Circular dichroism and magnetic circular dichroism of nitrogenase proteins*

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Circular dichroism (CD) and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectra of nitrogenase components (MoFe protein and Fe protein) from Azotobacter vinelandii (Av) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) have been obtained in the near infrared—visible—near ultraviolet spectral region. Previously, visible CD was reported to be absent or barely detectable in nitrogenase proteins; MCD spectra have not been reported. The chiroptical spectra can be measured in solution at room temperature, an advantage relative to spectroscopic methods requiring cryogenic sample temperatures. Absorption spectra were also obtained. The CD and MCD are markedly more structured, and thus interpretively more useful, than the corresponding absorption spectra. The dithionite-reduced MoFe proteins (Av1, Kp1) have nearly identical CD and MCD, demonstrating identical numbers and types of metal centers in similar protein environments. The CD and MCD cannot be explained solely in terms of contributions from known 4-Fe or 2-Fe clusters; the near-infrared MCD is inconsistent with the presence of known 4-Fe clusters. CD and MCD spectra of Lauth's violet-oxidized Kp1 are also reported. The reduced Fe proteins (Av2, Kp2) have similar CD and MCD, again indicating significant conservation of chromophore environment. The spectra clearly demonstrate the presence of a reduced bacterial ferredoxin-like (C3-) 4-Fe cluster. No obvious evidence of additional chromophores is observed. CD, MCD, and absorption spectra of Av1-oxidized Av2 are reported. The absorption spectrum shows the expected shoulder near 390 nm. The CD and MCD are characteristic of a C2- 4-Fe cluster; in particular, the diagnostic near-infrared MCD peak is observed at ≈8300 cm-1. The CD of Av2 oxidized in the presence and absence of MgATP are radically different, providing the first direct evidence for MgATP interaction with Fe protein in this oxidation state.

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