Dissociation Strategies to Maximize Coverage of α-Helical Domains in Top-Down Mass Spectrometry of Integral Membrane Proteins.

Transmembrane α-helical domains of membrane proteins tend to remain structured in the gas phase, presenting a challenge for efficient electron capture/transfer dissociation during top-down dissociation mass spectrometry (MS) experiments. In this study, we compare results from different dissociation modes on a modern Orbitrap platform applied to a model integral membrane protein containing two transmembrane helices, the c-subunit of the Fo domain of the chloroplast ATP synthase. Using commercially available options, we compare collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) with the related variant higher-energy collisional dissociation (HCD) and with electron transfer dissociation (ETD). HCD performed better than CAD and ETD. A combined method utilizing both ETD and HCD (EThcD) demonstrates significant synergy over HCD or ETD alone, representing a robust option analogous to activated ion electron capture dissociation, whereby an infrared laser was used to heat the protein ion alongside electron bombardment. Ultraviolet photodissociation at 213 nm displays at least three backbone dissociation mechanisms and covered nearly 100% of backbone bonds, suggesting significant potential for this technique.

Structural basis of redox modulation on chloroplast ATP synthase.

In higher plants, chloroplast ATP synthase has a unique redox switch on its γ subunit that modulates enzyme activity to limit ATP hydrolysis at night. To understand the molecular details of the redox modulation, we used single-particle cryo-EM to determine the structures of spinach chloroplast ATP synthase in both reduced and oxidized states. The disulfide linkage of the oxidized γ subunit introduces a torsional constraint to stabilize the two ß hairpin structures. Once reduced, free cysteines alleviate this constraint, resulting in a concerted motion of the enzyme complex and a smooth transition between rotary states to facilitate the ATP synthesis. We added an uncompetitive inhibitor, tentoxin, in the reduced sample to limit the flexibility of the enzyme and obtained high-resolution details. Our cryo-EM structures provide mechanistic insight into the redox modulation of the energy regulation activity of chloroplast ATP synthase.

Chloroplast ATP synthase is reduced by both f-type and m-type thioredoxins.

The activity of the molecular motor enzyme, chloroplast ATP synthase, is regulated in a redox-dependent manner. The γ subunit, CF1-γ, is the central shaft of this enzyme complex and possesses the redox-active cysteine pair, which is reduced by thioredoxin (Trx). In light conditions, Trx transfers the reducing equivalent obtained from the photosynthetic electron transfer system to the CF1-γ. Previous studies showed that the light-dependent reduction of CF1-γ is more rapid than those of other Trx target proteins in the stroma. Although there are multiple Trx isoforms in chloroplasts, it is not well understood as to which chloroplast Trx isoform primarily contributes to the reduction of CF1-γ, especially under physiological conditions. We therefore performed direct assessment of the CF1-γ reduction capacity of each of the Trx isoforms. The kinetic analysis of the reduction process showed no significant difference in the reduction efficiency between two major chloroplast Trxs, namely Trx-f and Trx-m. Based on the thorough analyses of the CF1-γ redox dynamics in Arabidopsis thaliana Trx mutant plants, we found that lack of Trx-f or Trx-m had no significant impact on the in vivo light-dependent reduction of CF1-γ. The results showed that CF1-γ can accept the reducing power from both Trx-f and Trx-m in chloroplasts.

Structure and Mechanisms of F-Type ATP Synthases.

F1Fo ATP synthases produce most of the ATP in the cell. F-type ATP synthases have been investigated for more than 50 years, but a full understanding of their molecular mechanisms has become possible only with the recent structures of complete, functionally competent complexes determined by electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM). High-resolution cryo-EM structures offer a wealth of unexpected new insights. The catalytic F1 head rotates with the central γ-subunit for the first part of each ATP-generating power stroke. Joint rotation is enabled by subunit δ/OSCP acting as a flexible hinge between F1 and the peripheral stalk. Subunit a conducts protons to and from the c-ring rotor through two conserved aqueous channels. The channels are separated by ∼6 Šin the hydrophobic core of Fo, resulting in a strong local field that generates torque to drive rotary catalysis in F1. The structure of the chloroplast F1Fo complex explains how ATPase activity is turned off at night by a redox switch. Structures of mitochondrial ATP synthase dimers indicate how they shape the inner membrane cristae. The new cryo-EM structures complete our picture of the ATP synthases and reveal the unique mechanism by which they transform an electrochemical membrane potential into biologically useful chemical energy.

