Identification of an intermediate methyl carrier in the radical S-adenosylmethionine methylthiotransferases RimO and MiaB

Radical S-Adenosylmethionine Sulfurtransferase MybB Catalyzed Formation of the 4-Thiazolidinone Core in Mycobacidin Represents an Intersection between Primary and Secondary Metabolism

Mycobacidin is an antitubercular antibiotic structurally composed of a sulfur-containing 4-thiazolidinone ring, yet its biosynthesis including the mechanism of sulfur incorporation has remained an open question since its discovery in 1952. In this study, the mycobacidin biosynthetic gene cluster is identified from soil-dwelling Streptomyces, and the corresponding biosynthetic pathway starting with 7-oxoheptanoate is characterized. The radical SAM enzyme MybB catalyzes two sulfur insertion reactions, thereby bridging C7 and C10 to complete the 4-thiazolidinone heterocycle as the final step in mycobacidin maturation. MybB is a homologue of biotin synthase, and in both biosynthetic pathways, the bridging sulfur originates from the degradation of an enzymatic auxiliary [Fe2S2] cluster. Introduction of the two C-S bonds during 4-thiazolidinone cyclization is shown to take place in a fixed sequence with the terminal C10-S bond generated first followed by the C7-S bond. MybB thus represents a generalization of biotin synthase activity that contributes to the maturation of not only primary but also secondary metabolites via sequential sulfur insertion reactions to yield sulfur containing heterocycles.

Direct Detection of the α-Carbon Radical Intermediate Formed by OspD: Mechanistic Insights into Radical S-Adenosyl-l-methionine Peptide Epimerization

OspD is a radical S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) peptide epimerase that converts an isoleucine (Ile) and valine (Val) of the OspA substrate to d-amino acids during biosynthesis of the ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP) natural product landornamide A. OspD is proposed to carry out this reaction via α-carbon (Cα) H-atom abstraction to form a peptidyl Cα radical that is stereospecifically quenched by hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) from a conserved cysteine (Cys). Here we use site-directed mutagenesis, freeze-quench trapping, isotopic labeling, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to provide new insights into the OspD catalytic mechanism including the direct observation of the substrate peptide Cα radical intermediate. The putative quenching Cys334 was changed to serine to generate an OspD C334S variant impaired in HAT quenching. The reaction of reduced OspD C334S with SAM and OspA freeze-quenched at 15 s exhibits a doublet EPR signal characteristic of a Cα radical coupled to a single β-H. Using isotopologues of OspA deuterated at either Ile or Val, or both Ile and Val, reveals that the initial Cα radical intermediate forms exclusively on the Ile of OspA. Time-dependent freeze quench coupled with EPR spectroscopy provided evidence for loss of the Ile Cα radical concomitant with gain of a Val Cα radical, directly demonstrating the N-to-C directionality of epimerization by OspD. These results provide direct evidence for the aforementioned OspD-catalyzed peptide epimerization mechanism via a central Cα radical intermediate during RiPP maturation of OspA, a mechanism that may extend to other proteusin peptide epimerases.

Discovery of a Biotin Synthase That Utilizes an Auxiliary 4Fe-5S Cluster for Sulfur Insertion

Biotin synthase (BioB) is a member of the Radical SAM superfamily of enzymes that catalyzes the terminal step of biotin (vitamin B7) biosynthesis, in which it inserts a sulfur atom in desthiobiotin to form a thiolane ring. How BioB accomplishes this difficult reaction has been the subject of much controversy, mainly around the source of the sulfur atom. However, it is now widely accepted that the sulfur atom inserted to form biotin stems from the sacrifice of the auxiliary 2Fe-2S cluster of BioB. Here, we bioinformatically explore the diversity of BioBs available in sequence databases and find an unexpected variation in the coordination of the auxiliary iron-sulfur cluster. After in vitro characterization, including the determination of biotin formation and representative crystal structures, we report a new type of BioB utilized by virtually all obligate anaerobic organisms. Instead of a 2Fe-2S cluster, this novel type of BioB utilizes an auxiliary 4Fe-5S cluster. Interestingly, this auxiliary 4Fe-5S cluster contains a ligated sulfide that we propose is used for biotin formation. We have termed this novel type of BioB, Type II BioB, with the E. coli 2Fe-2S cluster sacrificial BioB representing Type I. This surprisingly ubiquitous Type II BioB has implications for our understanding of the function and evolution of Fe-S clusters in enzyme catalysis, highlighting the difference in strategies between the anaerobic and aerobic world.

