The Arabidopsis chloroplastic NifU-like protein CnfU, which can act as an iron-sulfur cluster scaffold protein, is required for biogenesis of ferredoxin and photosystem I

Iron cofactor assembly in plants

Iron is an essential element for all photosynthetic organisms. The biological use of this transition metal is as an enzyme cofactor, predominantly in electron transfer and catalysis. The main forms of iron cofactor are, in order of decreasing abundance, iron-sulfur clusters, heme, and di-iron or mononuclear iron, with a wide functional range. In plants and algae, iron-sulfur cluster assembly pathways of bacterial origin are localized in the mitochondria and plastids, where there is a high demand for these cofactors. A third iron-sulfur cluster assembly pathway is present in the cytosol that depends on the mitochondria but not on plastid assembly proteins. The biosynthesis of heme takes place mainly in the plastids. The importance of iron-sulfur cofactors beyond photosynthesis and respiration has become evident with recent discoveries of novel iron-sulfur proteins involved in epigenetics and DNA metabolism. In addition, increased understanding of intracellular iron trafficking is opening up research into how iron is distributed between iron cofactor assembly pathways and how this distribution is regulated.

Arabidopsis thaliana Nfu2 accommodates [2Fe-2S] or [4Fe-4S] clusters and is competent for in vitro maturation of chloroplast [2Fe-2S] and [4Fe-4S] cluster-containing proteins

Nfu-type proteins are essential in the biogenesis of iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters in numerous organisms. A number of phenotypes including low levels of Fe-S cluster incorporation are associated with the deletion of the gene encoding a chloroplast-specific Nfu-type protein, Nfu2 from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtNfu2). Here, we report that recombinant AtNfu2 is able to assemble both [2Fe-2S] and [4Fe-4S] clusters. Analytical data and gel filtration studies support cluster/protein stoichiometries of one [2Fe-2S] cluster/homotetramer and one [4Fe-4S] cluster/homodimer. The combination of UV-visible absorption and circular dichroism and resonance Raman and Mössbauer spectroscopies has been employed to investigate the nature, properties, and transfer of the clusters assembled on Nfu2. The results are consistent with subunit-bridging [2Fe-2S](2+) and [4Fe-4S](2+) clusters coordinated by the cysteines in the conserved CXXC motif. The results also provided insight into the specificity of Nfu2 for the maturation of chloroplastic Fe-S proteins via intact, rapid, and quantitative cluster transfer. [2Fe-2S] cluster-bound Nfu2 is shown to be an effective [2Fe-2S](2+) cluster donor for glutaredoxin S16 but not glutaredoxin S14. Moreover, [4Fe-4S] cluster-bound Nfu2 is shown to be a very rapid and efficient [4Fe-4S](2+) cluster donor for adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate reductase (APR1), and yeast two-hybrid studies indicate that APR1 forms a complex with Nfu2 but not with Nfu1 and Nfu3, the two other chloroplastic Nfu proteins. This cluster transfer is likely to be physiologically relevant and is particularly significant for plant metabolism as APR1 catalyzes the second step in reductive sulfur assimilation, which ultimately results in the biosynthesis of cysteine, methionine, glutathione, and Fe-S clusters.

Requirements of the cytosolic iron-sulfur cluster assembly pathway in Arabidopsis

The assembly of iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters requires dedicated protein factors inside the living cell. Striking similarities between prokaryotic and eukaryotic assembly proteins suggest that plant cells inherited two different pathways through endosymbiosis: the ISC pathway in mitochondria and the SUF pathway in plastids. Fe-S proteins are also found in the cytosol and nucleus, but little is known about how they are assembled in plant cells. Here, we show that neither plastid assembly proteins nor the cytosolic cysteine desulfurase ABA3 are required for the activity of cytosolic aconitase, which depends on a [4Fe-4S] cluster. In contrast, cytosolic aconitase activity depended on the mitochondrial cysteine desulfurase NFS1 and the mitochondrial transporter ATM3. In addition, we were able to complement a yeast mutant in the cytosolic Fe-S cluster assembly pathway, dre2, with the Arabidopsis homologue AtDRE2, but only when expressed together with the diflavin reductase AtTAH18. Spectroscopic characterization showed that purified AtDRE2 could bind up to two Fe-S clusters. Purified AtTAH18 bound one flavin per molecule and was able to accept electrons from NAD(P)H. These results suggest that the proteins involved in cytosolic Fe-S cluster assembly are highly conserved, and that dependence on the mitochondria arose before the second endosymbiosis event leading to plastids.

The Arabidopsis nox mutant lacking carotene hydroxylase activity reveals a critical role for xanthophylls in photosystem I biogenesis

Carotenes, and their oxygenated derivatives xanthophylls, are essential components of the photosynthetic apparatus. They contribute to the assembly of photosynthetic complexes and participate in light absorption and chloroplast photoprotection. Here, we studied the role of xanthophylls, as distinct from that of carotenes, by characterizing a no xanthophylls (nox) mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana, which was obtained by combining mutations targeting the four carotenoid hydroxylase genes. nox plants retained α- and β-carotenes but were devoid in xanthophylls. The phenotype included depletion of light-harvesting complex (LHC) subunits and impairment of nonphotochemical quenching, two effects consistent with the location of xanthophylls in photosystem II antenna, but also a decreased efficiency of photosynthetic electron transfer, photosensitivity, and lethality in soil. Biochemical analysis revealed that the nox mutant was specifically depleted in photosystem I function due to a severe deficiency in PsaA/B subunits. While the stationary level of psaA/B transcripts showed no major differences between genotypes, the stability of newly synthesized PsaA/B proteins was decreased and translation of psaA/B mRNA was impaired in nox with respect to wild-type plants. We conclude that xanthophylls, besides their role in photoprotection and LHC assembly, are also needed for photosystem I core translation and stability, thus making these compounds indispensable for autotrophic growth.

The iron-sulfur cluster assembly machineries in plants: current knowledge and open questions

Many metabolic pathways and cellular processes occurring in most sub-cellular compartments depend on the functioning of iron-sulfur (Fe-S) proteins, whose cofactors are assembled through dedicated protein machineries. Recent advances have been made in the knowledge of the functions of individual components through a combination of genetic, biochemical and structural approaches, primarily in prokaryotes and non-plant eukaryotes. Whereas most of the components of these machineries are conserved between kingdoms, their complexity is likely increased in plants owing to the presence of additional assembly proteins and to the existence of expanded families for several assembly proteins. This review focuses on the new actors discovered in the past few years, such as glutaredoxin, BOLA and NEET proteins as well as MIP18, MMS19, TAH18, DRE2 for the cytosolic machinery, which are integrated into a model for the plant Fe-S cluster biogenesis systems. It also discusses a few issues currently subjected to an intense debate such as the role of the mitochondrial frataxin and of glutaredoxins, the functional separation between scaffold, carrier and iron-delivery proteins and the crosstalk existing between different organelles.