Structure, mechanism, and regulation of the chloroplast ATP synthase.

The chloroplast adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase uses the electrochemical proton gradient generated by photosynthesis to produce ATP, the energy currency of all cells. Protons conducted through the membrane-embedded Fo motor drive ATP synthesis in the F1 head by rotary catalysis. We determined the high-resolution structure of the complete cF1Fo complex by cryo-electron microscopy, resolving side chains of all 26 protein subunits, the five nucleotides in the F1 head, and the proton pathway to and from the rotor ring. The flexible peripheral stalk redistributes differences in torsional energy across three unequal steps in the rotation cycle. Plant ATP synthase is autoinhibited by a ß-hairpin redox switch in subunit γ that blocks rotation in the dark.

A γ-subunit point mutation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii chloroplast F1Fo-ATP synthase confers tolerance to reactive oxygen species.

The chloroplast F1Fo-ATP synthase (CF1Fo) drives ATP synthesis and the reverse reaction of ATP hydrolysis. The enzyme evolved in a cellular environment where electron transfer processes and molecular oxygen are abundant, and thiol modulation in the γ-subunit via thioredoxin is important for its ATPase activity regulation. Especially under high light, oxygen can be reduced and forms reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can oxidize CF1Fo among various other biomolecules. Mutation of the conserved ROS targets resulted in a tolerant enzyme, suggesting that ROS might play a regulatory role. The mutations had several side effects in vitro, including disturbance of the ATPase redox regulation [F. Buchert et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1817 (2012) 2038-2048]. This would prevent disentanglement of thiol- and ROS-specific modes of regulation. Here, we used the F1 catalytic core in vitro to identify a point mutant with a functional ATPase redox regulation and increased H2O2 tolerance. In the next step, the mutation was introduced into Chlamydomonas reinhardtii CF1Fo, thereby allowing us to study the physiological role of ROS regulation of the enzyme in vivo. We demonstrated in high light experiments that CF1Fo ROS targets were involved in the significant inhibition of ATP synthesis rates. Molecular events upon modification of CF1Fo by ROS will be considered.

Isolation of Endoplasmic Reticulum and Its Membrane.

The association of ribosomes with the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is dependent on Mg2+. The ribosomes can be stripped from the ER by removal of Mg2+ from the medium, resulting in a reduction in the ER membrane density and a diagnostic shift in migration when ER vesicles are analyzed by equilibrium density gradient centrifugation. Here, I describe the isolation of microsomes from Arabidopsis, followed by the use of the density shift approach in conjunction with equilibrium density gradient centrifugation as a means to diagnose whether a protein is associated with the ER. The same approach can also be used as a means to enrich for ER membranes.

Lateral heterogeneity of the proton potential along the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.

