Surface Alanine Braille Guides the Discovery of Electron Mediator Binding Sites in CO Dehydrogenase

Our research employs surface alanine scanning to identify and enhance binding sites in CODH enzymes, increasing their interaction with electron mediators and efficacy in converting industrial off-gases, demonstrating potential for sustainable applications.
Published in Chemistry
Surface Alanine Braille Guides the Discovery of Electron Mediator Binding Sites in CO Dehydrogenase
Like

Share this post

Choose a social network to share with, or copy the URL to share elsewhere

This is a representation of how your post may appear on social media. The actual post will vary between social networks

In our latest research, we tackled a challenge in the field of gas-converting enzymes1: pinpointing the mediator binding sites crucial for electron transfer. While it might seem straightforward, identifying these sites in complex enzyme systems is challenging. This complexity arises partly because it was traditionally believed that electron mediators facilitate electron transfer without directly binding to the enzymes. Yet, the presence of KM values for these enzymes with electron mediators2 suggests a more specific interaction, indicating direct binding sites, a theory our study sought to confirm and expand on.

We focused on carbon monoxide dehydrogenases (CODH) and their interaction with electron mediators like viologens, which are key to improving the cleanup of industrial off-gases2,3. By employing surface alanine scanning (akin to alanine braille) to identify interaction sites, we've discovered where these mediators bind with the ChCODH enzyme from Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformans, advancing the optimization of CODH for industrial gas purification (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Overview of ChCODH2-mediated reaction showing electron transfer from CO oxidation to viologen reduction. The key residue F41 and surface aromatic residues facilitate the interaction with viologen, leading to the conversion of CO to CO2 and H+.

Our findings reveal that modifying the D-cluster interaction site of the enzyme, particularly through R57G/N59L mutations, significantly increases its affinity for ethyl viologen. This adjustment not only improves the enzyme's performance but also demonstrates its application potential across various waste gas treatments, underlining its broad industrial relevance.

This research offers a greener approach for repurposing waste gases from industries like steel production, converting them into valuable compounds4,5. It presents an eco-friendly alternative to conventional gas treatment methods, which are often polluting and resource-intensive.

Understanding enzyme-mediator interactions is crucial for designing efficient biocatalysts. Our study clarifies how specific amino acids on the enzyme's surface facilitate these interactions, providing a blueprint for developing more effective biocatalysts. This knowledge is useful for advancing industrial biotechnology, positioning enzymes as feasible tools for sustainable practices.

Overall, our work not only deepens the understanding of enzyme-mediated gas conversion but also demonstrates its industrial application potential. We're setting the stage for further enzyme engineering innovations, contributing to more sustainable industrial practices that align with global environmental objectives.

References:

  1. Kim SM, Kang SH, Jeon BW, Kim YH. Tunnel engineering of gas-converting enzymes for inhibitor retardation and substrate acceleration. Bioresour. Technol. 394, 130248 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2023.130248
  2. Kim SM, et al. O2-tolerant CO dehydrogenase via tunnel redesign for the removal of CO from industrial flue gas. Nat. Catal. 5, 807–817 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41929-022-00834-y
  3. An enzyme's new 'tunnels' boost its waste-grabbing prowess. Nature 609, 657 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-02906-2
  4. Hwang HW, et al. Two-stage bioconversion of carbon monoxide to biopolymers via formate as an intermediate. Chem. Eng. J. 389, 124394 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2020.124394
  5. Lee J. et al. Molar-scale formate production via enzymatic hydration of industrial off-gases. Nat. Chem. Eng. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44286-024-00063-z (2024).

Please sign in or register for FREE

If you are a registered user on Research Communities by Springer Nature, please sign in

Follow the Topic

Enzyme Catalysis
Physical Sciences > Chemistry > Physical Chemistry > Catalysis > Enzyme Catalysis

Related Collections

With collections, you can get published faster and increase your visibility.

Biology of rare genetic disorders

This cross-journal Collection between Nature Communications, Communications Biology, npj Genomic Medicine and Scientific Reports brings together research articles that provide new insights into the biology of rare genetic disorders, also known as Mendelian or monogenic disorders.

Publishing Model: Open Access

Deadline: Jan 31, 2025

Carbon dioxide removal, capture and storage

In this cross-journal Collection, we bring together studies that address novel and existing carbon dioxide removal and carbon capture and storage methods and their potential for up-scaling, including critical questions of timing, location, and cost. We also welcome articles on methodologies that measure and verify the climate and environmental impact and explore public perceptions.

Publishing Model: Open Access

Deadline: Mar 22, 2025