Iron-sulphur clusters, their biosynthesis, and biological functions in protozoan parasites

Fe-S clusters are ensembles of sulphide-linked di-, tri-, and tetra-iron centres of a variety of metalloproteins that play important roles in reduction and oxidation of mitochondrial electron transport, energy metabolism, regulation of gene expression, cell survival, nitrogen fixation, and numerous other metabolic pathways. The Fe-S clusters are assembled by one of four distinct systems: NIF, SUF, ISC, and CIA machineries. The ISC machinery is a house-keeping system conserved widely from prokaryotes to higher eukaryotes, while the other systems are present in a limited range of organisms and play supplementary roles under certain conditions such as stress. Fe-S cluster-containing proteins and the components required for Fe-S cluster biosynthesis are modulated under stress conditions, drug resistance, and developmental stages. It is also known that a defect in Fe-S proteins and Fe-S cluster biogenesis leads to many genetic disorders in humans, which indicates the importance of the systems. In this review, we describe the biological and physiological significance of Fe-S cluster-containing proteins and their biosynthesis in parasitic protozoa including Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, Leishmania, Giardia, Trichomonas, Entamoeba, Cryptosporidium, Blastocystis, and microsporidia. We also discuss the roles of Fe-S cluster biosynthesis in proliferation, differentiation, and stress response in protozoan parasites. The heterogeneity of the systems and the compartmentalization of Fe-S cluster biogenesis in the protozoan parasites likely reflect divergent evolution under highly diverse environmental niches, and influence their parasitic lifestyle and pathogenesis. Finally, both Fe-S cluster-containing proteins and their biosynthetic machinery in protozoan parasites are remarkably different from those in their mammalian hosts. Thus, they represent a rational target for the development of novel chemotherapeutic and prophylactic agents against protozoan infections.

Misexpression of a chloroplast aspartyl protease leads to severe growth defects and alters carbohydrate metabolism in Arabidopsis

The crucial role of carbohydrate in plant growth and morphogenesis is widely recognized. In this study, we describe the characterization of nana, a dwarf Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutant impaired in carbohydrate metabolism. We show that the nana dwarf phenotype was accompanied by altered leaf morphology and a delayed flowering time. Our genetic and molecular data indicate that the mutation in nana is due to a transfer DNA insertion in the promoter region of a gene encoding a chloroplast-located aspartyl protease that alters its pattern of expression. Overexpression of the gene (oxNANA) phenocopies the mutation. Both nana and oxNANA display alterations in carbohydrate content, and the extent of these changes varies depending on growth light intensity. In particular, in low light, soluble sugar levels are lower and do not show the daily fluctuations observed in wild-type plants. Moreover, nana and oxNANA are defective in the expression of some genes implicated in sugar metabolism and photosynthetic light harvesting. Interestingly, some chloroplast-encoded genes as well as genes whose products seem to be involved in retrograde signaling appear to be down-regulated. These findings suggest that the NANA aspartic protease has an important regulatory function in chloroplasts that not only influences photosynthetic carbon metabolism but also plastid and nuclear gene expression.

Molecular organization, biochemical function, cellular role and evolution of NfuA, an atypical Fe-S carrier

Biosynthesis of iron-sulphur (Fe-S) proteins is catalysed by multi-protein systems, ISC and SUF. However, 'non-ISC, non-SUF' Fe-S biosynthesis factors have been described, both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Here we report in vitro and in vivo investigations of such a 'non-ISC, non SUF' component, the Nfu proteins. Phylogenomic analysis allowed us to define four subfamilies. Escherichia coli NfuA is within subfamily II. Most members of this subfamily have a Nfu domain fused to a 'degenerate' A-type carrier domain (ATC*) lacking Fe-S cluster co-ordinating Cys ligands. The Nfu domain binds a [4Fe-4S] cluster while the ATC* domain interacts with NuoG (a complex I subunit) and aconitase B (AcnB). In vitro, holo-NfuA promotes maturation of AcnB. In vivo, NfuA is necessary for full activity of complex I under aerobic growth conditions, and of AcnB in the presence of superoxide. NfuA receives Fe-S clusters from IscU/HscBA and SufBCD scaffolds and eventually transfers them to the ATCs IscA and SufA. This study provides significant information on one of the Fe-S biogenesis factors that has been often used as a building block by ISC and/or SUF synthesizing organisms, including bacteria, plants and animals.

The role of mitochondria in cellular iron-sulfur protein biogenesis and iron metabolism

Mitochondria play a key role in iron metabolism in that they synthesize heme, assemble iron-sulfur (Fe/S) proteins, and participate in cellular iron regulation. Here, we review the latter two topics and their intimate connection. The mitochondrial Fe/S cluster (ISC) assembly machinery consists of 17 proteins that operate in three major steps of the maturation process. First, the cysteine desulfurase complex Nfs1-Isd11 as the sulfur donor cooperates with ferredoxin-ferredoxin reductase acting as an electron transfer chain, and frataxin to synthesize an [2Fe-2S] cluster on the scaffold protein Isu1. Second, the cluster is released from Isu1 and transferred toward apoproteins with the help of a dedicated Hsp70 chaperone system and the glutaredoxin Grx5. Finally, various specialized ISC components assist in the generation of [4Fe-4S] clusters and cluster insertion into specific target apoproteins. Functional defects of the core ISC assembly machinery are signaled to cytosolic or nuclear iron regulatory systems resulting in increased cellular iron acquisition and mitochondrial iron accumulation. In fungi, regulation is achieved by iron-responsive transcription factors controlling the expression of genes involved in iron uptake and intracellular distribution. They are assisted by cytosolic multidomain glutaredoxins which use a bound Fe/S cluster as iron sensor and additionally perform an essential role in intracellular iron delivery to target metalloproteins. In mammalian cells, the iron regulatory proteins IRP1, an Fe/S protein, and IRP2 act in a post-transcriptional fashion to adjust the cellular needs for iron. Thus, Fe/S protein biogenesis and cellular iron metabolism are tightly linked to coordinate iron supply and utilization. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cell Biology of Metals.