This work is devoted to critical analysis and reexamination of the problem of lateral heterogeneity of the trans-thylakoid pH difference (ΔpH=pHout-pHin) in thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts. Correct measurements of ΔpH may be complicated by nonuniform partitioning of the protons pumped into the lumen of granal (stacked) and stroma-exposed thylakoids. We have compared results of ΔpH estimations in isolated bean chloroplasts by two different methods. One of the methods is based on the use of pH-sensitive spin-probes. Another approach relies on the analysis of pH-dependent post-illumination reduction of P700+ - oxidized reaction center of photosystem I (PSI). Both methods lead to virtually the same values of ΔpH, as measured in the state of photosynthetic control when the ATP synthase complexes are inactive (ΔpH~2.3-2.5 at pHout~8). Under the photophosphorylation conditions (metabolic state 3), ΔpH decreases due to the proton drain from the lumen to stroma via active ATP synthases (ΔpH~1-2 at pHout~8). In this state, ΔpH values derived from kinetic data are smaller than ΔpH measured with the pH-probing amines. Such a discrepancy can be explained by the coexistence of thylakoids with different pHin established in granal and stromal thylakoids. The kinetic method is equivalent to the use of a "local pH-meter", which is sensitive to less significant decrease in pHin inside the stroma-exposed thylakoids. Otherwise, pH-indicating probes give information on pHin values averaged out at both granal and stromal thylakoids. Experimental results have been analyzed within the framework of our mathematical model developed for simulation of electron and proton transport processes in laterally heterogeneous thylakoids. The model provides a reasonable description of experimental data, supporting the notion that the long-range diffusion of protons within the lumen and obstructed diffusion of mobile electron carriers (PQH2 and Pc) influence the lateral profiles of pH along the thylakoid membranes. The model predicts significant alkalization of the inter-thylakoid gap and the establishment of nonuniform lateral profiles of ΔpH under the photophosphorylation conditions. These results are discussed in the context of the problem of energy coupling in laterally heterogeneous lamellar system of chloroplasts.

High Yield Non-detergent Isolation of Photosystem I-Light-harvesting Chlorophyll II Membranes from Spinach Thylakoids: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF THE PS I ANTENNAE IN HIGHER PLANTS.

Styrene-maleic acid copolymer was used to effect a non-detergent partial solubilization of thylakoids from spinach. A high density membrane fraction, which was not solubilized by the copolymer, was isolated and was highly enriched in the Photosystem (PS) I-light-harvesting chlorophyll (LHC) II supercomplex and depleted of PS II, the cytochrome b6/f complex, and ATP synthase. The LHC II associated with the supercomplex appeared to be energetically coupled to PS I based on 77 K fluorescence, P700 photooxidation, and PS I electron transport light saturation experiments. The chlorophyll (Chl) a/b ratio of the PS I-LHC II membranes was 3.2 ± 0.9, indicating that on average, three LHC II trimers may associate with each PS I. The implication of these findings within the context of higher plant PS I antenna organization is discussed.

Redox regulation of CF1-ATPase involves interplay between the γ-subunit neck region and the turn region of the ßDELSEED-loop.

The soluble F1 complex of ATP synthase (FoF1) is capable of ATP hydrolysis, accomplished by the minimum catalytic core subunits α3ß3γ. A special feature of cyanobacterial F1 and chloroplast F1 (CF1) is an amino acid sequence inserted in the γ-subunit. The insertion is extended slightly into the CF1 enzyme containing two additional cysteines for regulation of ATPase activity via thiol modulation. This molecular switch was transferred to a chimeric F1 by inserting the cysteine-containing fragment from spinach CF1 into a cyanobacterial γ-subunit [Y. Kim et al., redox regulation of rotation of the cyanobacterial F1-ATPase containing thiol regulation switch, J Biol Chem, 286 (2011) 9071-9078]. Under oxidizing conditions, the obtained F1 tends to lapse into an ADP-inhibited state, a common regulation mechanism to prevent wasteful ATP hydrolysis under unfavorable circumstances. However, the information flow between thiol modulation sites on the γ-subunit and catalytic sites on the ß-subunits remains unclear. Here, we clarified a possible interplay for the CF1-ATPase redox regulation between structural elements of the ßDELSEED-loop and the γ-subunit neck region, i.e., the most convex part of the α-helical γ-termini. Critical residues were assigned on the ß-subunit, which received the conformation change signal produced by disulfide/dithiol formation on the γ-subunit. Mutant response to the ATPase redox regulation ranged from lost to hypersensitive. Furthermore, mutant cross-link experiments and inversion of redox regulation indicated that the γ-redox state might modulate the subunit interface via reorientation of the ßDELSEED motif region.

Potential involvement of N-terminal acetylation in the quantitative regulation of the ε subunit of chloroplast ATP synthase under drought stress.

