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Effects of pressure upon the fluorescence of the riboflavin binding protein and its flavin mononucleotide complex

Journal Article · · Biochemistry; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/bi00660a008· OSTI ID:7156202
The effect of pressure in the range of 10/sup -3/-10 kbars upon the ultraviolet fluorescence of the riboflavin binding protein and the fluorescence of its complex with flavin mononucleotide has been studied. The fluorescence spectrum of the isolated protein showed a reversible red shift of 12 nm (1000 cm/sup -1/) at high pressure, indicating the reversible exposure of the tryptophan to solvent. From the pressure dependence of the visible fluorescence of the protein-flavin complex in the region of 1-4 kbars the volume change in dissociation of the protein-ligand complex was estimated to be +3.3 ml/mol. A very sharp increase in fluorescence--up to 30-fold of the low-pressure value--takes place in the region 5-8 kbars. This increase is due to release of the flavin from the complex and is assigned to pressure denaturation of the protein. The midpoint, p/sub /sup 1///sub 2//, of this transition was found at 6.5 kbars and the change in volume, ..delta..V, in the reaction (native-to-denatured) was calculated to be -74 ml/mol. Addition of up to 30 percent methanol results in a progressive decrease both in ..delta..V and p/sub /sup 1///sub 2//, in agreement with the concept that hydrophobic bonding stabilizes the native structure.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Illinois, Urbana
OSTI ID:
7156202
Journal Information:
Biochemistry; (United States), Journal Name: Biochemistry; (United States) Vol. 15:15; ISSN BICHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English