Genome-wide identification, evolutionary and expression analyses of putative Fe-S biogenesis genes in rice (Oryza sativa)

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) proteins are ubiquitous in nature and carry Fe-S clusters (ISCs) as prosthetic groups that are essential in maintaining basic biological processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, nitrogen fixation, and DNA repair. In the present investigation, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis was carried out to find all the genes involved in the formation of ISCs in rice ( Oryza sativa L.) through a systematic EST and genomic DNA sequence data mining. This analysis profiled 44 rice ISC genes (OsISCs) that were identified using in silico analysis. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed that these genes were highly conserved among bacteria, fungi, animals, and plants. EST analysis and RT-PCR assays demonstrated that all OsISCs were active and that the transcript abundance of some OsISCs was tissue specific. The results of this study will assist further investigations to identify and elucidate the structural components involved in the assembly, biogenesis, and regulation of OsISCs. Thus, the outcome of the present study provides basic genomic information for the OsISC and will pave the way for elucidating the precise role of OsISCs in plant growth and development in the future. Also, it may enable us in the future to enhance the crop yield, uptake of Fe, and protection against abiotic and biotic stress.

A fatal mitochondrial disease is associated with defective NFU1 function in the maturation of a subset of mitochondrial Fe-S proteins

We report on ten individuals with a fatal infantile encephalopathy and/or pulmonary hypertension, leading to death before the age of 15 months. Hyperglycinemia and lactic acidosis were common findings. Glycine cleavage system and pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) activities were low. Homozygosity mapping revealed a perfectly overlapping homozygous region of 1.24 Mb corresponding to chromosome 2 and led to the identification of a homozygous missense mutation (c.622G > T) in NFU1, which encodes a conserved protein suggested to participate in Fe-S cluster biogenesis. Nine individuals were homozygous for this mutation, whereas one was compound heterozygous for this and a splice-site (c.545 + 5G > A) mutation. The biochemical phenotype suggested an impaired activity of the Fe-S enzyme lipoic acid synthase (LAS). Direct measurement of protein-bound lipoic acid in individual tissues indeed showed marked decreases. Upon depletion of NFU1 by RNA interference in human cell culture, LAS and, in turn, PDHC activities were largely diminished. In addition, the amount of succinate dehydrogenase, but no other Fe-S proteins, was decreased. In contrast, depletion of the general Fe-S scaffold protein ISCU severely affected assembly of all tested Fe-S proteins, suggesting that NFU1 performs a specific function in mitochondrial Fe-S cluster maturation. Similar biochemical effects were observed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae upon deletion of NFU1, resulting in lower lipoylation and SDH activity. Importantly, yeast Nfu1 protein carrying the individuals' missense mutation was functionally impaired. We conclude that NFU1 functions as a late-acting maturation factor for a subset of mitochondrial Fe-S proteins.

Iron-sulfur clusters: biogenesis, molecular mechanisms, and their functional significance

Iron-sulfur clusters [Fe-S] are small, ubiquitous inorganic cofactors representing one of the earliest catalysts during biomolecule evolution and are involved in fundamental biological reactions, including regulation of enzyme activity, mitochondrial respiration, ribosome biogenesis, cofactor biogenesis, gene expression regulation, and nucleotide metabolism. Although simple in structure, [Fe-S] biogenesis requires complex protein machineries and pathways for assembly. [Fe-S] are assembled from cysteine-derived sulfur and iron onto scaffold proteins followed by transfer to recipient apoproteins. Several predominant iron-sulfur biogenesis systems have been identified, including nitrogen fixation (NIF), sulfur utilization factor (SUF), iron-sulfur cluster (ISC), and cytosolic iron-sulfur protein assembly (CIA), and many protein components have been identified and characterized. In eukaryotes ISC is mainly localized to mitochondria, cytosolic iron-sulfur protein assembly to the cytosol, whereas plant sulfur utilization factor is localized mainly to plastids. Because of this spatial separation, evidence suggests cross-talk mediated by organelle export machineries and dual targeting mechanisms. Although research efforts in understanding iron-sulfur biogenesis has been centered on bacteria, yeast, and plants, recent efforts have implicated inappropriate [Fe-S] biogenesis to underlie many human diseases. In this review we detail our current understanding of [Fe-S] biogenesis across species boundaries highlighting evolutionary conservation and divergence and assembling our knowledge into a cellular context.

Ancient and essential: the assembly of iron-sulfur clusters in plants

In plants iron-sulfur (Fe-S) proteins are found in the plastids, mitochondria, cytosol and nucleus, where they are essential for numerous physiological and developmental processes. Recent mutant studies, mostly in Arabidopsis thaliana, have identified three pathways for the assembly of Fe-S clusters. The plastids harbor the SUF (sulfur mobilization) pathway and operate independently, whereas cluster assembly in the cytosol depends on the emerging CIA (cytosolic iron-sulfur cluster assembly) pathway and mitochondria. The latter organelles use the ISC (iron-sulfur cluster) assembly pathway. In all three pathways the assembly process can be divided into a first stage where S and Fe are combined on a scaffold protein, and a second stage in which the Fe-S cluster is transferred to a target protein. The second stage might involve different carrier proteins with specialized functions.

In vivo studies on the roles of two closely related Arabidopsis Tic20 proteins, AtTic20-I and AtTic20-IV

Protein translocation across the inner envelope of plastids is mediated by the TIC (translocon at the inner envelope membrane of chloroplasts) protein translocation machinery. Tic20 has been shown to function as a central component of TIC machinery. The Arabidopsis genome encodes four Tic20 homologous proteins, AtTic20-I, AtTic20-II, AtTIC20-IV and AtTic20-V, among which only AtTic20-I has been extensively characterized and demonstrated to be essential for protein import into chloroplasts. AtTic20-I is more closely related to AtTic20-IV than to AtTic20-II or AtTic20-V, whereas AtTic20-II and AtTic20-V show higher similarities to each other than to AtTic20-I or AtTic20-IV. Here, we show that AtTic20-IV is expressed mainly in roots whereas AtTic20-I is more abundant in shoots than in roots. Although AtTic20-IV is dispensable for viability in the wild-type background, interestingly, expression of AtTic20-IV is markedly elevated in both shoots and roots in the tic20-I knockout mutant that exhibits severe albino and seedling-lethal phenotypes. The albino tic20-I seedlings do not accumulate any of the photosynthetic proteins analyzed, but the plastids can still import non-photosynthetic housekeeping proteins. This residual import ability of the tic20-I mutant can be attributed to partial compensation by the elevated expression of AtTic20-IV, since a double knockout mutant of AtTic20-I and AtTic20-IV exhibits more severe embryonic lethality. Further overexpression of AtTic20-IV in the tic20-I mutant can only marginally rescue the accumulation of photosynthetic proteins in the albino seedlings. These data demonstrate an absolute requirement of at least one of the two closely related Tic20 proteins in protein translocation across the inner envelope of plastids and also suggest their distinct substrate preferences.