In plants, modulation of photosynthetic energy conversion in varying environments is often accompanied by adjustment of the abundance of photosynthetic components. In wild watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.), proteome analysis revealed that the ε subunit of chloroplast ATP synthase occurs as two distinct isoforms with largely-different isoelectric points, although encoded by a single gene. Mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of the ε isoforms indicated that the structural difference between the ε isoforms lies in the presence or absence of an acetyl group at the N-terminus. The protein level of the non-acetylated ε isoform preferentially decreased in drought, whereas the abundance of the acetylated ε isoform was unchanged. Moreover, metalloprotease activity that decomposed the ε subunit was detected in a leaf extract from drought-stressed plants. Furthermore, in vitro assay suggested that the non-acetylated ε subunit was more susceptible to degradation by metalloaminopeptidase. We propose a model in which quantitative regulation of the ε subunit involves N-terminal acetylation and stress-induced proteases.

Structure and flexibility of the C-ring in the electromotor of rotary F(0)F(1)-ATPase of pea chloroplasts.

A ring of 8-15 identical c-subunits is essential for ion-translocation by the rotary electromotor of the ubiquitous F(O)F(1)-ATPase. Here we present the crystal structure at 3.4Šresolution of the c-ring from chloroplasts of a higher plant (Pisum sativum), determined using a native preparation. The crystal structure was found to resemble that of an (ancestral) cyanobacterium. Using elastic network modeling to investigate the ring's eigen-modes, we found five dominant modes of motion that fell into three classes. They revealed the following deformations of the ring: (I) ellipsoidal, (II) opposite twisting of the luminal circular surface of the ring against the stromal surface, and (III) kinking of the hairpin-shaped monomers in the middle, resulting in bending/stretching of the ring. Extension of the elastic network analysis to rings of different c(n)-symmetry revealed the same classes of dominant modes as in P. sativum (c(14)). We suggest the following functional roles for these classes: The first and third classes of modes affect the interaction of the c-ring with its counterparts in F(O), namely subunits a and bb'. These modes are likely to be involved in ion-translocation and torque generation. The second class of deformation, along with deformations of subunits γ and ε might serve to elastically buffer the torque transmission between F(O) and F(1).

Reactive oxygen species affect ATP hydrolysis by targeting a highly conserved amino acid cluster in the thylakoid ATP synthase γ subunit.

The vast majority of organisms produce ATP by a membrane-bound rotating protein complex, termed F-ATP synthase. In chloroplasts, the corresponding enzyme generates ATP by using a transmembrane proton gradient generated during photosynthesis, a process releasing high amounts of molecular oxygen as a natural byproduct. Due to its chemical properties, oxygen can be reduced incompletely which generates several highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are able to oxidize a broad range of biomolecules. In extension to previous studies it could be shown that ROS dramatically decreased ATP synthesis in situ and affected the CF1 portion in vitro. A conserved cluster of three methionines and a cysteine on the chloroplast γ subunit could be identified by mass spectrometry to be oxidized by ROS. Analysis of amino acid substitutions in a hybrid F1 assembly system indicated that these residues were exclusive catalytic targets for hydrogen peroxide and singlet oxygen, although it could be deduced that additional unknown amino acid targets might be involved in the latter reaction. The cluster was tightly integrated in catalytic turnover since mutants varied in MgATPase rates, stimulation by sulfite and chloroplast-specific γ subunit redox-modulation. Some partial disruptions of the cluster by mutagenesis were dominant over others regarding their effects on catalysis and response to ROS.

Application of DFT methods to the study of the coordination environment of the VO2+ ion in V proteins.

