2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The redox behaviour of a ferredoxin (Fd) from Desulfovibrio alaskensis was characterized by electrochemistry. The protein was isolated and purified, and showed to be a tetramer containing one [3Fe-4S] and one [4Fe-4S] centre. This ferredoxin has high homology with Fdl from Desulfovibrio vulgaris Miyazaki and Hildenborough and FdIII from Desulfovibrio africanus. From differential pulse voltammetry the following signals were identified: [3Fe-4S](+1/0) (E(0')=-158 +/- 5 mV); [4Fe-45](+2/+1) (E(0')=-474 +/- 5 mV) and [3Fe-4S](0/-2) ( E(0')=-660 +/- 5 mV). The effect of pH on these signals showed that the reduced [3Fe-4S](0) cluster has a pK(red)(')=5.1 +/- 0.1, the [4Fe-4S](+2/+1) centre is pH independent, and the [3Fe-4S](0/-2) reduction is accompanied by the binding of two protons. The ability of the [3Fe-4S](0) cluster to be converted into a new [4Fe-4S] cluster was proven. The redox potential of the original [4Fe-4S] centre showed to be dependent on the formation of the new [4Fe-4S] centre, which results in a positive shift (ca. 70 mV) of the redox potential of the original centre. Being most [Fe-S] proteins involved in electron transport processes, the electrochemical characterization of their clusters is essential to understand their biological function. Complementary EPR studies were performed.
Original languageUnknown
Pages (from-to)22-28
JournalBioelectrochemistry
Volume82
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2011

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