Y3IP1, a nucleus-encoded thylakoid protein, cooperates with the plastid-encoded Ycf3 protein in photosystem I assembly of tobacco and Arabidopsis

The intricate assembly of photosystem I (PSI), a large multiprotein complex in the thylakoid membrane, depends on auxiliary protein factors. One of the essential assembly factors for PSI is encoded by ycf3 (hypothetical chloroplast reading frame number 3) in the chloroplast genome of algae and higher plants. To identify novel factors involved in PSI assembly, we constructed an epitope-tagged version of ycf3 from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and introduced it into the tobacco chloroplast genome by genetic transformation. Immunoaffinity purification of Ycf3 complexes from the transplastomic plants identified a novel nucleus-encoded thylakoid protein, Y3IP1 (for Ycf3-interacting protein 1), that specifically interacts with the Ycf3 protein. Subsequent reverse genetics analysis of Y3IP1 function in tobacco and Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that knockdown of Y3IP1 leads to a specific deficiency in PSI but does not result in loss of Ycf3. Our data indicate that Y3IP1 represents a novel factor for PSI biogenesis that cooperates with the plastid genome-encoded Ycf3 in the assembly of stable PSI units in the thylakoid membrane.

Chloroplast HCF101 is a scaffold protein for [4Fe-4S] cluster assembly

Oxygen-evolving chloroplasts possess their own iron-sulfur cluster assembly proteins including members of the SUF (sulfur mobilization) and the NFU family. Recently, the chloroplast protein HCF101 (high chlorophyll fluorescence 101) has been shown to be essential for the accumulation of the membrane complex Photosystem I and the soluble ferredoxin-thioredoxin reductases, both containing [4Fe-4S] clusters. The protein belongs to the FSC-NTPase ([4Fe-4S]-cluster-containing P-loop NTPase) superfamily, several members of which play a crucial role in Fe/S cluster biosynthesis. Although the C-terminal ISC-binding site, conserved in other members of the FSC-NTPase family, is not present in chloroplast HCF101 homologues using Mössbauer and EPR spectroscopy, we provide evidence that HCF101 binds a [4Fe-4S] cluster. 55Fe incorporation studies of mitochondrially targeted HCF101 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae confirmed the assembly of an Fe/S cluster in HCF101 in an Nfs1-dependent manner. Site-directed mutagenesis identified three HCF101-specific cysteine residues required for assembly and/or stability of the cluster. We further demonstrate that the reconstituted cluster is transiently bound and can be transferred from HCF101 to a [4Fe-4S] apoprotein. Together, our findings suggest that HCF101 may serve as a chloroplast scaffold protein that specifically assembles [4Fe-4S] clusters and transfers them to the chloroplast membrane and soluble target proteins.

Dual localized AtHscB involved in iron sulfur protein biogenesis in Arabidopsis

Background

Iron-sulfur clusters are ubiquitous structures which act as prosthetic groups for numerous proteins involved in several fundamental biological processes including respiration and photosynthesis. Although simple in structure both the assembly and insertion of clusters into apoproteins requires complex biochemical pathways involving a diverse set of proteins. In yeast, the J-type chaperone Jac1 plays a key role in the biogenesis of iron sulfur clusters in mitochondria.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In this study we demonstrate that AtHscB from Arabidopsis can rescue the Jac1 yeast knockout mutant suggesting a role for AtHscB in iron sulfur protein biogenesis in plants. In contrast to mitochondrial Jac1, AtHscB localizes to both mitochondria and the cytosol. AtHscB interacts with AtIscU1, an Isu-like scaffold protein involved in iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis, and through this interaction AtIscU1 is most probably retained in the cytosol. The chaperone AtHscA can functionally complement the yeast Ssq1knockout mutant and its ATPase activity is enhanced by AtHscB and AtIscU1. Interestingly, AtHscA is also localized in both mitochondria and the cytosol. Furthermore, AtHscB is highly expressed in anthers and trichomes and an AtHscB T-DNA insertion mutant shows reduced seed set, a waxless phenotype and inappropriate trichome development as well as dramatically reduced activities of the iron-sulfur enzymes aconitase and succinate dehydrogenase.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that AtHscB together with AtHscA and AtIscU1 plays an important role in the biogenesis of iron-sulfur proteins in both mitochondria and the cytosol.

An allelic mutant series of ATM3 reveals its key role in the biogenesis of cytosolic iron-sulfur proteins in Arabidopsis

The ATP-binding cassette transporters of mitochondria (ATMs) are highly conserved proteins, but their function in plants is poorly defined. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) has three ATM genes, namely ATM1, ATM2, and ATM3. Using a collection of insertional mutants, we show that only ATM3 has an important function for plant growth. Additional atm3 alleles were identified among sirtinol-resistant lines, correlating with decreased activities of aldehyde oxidases, cytosolic enzymes that convert sirtinol into an auxin analog, and depend on iron-sulfur (Fe-S) and molybdenum cofactor (Moco) as prosthetic groups. In the sirtinol-resistant atm3-3 allele, the highly conserved arginine-612 is replaced by a lysine residue, the negative effect of which could be mimicked in the yeast Atm1p ortholog. Arabidopsis atm3 mutants displayed defects in root growth, chlorophyll content, and seedling establishment. Analyses of selected metal enzymes showed that the activity of cytosolic aconitase (Fe-S) was strongly decreased across the range of atm3 alleles, whereas mitochondrial and plastid Fe-S enzymes were unaffected. Nitrate reductase activity (Moco, heme) was decreased by 50% in the strong atm3 alleles, but catalase activity (heme) was similar to that of the wild type. Strikingly, in contrast to mutants in the yeast and mammalian orthologs, Arabidopsis atm3 mutants did not display a dramatic iron homeostasis defect and did not accumulate iron in mitochondria. Our data suggest that Arabidopsis ATM3 may transport (1) at least two distinct compounds or (2) a single compound required for both Fe-S and Moco assembly machineries in the cytosol, but not iron.

A 1-megadalton translocation complex containing Tic20 and Tic21 mediates chloroplast protein import at the inner envelope membrane

Chloroplast protein import is mediated by two hetero-oligomeric protein complexes, the Tic and Toc translocons, which are located in the inner and outer envelope membranes. At the inner membrane, many Tic components have been identified and characterized, but it remains unclear how these Tic proteins are organized to form a protein-conducting channel or whether a stable Tic core complex that binds translocating preproteins exists. Here, we report the identification of a 1-megadalton (MD) translocation complex as an intermediate during protein translocation across the inner membrane in Arabidopsis thaliana and pea (Pisum sativum). This complex can be detected by blue native PAGE using the mild detergent digitonin without any chemical cross-linkers. The preprotein arrested in the 1-MD complex can be chased into its fully translocated form after a subsequent incubation. While Tic20 and Tic21 appear to be involved in the 1-MD complex, Tic110, a well-characterized Tic component, exists as a distinct entity from the complex. Several lines of evidence suggest that the 1-MD complex functions in between the Toc and Tic110-containing complexes, most likely as a protein-conducting channel at the inner envelope.