Density functional theory (DFT) methods were used to simulate the environment of vanadium in several V proteins, such as vanadyl-substituted carboxypeptidase (sites A and B), vanadyl-substituted chloroplast F(1)-ATPase (CF(1); site 3), the reduced inactive form of vanadium bromoperoxidase (VBrPO; low- and high-pH sites), and vanadyl-substituted imidazole glycerol phosphate dehydratase (IGPD; sites α, ß, and γ). Structural, electron paramagnetic resonance, and electron spin echo envelope modulation parameters were calculated and compared with the experimental values. All the simulations were performed in water within the framework of the polarizable continuum model. The angular dependence of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] on the dihedral angle θ between the V=O and N-C bonds and on the angle φ between the V=O and V-N bonds, where N is the coordinated aromatic nitrogen atom, was also found. From the results it emerges that it is possible to model the active site of a vanadium protein through DFT methods and determine its structure through the comparison between the calculated and experimental spectroscopic parameters. The calculations confirm that the donor sets of sites B and A of vanadyl-substituted carboxypeptidase are [[Formula: see text], H(2)O, H(2)O, H(2)O] and [N(His)(||), N(His)(⊥), [Formula: see text], H(2)O], and that the donor set of site 3 of CF(1)-ATPase is [[Formula: see text], OH(Thr), H(2)O, H(2)O, [Formula: see text]]. For VBrPO, the coordination modes [N(His)(||), N(His)(∠), OH(Ser), H(2)O, H(2)O(ax)] for the low-pH site and [N(His)(||), N(His)(∠), OH(Ser), OH(-), H(2)O(ax)] or [N(His)(||), N(His)(∠), [Formula: see text], H(2)O] for the high-pH site, with an imidazole ring of histidine strongly displaced from the equatorial plane, can be proposed. Finally, for sites α, ß, and γ of IGPD, the subsequent deprotonation of one, two, and three imidazole rings of histidine and the participation of a carboxylate group of a glutamate residue ([N(His)(||), [Formula: see text], H(2)O, H(2)O], [N(His)(||), N(His)(||), [Formula: see text], H(2)O], and [N(His)(||), N(His)(||), [Formula: see text], OH(-), [Formula: see text]], respectively) seems to be the most plausible hypothesis.

Thioredoxin-insensitive plastid ATP synthase that performs moonlighting functions.

The chloroplast ATP synthase catalyzes the light-driven synthesis of ATP and acts as a key feedback regulatory component of photosynthesis. Arabidopsis possesses two homologues of the regulatory γ subunit of the ATP synthase, encoded by the ATPC1 and ATPC2 genes. Using a series of mutants, we show that both these subunits can support photosynthetic ATP synthesis in vivo with similar specific activities, but that in wild-type plants, only γ(1) is involved in ATP synthesis in photosynthesis. The γ(1)-containing ATP synthase shows classical light-induced redox regulation, whereas the mutant expressing only γ(2)-ATP synthase (gamma exchange-revised ATP synthase, gamera) shows equally high ATP synthase activity in the light and dark. In situ redox titrations demonstrate that the regulatory thiol groups on γ(2)-ATP synthase remain reduced under physiological conditions but can be oxidized by the strong oxidant diamide, implying that the redox potential for the thiol/disulphide transition in γ(2) is substantially higher than that for γ(1). This regulatory difference may be attributed to alterations in the residues near the redox-active thiols. We propose that γ(2)-ATP synthase functions to catalyze ATP hydrolysis-driven proton translocation in nonphotosynthetic plastids, maintaining a sufficient transthylakoid proton gradient to drive protein translocation or other processes. Consistent with this interpretation, ATPC2 is predominantly expressed in the root, whereas modifying its expression results in alteration of root hair development. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that γ(2) originated from ancient gene duplication, resulting in divergent evolution of functionally distinct ATP synthase complexes in dicots and mosses.

The thylakoid membrane proteome of two marine diatoms outlines both diatom-specific and species-specific features of the photosynthetic machinery.

The thylakoid membrane of photoautotrophic organisms contains the main components of the photosynthetic electron transport chain. Detailed proteome maps of the thylakoid protein complexes of two marine diatoms, Thalassiosira pseudonana and Phaeodactylum tricornutum, were created by means of two-dimensional blue native (BN)/SDS-PAGE coupled with mass spectrometry analysis. One novel diatom-specific photosystem I (PS I)-associated protein was identified. A second plastid-targeted protein with possible PS I interaction was discovered to be restricted to the centric diatom species T. pseudonana. PGR5/PGRL homologues were found to be the only protein components of PS I-mediated cyclic electron transport common to both species. For the first time, evidence for a possible PS I localization of LI818-like light harvesting proteins (Lhcx) is presented. This study also advances the current knowledge on the light harvesting antenna composition and Lhcx expression in T. pseudonana on the protein level and presents details on the molecular distribution of Lhcx in diatoms. Above mentioned proteins and several others with unknown function provide a broad basis for further mutagenesis analysis, aiming toward further understanding of the composition and function of the photosynthetic apparatus of diatoms. The proteomics approach of this study further served as a tool to confirm and improve genome-derived protein models.

