On the prosthetic groups of the NiFe sulfhydrogenase from Pyrococcus furiosus: topology, structure, and temperature-dependent redox chemistry

Abstract

The sulfhydrogenase complex of Pyrococcus furiosus is an alpha beta gamma delta heterotetramer with both hydrogenase activity (borne by the alpha delta subunits) and sulfur reductase activity (carried by the beta gamma subunits). The beta-subunit contains at least two [4Fe-4S] cubanes and the gamma-subunit contains one [2Fe-2S] cluster and one FAD molecule. The delta-subunit contains three [4Fe-4S] cubanes and the alpha-subunit carries the NiFe dinuclear center. Only three Fe/S signals are observed in EPR-monitored reduction by dithionite, NADPH, or internal substrate upon heating. All other clusters presumably have reduction potentials well below that of the H+/H2 couple. Heat-induced reduction by internal substrate allows, for the first time, EPR monitoring of the NiFe center in a hyperthermophilic hydrogenase, which passes through a number of states, some of which are similar to states previously defined for mesophilic hydrogenases. The complexity of the observed transitions reflects a combination of temperature-dependent activation and temperature-dependent reduction potentials.