A protein related to prokaryotic UMP kinases is involved in psaA/B transcript accumulation in Arabidopsis

Dpt1 (defect in p saA/B transcript accumulation 1) is a novel photosystem (PS) I mutant in Arabidopsis. dpt1 mutants fail to grow photoautotrophically, and are impaired in the accumulation of psaA/B transcripts while the transcript levels for the remaining PSI subunits, for subunits of the PSII, the cyt-b ( 6 )/f-complex, and the ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase are comparable to the wild type. In-organello run-on transcription assays demonstrate that the lower psaA/B transcript abundance in dpt1-1 is not caused by the inability to transcribe the psaA/psaB/rps14 operon. psaA/B transcripts in the mutant are associated with polyribosomes and translated. Thus, the mutation affects post-transcriptional processes specific for psaA/B. The dpt1 gene was isolated by map-based cloning. The protein is localized in the stroma of the chloroplast and exhibits striking similarities to UMP kinases of prokaryotic origin. Our results show that the nuclear encoded protein Dpt1 is essential for retaining photosynthetic activity in higher plant chloroplasts and involved in post-transcriptional steps of psaA/B transcript accumulation. We discuss that Dpt1 may be a bifunctional protein that couples the pyrimidine metabolism to the photosynthetic electron transport.

Iron-sulfur cluster biosynthesis

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters are present in more than 200 different types of enzymes or proteins and constitute one of the most ancient, ubiquitous and structurally diverse classes of biological prosthetic groups. Hence the process of Fe-S cluster biosynthesis is essential to almost all forms of life and is remarkably conserved in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Three distinct types of Fe-S cluster assembly machinery have been established in bacteria, termed the NIF, ISC and SUF systems, and, in each case, the overall mechanism involves cysteine desulfurase-mediated assembly of transient clusters on scaffold proteins and subsequent transfer of pre-formed clusters to apo proteins. A molecular level understanding of the complex processes of Fe-S cluster assembly and transfer is now beginning to emerge from the combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches. The present review highlights recent developments in understanding the mechanism of Fe-S cluster assembly and transfer involving the ubiquitous U-type scaffold proteins and the potential roles of accessory proteins such as Nfu proteins and monothiol glutaredoxins in the assembly, storage or transfer of Fe-S clusters.

The power plant of the cell is also a smithy: the emerging role of mitochondria in cellular iron homeostasis

Iron is required for a barrage of essential biochemical functions in virtually every species of life. Perturbation of the availability or utilization of iron in these functions or disruption of other components along iron-requiring pathways can not only lead to cellular/organismal insufficiency of respective biochemical end-products but also result in a broad derangement of iron homeostasis. This is largely because of the elaborate regulatory mechanisms that connect cellular iron utilization with uptake and distribution. Such mechanisms are necessitated by the 'double-edged' nature of the metal, whose very property as a useful biological catalyst also makes it able to generate highly toxic compounds. Since the majority of iron is dispatched onto a functional course by mitochondria-localized pathways, these organelles are in an ideal position within the cellular iron anabolic pathways to be a central site for regulation of iron homeostasis. The goal of this article is to provide an overview of how mitochondria acquire and use iron and examine the ramifications of disturbances in these processes on overall cellular iron homeostasis.

Iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis systems and their crosstalk

The biogenesis of iron-sulfur clusters ([Fe-S]) plays a very important role in many essential functions of life. Several [Fe-S] biogenesis systems have been discovered, such as the NIF (nitrogen fixation), SUF (mobilisation of sulfur) and ISC (iron-sulfur cluster) systems in bacteria, and the ISC-like and CIA (cytosolic iron-sulfur protein assembly) systems in yeast. Experimental evidence has revealed that SUF and ISC in bacteria communicate with each other partly through IscR to coordinate the utilisation of iron and cysteine. The ISC-like system in yeast is localised to the mitochondria, while the ISC-dependent CIA system is localised to the cytosol; this suggests a possible role for the ISC mitochondrial export machinery in mediating crosstalk between the two systems. Based on genetic analysis, the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana contains three [Fe-S] biogenesis systems similar to SUF, ISC and CIA named AtSUF, AtISC and AtCIA. Possible communication between these three systems has been proposed.

Genome analysis of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii reveals the existence of multiple, compartmentalized iron-sulfur protein assembly machineries of different evolutionary origins

The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is used extensively as a model to study eukaryotic photosynthesis, flagellar functions, and more recently the production of hydrogen as biofuel. Two of these processes, photosynthesis and hydrogen production, are highly dependent on iron-sulfur (Fe-S) enzymes. To understand how Fe-S proteins are assembled in Chlamydomonas, we have analyzed its recently sequenced genome for orthologs of genes involved in Fe-S cluster assembly. We found a total of 32 open reading frames, most single copies, that are thought to constitute a mitochondrial assembly pathway, mitochondrial export machinery, a cytosolic assembly pathway, and components for Fe-S cluster assembly in the chloroplast. The chloroplast proteins are also expected to play a role in the assembly of the H-cluster in [FeFe]-hydrogenases, together with the recently identified HydEF and HydG proteins. Comparison with the higher plant model Arabidopsis indicated a strong degree of conservation of Fe-S cofactor assembly pathways in the green lineage, the pathways being derived from different origins during the evolution of the photosynthetic eukaryote. As a haploid, unicellular organism with available forward and reverse genetic tools, Chlamydomonas provides an excellent model system to study Fe-S cluster assembly and its regulation in photosynthetic eukaryotes.

