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Methanobactins (MBs) are ribosomally produced and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) that are used by methanotrophs for copper acquisition. The signature post-translational modification of MBs is the formation of two heterocyclic groups, either an oxazolone, pyrazinedione or imidazolone group, with an associated thioamide from an X -Cys dipeptide. The precursor peptide (MbnA) for MB formation is found in a gene cluster of MB-associated genes. The exact biosynthetic pathway of MB formation is not yet fully understood, and there are still uncharacterized proteins in some MB gene clusters, particularly those that produce pyrazinedione or imidazolone rings. One such protein is MbnF, which is proposed to be a flavin monooxygenase (FMO) based on homology. To help to elucidate its possible function, MbnF from Methylocystis sp. strain SB2 was recombinantly produced in Escherichia coli and its X-ray crystal structure was resolved to 2.6 Å resolution. Based on its structural features, MbnF appears to be a type A FMO, most of which catalyze hydroxylation reactions. Preliminary functional characterization shows that MbnF preferentially oxidizes NADPH over NADH, supporting NAD(P)H-mediated flavin reduction, which is the initial step in the reaction cycle of several type A FMO enzymes. It is also shown that MbnF binds the precursor peptide for MB, with subsequent loss of the leader peptide sequence as well as the last three C-terminal amino acids, suggesting that MbnF might be needed for this process to occur. Finally, molecular-dynamics simulations revealed a channel in MbnF that is capable of accommodating the core MbnA fragment minus the three C-terminal amino acids.
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Kinetic Characterization and Identification of Key Active Site Residues of the L‐Aspartate N ‐Hydroxylase, CreE
Abstract CreE is a flavin‐dependent monooxygenase (FMO) that catalyzes three sequential nitrogen oxidation reactions of L‐aspartate to produce nitrosuccinate, contributing to the biosynthesis of the antimicrobial and antiproliferative nautral product, cremeomycin. This compound contains a highly reactive diazo functional group for which the reaction of CreE is essential to its formation. Nitro and diazo functional groups can serve as potent electrophiles, important in some challenging nucleophilic addition reactions. Formation of these reactive groups positions CreE as a promising candidate for biomedical and synthetic applications. Here, we present the catalytic mechanism of CreE and the identification of active site residues critical to binding L‐aspartate, aiding in future enzyme engineering efforts. Steady‐state analysis demonstrated that CreE is very specific for NADPH over NADH and performs a highly coupled reaction with L‐aspartate. Analysis of the rapid‐reaction kinetics showed that flavin reduction is very fast, along with the formation of the oxygenating species, the C4a−hydroperoxyflavin. The slowest step observed was the dehydration of the flavin. Structural analysis and site‐directed mutagenesis implicated T65, R291, and R440 in the binding L‐aspartate. The data presented describes the catalytic mechanism and the active site architecture of this unique FMO.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2003658
- PAR ID:
- 10642373
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- ChemBioChem
- Volume:
- 25
- Issue:
- 14
- ISSN:
- 1439-4227
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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