Biochemical characterization of AtHMA6/PAA1, a chloroplast envelope Cu(I)-ATPase.

Copper is an essential plant micronutrient playing key roles in cellular processes, among them photosynthesis. In Arabidopsis thaliana, copper delivery to chloroplasts, mainly studied by genetic approaches, is thought to involve two P(IB)-type ATPases: AtHMA1 and AtHMA6/PAA1. The lack of biochemical characterization of AtHMA1 and PAA1, and more generally of plant P(IB)-type ATPases, is due to the difficulty of getting high amounts of these membrane proteins in an active form, either from their native environment or after expression in heterologous systems. In this study, we report the first biochemical characterization of PAA1, a plant copper-transporting ATPase. PAA1 produced in Lactococcus lactis is active, forming an aspartyl phosphate intermediate in the presence of ATP and the adequate metal ion. PAA1 can also be phosphorylated using inorganic phosphate in the absence of transition metal. Both phosphorylation types allowed us to demonstrate that PAA1 is activated by monovalent copper ions (and to a lower extent by silver ions) with an apparent affinity in the micromolar range. In agreement with these biochemical data, we also demonstrate that when expressed in yeast, PAA1 induces increased sensitivities to copper and silver. These data provide the first enzymatic characterization of a P(IB-1)-type plant ATPase and clearly identify PAA1 as a high affinity Cu(I) transporter of the chloroplast envelope.

Arrangement of photosystem II and ATP synthase in chloroplast membranes of spinach and pea.

We used cryoelectron tomography to reveal the arrangements of photosystem II (PSII) and ATP synthase in vitreous sections of intact chloroplasts and plunge-frozen suspensions of isolated thylakoid membranes. We found that stroma and grana thylakoids are connected at the grana margins by staggered lamellar membrane protrusions. The stacking repeat of grana membranes in frozen-hydrated chloroplasts is 15.7 nm, with a 4.5-nm lumenal space and a 3.2-nm distance between the flat stromal surfaces. The chloroplast ATP synthase is confined to minimally curved regions at the grana end membranes and stroma lamellae, where it covers 20% of the surface area. In total, 85% of the ATP synthases are monomers and the remainder form random assemblies of two or more copies. Supercomplexes of PSII and light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) occasionally form ordered arrays in appressed grana thylakoids, whereas this order is lost in destacked membranes. In the ordered arrays, each membrane on either side of the stromal gap contains a two-dimensional crystal of supercomplexes, with the two lattices arranged such that PSII cores, LHCII trimers, and minor LHCs each face a complex of the same kind in the opposite membrane. Grana formation is likely to result from electrostatic interactions between these complexes across the stromal gap.

A novel mechanism of P-type ATPase autoinhibition involving both termini of the protein.

The activity of many P-type ATPases is found to be regulated by interacting proteins or autoinhibitory elements located in N- or C-terminal extensions. An extended C terminus of fungal and plant P-type plasma membrane H(+)-ATPases has long been recognized to be part of a regulatory apparatus involving an autoinhibitory domain. Here we demonstrate that both the N and the C termini of the plant plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase are directly involved in controlling the pump activity state and that N-terminal displacements are coupled to secondary modifications taking place at the C-terminal end. This identifies the first group of P-type ATPases for which both ends of the polypeptide chain constitute regulatory domains, which together contribute to the autoinhibitory apparatus. This suggests an intricate mechanism of cis-regulation with both termini of the protein communicating to obtain the necessary control of the enzyme activity state.