Biogenesis of iron-sulfur clusters in photosystem I: holo-NfuA from the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 rapidly and efficiently transfers [4Fe-4S] clusters to apo-PsaC in vitro

The NfuA protein has been postulated to act as a scaffolding protein in the biogenesis of photosystem (PS) I and other iron-sulfur (Fe/S) proteins in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts. To determine the properties of NfuA, recombinant NfuA from Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 was overproduced and purified. In vitro reconstituted NfuA contained oxygen- and EDTA-labile Fe/S cluster(s), which had EPR properties consistent with [4Fe-4S] clusters. After reconstitution with 57Fe2+, Mössbauer studies of NfuA showed a broad quadrupole doublet that confirmed the presence of [4Fe-4S]2+ clusters. Native gel electrophoresis under anoxic conditions and chemical cross-linking showed that holo-NfuA forms dimers and tetramers harboring Fe/S cluster(s). Combined with iron and sulfide analyses, the results indicated that one [4Fe-4S] cluster was bound per NfuA dimer. Fe/S cluster transfer from holo-NfuA to apo-PsaC of PS I was studied by reconstitution of PS I complexes using P700-F(X) core complexes, PsaD, apo-PsaC, and holo-NfuA. Electron transfer measurements by time-resolved optical spectroscopy showed that holo-NfuA rapidly and efficiently transferred [4Fe-4S] clusters to PsaC in a reaction that required contact between the two proteins. The NfuA-reconstituted PS I complexes had typical charge recombination kinetics from [F(A)/F(B)](-) to P700+ and light-induced low-temperature EPR spectra. These results establish that cyanobacterial NfuA can act as a scaffolding protein for the insertion of [4Fe-4S] clusters into PsaC of PS I in vitro.

Iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis and human disease

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters are essential for numerous biological processes, including mitochondrial respiratory chain activity and various other enzymatic and regulatory functions. Human Fe-S cluster assembly proteins are frequently encoded by single genes, and inherited defects in some of these genes cause disease. Recently, the spectrum of diseases attributable to abnormal Fe-S cluster biogenesis has extended beyond Friedreich ataxia to include a sideroblastic anemia with deficiency of glutaredoxin 5 and a myopathy associated with a deficiency of a Fe-S cluster assembly scaffold protein, ISCU. Mutations within other mammalian Fe-S cluster assembly genes could be causative for human diseases that manifest distinctive combinations of tissue-specific impairments. Thus, defects in the iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis pathway could underlie many human diseases.

Chloroplast Fe(III) chelate reductase activity is essential for seedling viability under iron limiting conditions

Photosynthesis, heme biosynthesis, and Fe-S cluster assembly all take place in the chloroplast, and all require iron. Reduction of iron via a membrane-bound Fe(III) chelate reductase is required before iron transport across membranes in a variety of systems, but to date there has been no definitive genetic proof that chloroplasts have such a reduction system. Here we report that one of the eight members of the Arabidopsis ferric reductase oxidase (FRO) family, FRO7, localizes to the chloroplast. Chloroplasts prepared from fro7 loss-of-function mutants have 75% less Fe(III) chelate reductase activity and contain 33% less iron per microgram of chlorophyll than wild-type chloroplasts. This decreased iron content is presumably responsible for the observed defects in photosynthetic electron transport. When germinated in alkaline soil, fro7 seedlings show severe chlorosis and die without setting seed unless watered with high levels of soluble iron. Overall, our results provide molecular evidence that FRO7 plays a role in chloroplast iron acquisition and is required for efficient photosynthesis in young seedlings and for survival under iron-limiting conditions.

Chloroplast Fe(III) chelate reductase activity is essential for seedling viability under iron limiting conditions

Photosynthesis, heme biosynthesis, and Fe-S cluster assembly all take place in the chloroplast, and all require iron. Reduction of iron via a membrane-bound Fe(III) chelate reductase is required before iron transport across membranes in a variety of systems, but to date there has been no definitive genetic proof that chloroplasts have such a reduction system. Here we report that one of the eight members of the Arabidopsis ferric reductase oxidase (FRO) family, FRO7, localizes to the chloroplast. Chloroplasts prepared from fro7 loss-of-function mutants have 75% less Fe(III) chelate reductase activity and contain 33% less iron per microgram of chlorophyll than wild-type chloroplasts. This decreased iron content is presumably responsible for the observed defects in photosynthetic electron transport. When germinated in alkaline soil, fro7 seedlings show severe chlorosis and die without setting seed unless watered with high levels of soluble iron. Overall, our results provide molecular evidence that FRO7 plays a role in chloroplast iron acquisition and is required for efficient photosynthesis in young seedlings and for survival under iron-limiting conditions.

Structural analysis of Arabidopsis CnfU protein: an iron-sulfur cluster biosynthetic scaffold in chloroplasts

CnfU, a key iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster biosynthetic scaffold that is required for biogenesis of ferredoxin and photosystem I in chloroplasts, consists of two tandemly repeated domains in which only the N-terminal domain contains a conserved CXXC motif. We have determined the crystal structure of the metal-free dimer of AtCnfU-V from Arabidopsis thaliana at 1.35 A resolution. The N-terminal domains of the two monomers are linked together through two intermolecular disulfide bonds between the CXXC motifs. At the dimer interface, a total of four cysteine sulfur atoms provide a Fe-S cluster assembly site surrounded by uncharged but hydrophilic structurally mobile segments. The C-terminal domain of one monomer interacts with the N-terminal domain of the opposing monomer and thereby stabilizes dimer formation. Furthermore, Fe K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopic analysis of the holo-CnfU dimer in solution suggests the presence of a typical [2Fe-2S]-type cluster coordinated by four thiolate ligands. Based on these data, a plausible model of the holo-AtCnfU-V dimer containing a surface-exposed [2Fe-2S] cluster assembled in the dimer interface was deduced. We propose that such a structural framework is important for CnfU to function as a Fe-S cluster biosynthetic scaffold.

Fe-S cluster assembly pathways in bacteria

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters are required for critical biochemical pathways, including respiration, photosynthesis, and nitrogen fixation. Assembly of these iron cofactors is a carefully controlled process in cells to avoid toxicity from free iron and sulfide. Multiple Fe-S cluster assembly pathways are present in bacteria to carry out basal cluster assembly, stress-responsive cluster assembly, and enzyme-specific cluster assembly. Although biochemical and genetic characterization is providing a partial picture of in vivo Fe-S cluster assembly, a number of mechanistic questions remain unanswered. Furthermore, new factors involved in Fe-S cluster assembly and repair have recently been identified and are expanding the complexity of current models. Here we attempt to summarize recent advances and to highlight new avenues of research in the field of Fe-S cluster assembly.

Chloroplast monothiol glutaredoxins as scaffold proteins for the assembly and delivery of [2Fe-2S] clusters

Glutaredoxins (Grxs) are small oxidoreductases that reduce disulphide bonds or protein-glutathione mixed disulphides. More than 30 distinct grx genes are expressed in higher plants, but little is currently known concerning their functional diversity. This study presents biochemical and spectroscopic evidence for incorporation of a [2Fe-2S] cluster in two heterologously expressed chloroplastic Grxs, GrxS14 and GrxS16, and in vitro cysteine desulphurase-mediated assembly of an identical [2Fe-2S] cluster in apo-GrxS14. These Grxs possess the same monothiol CGFS active site as yeast Grx5 and both were able to complement a yeast grx5 mutant defective in Fe-S cluster assembly. In vitro kinetic studies monitored by CD spectroscopy indicate that [2Fe-2S] clusters on GrxS14 are rapidly and quantitatively transferred to apo chloroplast ferredoxin. These data demonstrate that chloroplast CGFS Grxs have the potential to function as scaffold proteins for the assembly of [2Fe-2S] clusters that can be transferred intact to physiologically relevant acceptor proteins. Alternatively, they may function in the storage and/or delivery of preformed Fe-S clusters or in the regulation of the chloroplastic Fe-S cluster assembly machinery.

