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Cross-linked metalloproteins: Novel systems for the study of intraprotein electron-transfer reactions

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7118554· OSTI ID:7118554

My initial research shows, for the first time, that proteins can be cross-linked selectively via transition-metal compounds to form stable protein complexes. Incubation of horse heat cytochrome c (designated cyt) with reagents PtCl{sub 4}{sup 2{minus}} and trans-(Pt(2-Fpy){sub 2}Cl{sub 2}) under mild conditions yields stable diprotein complexes trans-(PtCl{sub 2}(cyt){sub 2}) and trans-(Pt(2-Fpy){sub 2}(cyt){sub 2}), respectively (2-Fpy is 2-fluoropyridine). The complexes are purified and characterized chromatographically. Spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements indicate that the structural and redox properties of the cytochrome c molecules remain virtually unaltered upon cross-linking. The diprotein complexes are stable indefinitely under ordinary conditions and yet they can be cleaved, and the native protein restored, in a mild reaction. Subsequent research focused on oxidoreduction reactions involving the electrostatic and the covalent complex of horse heart cytochrome c and Phaseolus vulgaris plastocyanin, and exploring the importance of the protein rearrangement for the intracomplex electron-transfer reaction. Cytochrome c and plastocyanin are cross-linked one-to-one by a carbodiimide, in the same general orientation in which they associate electrostatically. Four isomers of the covalent diprotein complex, which probably differ slightly from one another in the manner of cross-linking, are separated efficiently by cation-exchange chromatography. Electron transfer kinetics of the covalent and electrostatic diprotein complexes are studied using stopped-flow, pulse radiolysis, and flash photolysis experiments. 135 refs., 5 figs., 15 tabs.

Research Organization:
Ames Lab., IA (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/ER
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-82
OSTI ID:
7118554
Report Number(s):
IS-T-1433; ON: DE90011814
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English