin-dependent enzyme, glutamate mutase, we have developed a synthesis of mono- and di-deuterated (2S,3S)-3-methylaspartic acids. Key intermediates are the correspondingly labeled mesaconic acids and their dimethyl esters that potentially provide starting materials for a variety of isotopically labeled molecules. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The “complete” corrinoid 176-norpseudovitamin B12 was recently isolated as the cyano-Co(III)-form of the corrinoid cofactor of tetrachlorethene reductive dehalogenase of the anaerobe Sulfurospirillum (formerly Dehalospirillum) multivorans. 176-Norpseudovitamin B12 represents the first example of (the cyano-Co(III)-form of) a naturally occurring “complete” B12 cofactor lacking a characteristic peripheral methyl group of the cobamide ligand. Its discovery has generated interest in 176-nor-B12 derivatives, “complete” corrinoids lacking the methyl group attached to carbon 176. Here, we report the preparation of Co β -5′-adenosyl-176-norcobinamide by in situ alkylation of Co(I)-176-norcobinamide, obtained from electrochemical reduction of Co α ,Co β -dicyano-176-norcobinamide. Since Co β -5′-adenosylcobinamide is a biosynthetic intermediate of the complete cobamides, Co β -5′-adenosyl-176-norcobinamide is a “rational” biosynthetic precursor for natural 176-nor-B12 derivatives. The spectroscopic data for adenosyl-176-norcobinamide establish the suggested structure of the title compound and give further evidence for the extensive flexibility and conformational dynamics of the organometallic 5′-deoxy-5′-adenosyl ligand. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A series of 2 ′,3 ′-isopropylidene and 5 ′-trityl-protected α-indole and α/β-benzimidazole and imidazole ribonucleosides were deprotected with different acids. Selectivity was achieved for 5 ′-versus 2 ′,3 ′- deprotection by using formic acid in the α-indole ribonucleoside series. Treatment of α-indole ribonucleosides with a mixture of formic acid and ether at room temperature afforded 2 ′,3 ′-deprotected α-ribonucleosides, whereas treatment of the α-benzimidazole ribonucleosides with the same acid afforded the 5 ′-deprotected ribonucleoside without any 2 ′, 3 ′-deprotected products. The structures of these ribonucleosides were elucidated with 2D (NOESY, COSY, and HMQC) NMR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review describes enzymes that contain radicals and/or catalyze reactions with radical intermediates. Because radicals irreversibly react with dioxygen, most of these enzymes occur in anaerobic bacteria and archaea. Exceptions are the families of coenzyme B12- and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent radical enzymes, of which some members also occur in aerobes. Especially oxygen-sensitive radical enzymes are the glycyl radical enzymes and 2-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratases. The latter are activated by an ATP-dependent one-electron transfer and act via a ketyl radical anion mechanism. Related enzymes are the ATP-dependent benzoyl-CoA reductase and the ATP-independent 4-hydroxybenzoyl-CoA reductase. Ketyl radical anions may also be generated by one-electron oxidation as shown by the flavin-adenine-dinucleotide (FAD)- and [4Fe-4S]-containing 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydratase. Finally, two radical enzymes are discussed, pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase and methane-forming methyl-CoM reductase, which catalyze their main reaction in two-electron steps, but subsequent electron transfers proceed via radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computational modeling of the enzymatic activity of B12-dependent enzymes requires a detailed understanding of the factors that influence the strength of the Co&bond;C bond and the limits associated with a particular level of theory. To address this issue, a systematic analysis of the electronic and structural properties of coenzyme B12 models has been performed to establish the performance of three different functionals including B3LYP, BP86, and revPBE. In particular the cobalt–carbon bond dissociation energies, axial bond lengths, and selected stretching frequencies have been analyzed in detail. Current analysis shows that widely used B3LYP functional significantly underestimates the strength of the Co&bond;C bond while the nonhybrid BP86 functional produces very consistent results in comparison to experimental data. To explain such different performance of these functionals molecular orbital analysis associated with axial bonds has been performed to show differences in axial bonding provided by hybrid and nonhybrid functionals. