Architecture and characterization of sarcosine oxidase from Thermococcus kodakarensis KOD1

Extremophiles. 2012 Jan;16(1):87-93. doi: 10.1007/s00792-011-0408-x. Epub 2011 Nov 15.

Abstract

Sarcosine oxidase (SOX) catalyzes the oxidation of the methyl group in sarcosine and transfer of the oxidized methyl group into the one-carbon metabolic pool. Here, we separately cloned and expressed α and β subunit of SOX from Thermococcus kodakarensis KOD1 (TkSOX) in Escherichia coli and the recombinant proteins were purified to homogeneity. Gel filtration chromatography and transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that the α subunit formed a dimeric structure and behaved as an NADH dehydrogenase; β subunit was a tetramer that had sarcosine oxidase and L: -proline dehydrogenase activity. The TkSOX complex assembled into the hetero-octameric (αβ)(4) form and had NADH dehydrogenase activity. Gold-label analysis indicated that α and β subunits were oriented in the alternative form. Based on these results, we suggested that TkSOX was a multifunctional enzyme and that each subunit and (αβ)(4) complex may separately exist as a function enzyme in different conditions.

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Biocatalysis
  • Chromatography, Gel
  • DNA Primers
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sarcosine Oxidase / chemistry
  • Sarcosine Oxidase / metabolism*
  • Thermococcus / enzymology*

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • Sarcosine Oxidase