A proposed role for the Azotobacter vinelandii NfuA protein as an intermediate iron-sulfur cluster carrier

Iron-sulfur clusters ([Fe-S] clusters) are assembled on molecular scaffolds and subsequently used for maturation of proteins that require [Fe-S] clusters for their functions. Previous studies have shown that Azotobacter vinelandii produces at least two [Fe-S] cluster assembly scaffolds: NifU, required for the maturation of nitrogenase, and IscU, required for the general maturation of other [Fe-S] proteins. A. vinelandii also encodes a protein designated NfuA, which shares amino acid sequence similarity with the C-terminal region of NifU. The activity of aconitase, a [4Fe-4S] cluster-containing enzyme, is markedly diminished in a strain containing an inactivated nfuA gene. This inactivation also results in a null-growth phenotype when the strain is cultivated under elevated oxygen concentrations. NifU has a limited ability to serve the function of NfuA, as its expression at high levels corrects the defect of the nfuA-disrupted strain. Spectroscopic and analytical studies indicate that one [4Fe-4S] cluster can be assembled in vitro within a dimeric form of NfuA. The resultant [4Fe-4S] cluster-loaded form of NfuA is competent for rapid in vitro activation of apo-aconitase. Based on these results a model is proposed where NfuA could represent a class of intermediate [Fe-S] cluster carriers involved in [Fe-S] protein maturation.

NfuA, a new factor required for maturing Fe/S proteins in Escherichia coli under oxidative stress and iron starvation conditions

Iron/sulfur (Fe/S) proteins are central to the functioning of cells in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Here, we show that the yhgI gene, which we renamed nfuA, encodes a two-domain protein that is required for Fe/S biogenesis in Escherichia coli. The N-terminal domain resembles the so-called Fe/S A-type scaffold but, curiously, has lost the functionally important Cys residues. The C-terminal domain shares sequence identity with Nfu proteins. Mössbauer and UV-visible spectroscopic analyses revealed that, upon reconstitution, NfuA binds a [4Fe-4S] cluster. Moreover, NfuA can transfer this cluster to apo-aconitase. Mutagenesis studies indicated that the N- and C-terminal domains are important for NfuA function in vivo. Similarly, the functional importance of Cys residues present in the Nfu-like domain was demonstrated in vivo by introducing Cys-->Ser mutations. In vivo investigations revealed that the nfuA gene is important for E. coli to sustain oxidative stress and iron starvation. Also, combining nfuA with either isc or suf mutations led to additive phenotypic deficiencies, indicating that NfuA is a bona fide new player in Isc- and Suf-dependent Fe/S biogenesis pathways. Taken together, these data demonstrate that NfuA intervenes in the maturation of apoproteins in E. coli, allowing them to acquire Fe/S clusters. By taking into account results from numerous previous transcriptomic studies that had suggested a link between NfuA and protein misfolding, we discuss the possibility that NfuA could act as a scaffold/chaperone for damaged Fe/S proteins.

Verification and tissue-specific expression of nifU-like gene from the amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri

A nifU-like gene exhibiting similarity to nifU of nitrogen fixation gene cluster was identified for the first time from the gut cDNA library of amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri. Both RT-PCR and Northern blotting as well as in situ hybridization histochemistry verified that the cDNA represents an amphioxus nifU-like gene rather than a microbial contaminant. The nifU-like gene encodes a protein of 164 amino acid residues including a highly conserved U-type motif (C-X26-C-X43-C), and shares 66-86% identity to NifU-like proteins from a variety of species including vertebrates, invertebrates and microbes. It is expressed in a tissue-specific manner in the digestive system including epipharyngeal groove, endostyle, hepatic caecum and hind-gut and in the gill, ovary and testis. Taken together, it is highly likely that NifU-like protein plays some tissue-dependent and critical role in amphioxus.

Iron-sulfur cluster biosynthesis in bacteria: Mechanisms of cluster assembly and transfer

Iron-sulfur [Fe-S] clusters are ubiquitous ancient prosthetic groups that are required to sustain fundamental life processes. Formation of intracellular [Fe-S] clusters does not occur spontaneously but requires a complex biosynthetic machinery. Different types of [Fe-S] cluster assembly systems have been discovered. All of them have in common the requirement of a cysteine desulfurase and the participation of [Fe-S] scaffold proteins. The purpose of this review is to discuss various aspects of the molecular mechanisms of [Fe-S] cluster assembly in living organisms: (i) mechanism of sulfur donor enzymes, namely the cysteine desulfurases; (ii) mechanism by which clusters are preassembled on scaffold proteins and (iii) mechanism of [Fe-S] cluster transfer from scaffold to target proteins.

Verification and tissue-specific expression of nifU-like gene from the amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri

A nifU-like gene exhibiting similarity to nifU of nitrogen fixation gene cluster was identified for the first time from the gut cDNA library of amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri. Both RT-PCR and Northern blotting as well as in situ hybridization histochemistry verified that the cDNA represents an amphioxus nifU-like gene rather than a microbial contaminant. The nifU-like gene encodes a protein of 164 amino acid residues including a highly-conserved U-type motif (C-X(26)-C-X(43)-C), and shares 66-86% identity to NifU-like proteins from a variety of species including vertebrates, invertebrates and microbes. It is expressed in a tissue-specific manner in the digestive system including epipharyngeal groove, endostyle, hepatic caecum and hindgut and in the gill, ovary and testis. Taken together, it is highly likely that NifU-like protein plays some tissue-dependent and critical role in amphioxus.

The NMR structure of the domain II of a chloroplastic NifU-like protein OsNifU1A

NifU-like proteins are a highly conserved protein that serves as the scaffold for assembly of Fe-S clusters. Chloroplastic NifU-like proteins have tandem NifU like domains, named domain I and domain II. Although the amino acid sequences of these domains are very similar to each other, the predicted functional region for the Fe-S cluster assembly, the CXXC motif, exists only in domain I. The structure of the domain II of chloroplastic NifU-like protein OsNifU1A has an alpha-beta sandwich structure containing two alpha helices located on one side of the beta-sheet. The electrostatic surface potential of OsNifU1A domain II is predominantly positively charged. Chloroplastic NifU-like proteins are targeted to ferredoxin for transferring the Fe-S cluster. The ferredoxin presents an overall negatively charged surface, which may evoke an electrostatic association with OsNifU1A domain II.