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 1429–1437, 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic bacteria ferment glutamate via two different pathways to ammonia, carbon dioxide, acetate, butyrate and molecular hydrogen. The coenzyme B12-dependent pathway in Clostridium tetanomorphum via 3-methylaspartate involves pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase and a novel enzyme, a membrane-bound NADH:ferredoxin oxidoreductase. The flavin- and iron-sulfur-containing enzyme probably uses the energy difference between reduced ferredoxin and NADH to generate an electrochemical Na+ gradient, which drives transport processes. The other pathway via 2-hydroxyglutarate in Acidaminococcus fermentans and Fusobacterium nucleatum involves glutaconyl-CoA decarboxylase, which uses the free energy of decarboxylation to generate also an electrochemical Na+ gradient. In the latter two organisms, similar membrane-bound NADH:ferredoxin oxidoreductases have been characterized. We propose that in the hydroxyglutarate pathway these oxidoreductases work in the reverse direction, whereby the reduction of ferredoxin by NADH is driven by the Na+ gradient. The reduced ferredoxin is required for hydrogen production and the activation of radical enzymes. Further examples show that reduced ferredoxin is an agent, whose reducing energy is about 1 ATP ‘richer’ than that of NADH. Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[ω-(Adenosyl)alkyl]cobalamins (homoadenosylcobalamins) are useful analogues of adenosylcobalamin to get information about the distance between Co and C5′, which is critical for Co-C bond activation. In order to use them as probes for exploring the active sites of enzymes, the coenzymic properties of homoadenosylcobalamins for diol dehydratase and ethanolamine ammonia-lyase were investigated. The kcat and kcat/ Km values for adenosylmethylcobalamin were about 0.27% and 0.15% that for the regular coenzyme with diol dehydratase, respectively. The kcat/ kinact value showed that the holoenzyme with this analogue becomes inactivated on average after about 3000 catalytic turnovers, indicating that the probability of inactivation during catalysis is almost 500 times higher than that for the regular holoenzyme. The kcat value for adenosylmethylcobalamin was about 0.13% that of the regular coenzyme for ethanolamine ammonia-lyase, as judged from the initial velocity, but the holoenzyme with this analogue underwent inactivation after on average about 50 catalytic turnovers. This probability of inactivation is 3800 times higher than that for the regular holoenzyme. When estimated from the spectra of reacting holoenzymes, the steady state concentration of cob(II)alamin intermediate from adenosylmethylcobalamin was very low with either diol dehydratase or ethanolamine ammonia-lyase, which is consistent with its extremely low coenzymic activity. In contrast, neither adenosylethylcobalamin nor adeninylpentylcobalamin served as active coenzyme for either enzyme and did not undergo Co-C bond cleavage upon binding to apoenzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNase P from Escherichia coli cleaves the coenzyme B12 riboswitch from E. coli and a similar one from Bacillus subtilis. The cleavage sites do not occur in any recognizable structure, as judged from theoretical schemes that have been drawn for these 5' UTRs. However, it is possible to draw a scheme that is a good representation of the E. coli cleavage site for RNase P and for the cleavage site in B. subtilis. These data indicate that transient structures are important in RNase P cleavage and in riboswitch function Coenzyme B12 has a small inhibitory effect on E. coli RNase P cleavage of the E. coli riboswitch. Both E. coli RNase P and a partially purified RNase P from Aspergillus nidulans mycelia succeeded in cleaving a putative arginine riboswitch from A. nidulans. The cleavage site may be a representative of another model substrate for eukaryotic RNase P. This 5' UTR controls splicing of the arginase mRNA in A. nidulans. Four other riboswitches in E. coli were not cleaved by RNase P under the conditions tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]