Functional role of Lys residues of Psb31 in electrostatic interactions with diatom photosystem II.

ABSTRACT

We recently revealed that positively charged amino acids of Psb31, an extrinsic subunit found in diatom photosystem II (PSII), are involved in electrostatic interactions with PSII intrinsic subunits. However, the molecular interactions of Psb31 with PSII remain unclear. Here, we report the functional contribution of Lys residues in the binding of Psb31 to PSII using site-directed mutants of Psb31. Each of the K33A, K39A, K54A, K56A, K57A, and K69A mutants exhibits decreased binding affinities to PSII concomitantly with decreases in the O2 evolution activity. Conversely, each of the K24A, K76A, K80A, and K117A mutants functionally binds to PSII in a manner similar to wild-type Psb31. These results provide evidence that some Lys residues of Psb31 are responsible for electrostatic interactions with PSII.