Cofactor maturase NifEN: A prototype ancient nitrogenase?

Lee, Chi Chung; Górecki, Kamil; Stang, Martin; Ribbe, Markus W.; Hu, Yilin

doi:10.1126/sciadv.ado6169

Cofactor maturase NifEN: A prototype ancient nitrogenase?

Journal Article · Wed Jun 12 00:00:00 EDT 2024 · Science Advances

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ado6169· OSTI ID:2472185

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University of California, Irvine, CA (United States); OSTI
University of California, Irvine, CA (United States)

Nitrogenase plays a key role in the global nitrogen cycle; yet, the evolutionary history of nitrogenase and, particularly, the sequence of appearance between the homologous, yet distinct NifDK (the catalytic component) and NifEN (the cofactor maturase) of the extant molybdenum nitrogenase, remains elusive. Here, we report the ability of NifEN to reduce N₂ at its surface-exposed L-cluster ([Fe₈S₉C]), a structural/functional homolog of the M-cluster (or cofactor; [(R-homocitrate)MoFe₇S₉C]) of NifDK. Furthermore, we demonstrate the ability of the L-cluster–bound NifDK to mimic its NifEN counterpart and enable N₂ reduction. These observations, coupled with phylogenetic, ecological, and mechanistic considerations, lead to the proposal of a NifEN-like, L-cluster–carrying protein as an ancient nitrogenase, the exploration of which could shed crucial light on the evolutionary origin of nitrogenase and related enzymes.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: University of California, Irvine, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Science (SC); National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0016510

OSTI ID:: 2472185

Journal Information:: Science Advances, Journal Name: Science Advances Journal Issue: 24 Vol. 10; ISSN 2375-2548

Publisher:: AAASCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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