Functional analysis of Arabidopsis genes involved in mitochondrial iron-sulfur cluster assembly

Machinery for the assembly of the iron-sulfur ([Fe-S]) clusters that function as cofactors in a wide variety of proteins has been identified in microbes, insects, and animals. Homologs of the genes involved in [Fe-S] cluster biogenesis have recently been found in plants, as well, and point to the existence of two distinct systems in these organisms, one located in plastids and one in mitochondria. Here we present the first biochemical confirmation of the activity of two components of the mitochondrial machinery in Arabidopsis, AtNFS1 and AtISU1. Analysis of the expression patterns of the corresponding genes, as well as AtISU2 and AtISU3, and the phenotypes of plants in which these genes are up or down-regulated are consistent with a role for the mitochondrial [Fe-S] assembly system in the maturation of proteins required for normal plant development.

Iron utilization and metabolism in plants

The solubilization and long-distance allocation of iron between organs and tissues, as well as its subcellular compartmentalization and remobilization, involve various chelation and oxidation/reduction steps, transport activities and association with soluble proteins that store and buffer this metal. Maintaining iron homeostasis is an important determinant in building prosthetic groups such as heme and Fe-S clusters, and in assembling them into apoproteins, which are major components of plant metabolism. Such processes require complex protein machineries located in mitochondria and plastids. An essential role for iron metabolism and utilization in plant productivity is evidenced by the strong iron requirement for proper photosynthetic reactions.

Characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana SufE2 and SufE3: functions in chloroplast iron-sulfur cluster assembly and Nad synthesis

In this study we characterize two novel chloroplast SufE-like proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana. Other SufE-like proteins, including the previously described A. thaliana CpSufE, participate in sulfur mobilization for Fe-S biosynthesis through activation of cysteine desulfurization by NifS-like proteins. In addition to CpSufE, the Arabidopsis genome encodes two other proteins with SufE domains, SufE2 and SufE3. SufE2 has plastid targeting information. Purified recombinant SufE2 could activate the cysteine desulfurase activity of CpNifS 40-fold. SufE2 expression was flower-specific and high in pollen; we therefore hypothesize that SufE2 has a specific function in pollen Fe-S cluster biosynthesis. SufE3, also a plastid targeted protein, was expressed at low levels in all major plant organs. The mature SufE3 contains two domains, one SufE-like and one with similarity to the bacterial quinolinate synthase, NadA. Indeed SufE3 displayed both SufE activity (stimulating CpNifS cysteine desulfurase activity 70-fold) and quinolinate synthase activity. The full-length protein was shown to carry a highly oxygen-sensitive (4Fe-4S) cluster at its NadA domain, which could be reconstituted by its own SufE domain in the presence of CpNifS, cysteine and ferrous iron. Knock-out of SufE3 in Arabidopsis is embryolethal. We conclude that SufE3 is the NadA enzyme of A. thaliana, involved in a critical step during NAD biosynthesis.

Iron-sulfur protein biogenesis in eukaryotes: components and mechanisms

Iron-sulfur (Fe/S) clusters require a complex set of proteins to become assembled and incorporated into apoproteins in a living cell. Researchers have described three distinct assembly systems in eukaryotes that are involved in the maturation of cellular Fe/S proteins. Mitochondria are central for biogenesis. They contain the ISC-the iron-sulfur cluster assembly machinery that was inherited from a similar system of eubacteria in evolution and is involved in biogenesis of all cellular Fe/S proteins. The basic principle of mitochondrial (and bacterial) Fe/S protein maturation is the synthesis of the Fe/S cluster on a scaffold protein before the cluster is transferred to apoproteins. Biogenesis of cytosolic and nuclear Fe/S proteins is facilitated by the cytosolic iron-sulfur protein assembly (CIA) apparatus. This process requires the participation of mitochondria that export a still unknown component via the ISC export machinery, including an ABC transporter.

The asymmetric IscA homodimer with an exposed [2Fe-2S] cluster suggests the structural basis of the Fe-S cluster biosynthetic scaffold

It has been shown that the so-called scaffold proteins are vital in Fe-S cluster biosynthesis by providing an intermediate site for the assembly of Fe-S clusters. However, since no structural information on such scaffold proteins with bound Fe-S cluster intermediates is available, the structural basis of the core of Fe-S cluster biosynthesis remains poorly understood. Here we report the first Fe-S cluster-bound crystal structure of a scaffold protein, IscA, from Thermosynechococcus elongatus, which carries three strictly conserved cysteine residues. Surprisingly, one partially exposed [2Fe-2S] cluster is coordinated by two conformationally distinct IscA protomers, termed alpha and beta, with asymmetric cysteinyl ligation by Cys37, Cys101, Cys103 from alpha and Cys103 from beta. In the crystal, two alphabeta dimers form an unusual domain-swapped tetramer via central domains of beta protomers. Together with additional biochemical data supporting its physiologically relevant configuration, we propose that the unique asymmetric Fe-S cluster coordination and the resulting distinct conformational stabilities of the two IscA protomers are central to the function of IscA-type Fe-S cluster biosynthetic scaffold.

Biogenesis of iron-sulfur cluster proteins in plastids

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters are co-factors of proteins that perform a number of biological roles, including electron transfer, redox and non-redox catalysis, regulation of gene expression, and as sensors within all living organisms, prokaryotes and eukaryotes. These clusters are thought to be among the oldest structures found in biological cells. In chloroplasts, Fe-S clusters play a key role in photosynthetic electron transport as well as nitrogen and sulfur assimilation. The capacity of the Fe atom in Fe-S clusters to take up an electron reversibly provides the required electron carrier capacity in these pathways. Iron and sulfur limitation both affect plant primary production and growth. It has long been known that iron deficiency leads to defects in photosynthesis and bleaching in young leaves, phenomena that are closely linked to a defect in chloroplastic photosystem-I (PSI) accumulation, a major Fe-S containing protein complex in plants. Although the functional importance of Fe-S cluster proteins is evident and isolated chloroplasts have been shown to be able to synthesize their own Fe-S clusters, much is yet to be learned about the biosynthesis of Fe-S proteins in plastids. The recent discovery of a NifS-like protein in plastids has hinted to the existence of an assembly machinery related to bacterial Fe-S assembly systems. This chapter aims to summarize what we presently know about the assembly of Fe-S clusters in plants with an emphasis on green plastids.