The new epoch of structural insights into radical SAM enzymology

The Radical SAM (RS) superfamily of enzymes catalyzes a wide array of enzymatic reactions. The majority of these enzymes employ an electron from a reduced [4Fe-4S]+1 cluster to facilitate the reductive cleavage of S-adenosyl-l-methionine, thereby producing a highly reactive 5'-deoxyadenosyl radical (5'-dA⋅) and l-methionine. Typically, RS enzymes use this 5'-dA⋅ to extract a hydrogen atom from the target substrate, starting the cascade of an expansive and impressive variety of chemical transformations. While a great deal of understanding has been gleaned for 5'-dA⋅ formation, because of the chemical diversity within this superfamily, the subsequent chemical transformations have only been fully elucidated in a few examples. In addition, with the advent of new sequencing technology, the size of this family now surpasses 700,000 members, with the number of uncharacterized enzymes and domains also rapidly expanding. In this review, we outline the history of RS enzyme characterization in what we term "epochs" based on advances in technology designed for stably producing these enzymes in an active state. We propose that the state of the field has entered the fourth epoch, which we argue should commence with a protein structure initiative focused solely on RS enzymes to properly tackle this unique superfamily and uncover more novel chemical transformations that likely exist.

Essentiality of the Escherichia coli YgfZ Protein for the In Vivo Thiomethylation of Ribosomal Protein S12 by the RimO Enzyme

Enzymes carrying Iron-Sulfur (Fe-S) clusters perform many important cellular functions and their biogenesis require complex protein machinery. In mitochondria, the IBA57 protein is essential and promotes assembly of [4Fe-4S] clusters and their insertion into acceptor proteins. YgfZ is the bacterial homologue of IBA57 but its precise role in Fe-S cluster metabolism is uncharacterized. YgfZ is needed for activity of the radical S-adenosyl methionine [4Fe-4S] cluster enzyme MiaB which thiomethylates some tRNAs. The growth of cells lacking YgfZ is compromised especially at low temperature. The RimO enzyme is homologous to MiaB and thiomethylates a conserved aspartic acid in ribosomal protein S12. To quantitate thiomethylation by RimO, we developed a bottom-up LC-MS² analysis of total cell extracts. We show here that the in vivo activity of RimO is very low in the absence of YgfZ and independent of growth temperature. We discuss these results in relation to the hypotheses relating to the role of the auxiliary 4Fe-4S cluster in the Radical SAM enzymes that make Carbon-Sulfur bonds.

Characterization of LipS1 and LipS2 from Thermococcus kodakarensis: Proteins Annotated as Biotin Synthases, which Together Catalyze Formation of the Lipoyl Cofactor

Lipoic acid is an eight-carbon sulfur-containing biomolecule that functions primarily as a cofactor in several multienzyme complexes. It is biosynthesized as an attachment to a specific lysyl residue on one of the subunits of these multienzyme complexes. In Escherichia coli and many other organisms, this biosynthetic pathway involves two dedicated proteins: octanoyltransferase (LipB) and lipoyl synthase (LipA). LipB transfers an n-octanoyl chain from the octanoyl-acyl carrier protein to the target lysyl residue, and then, LipA attaches two sulfur atoms (one at C6 and one at C8) to give the final lipoyl cofactor. All classical lipoyl synthases (LSs) are radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzymes, which use an [Fe4S4] cluster to reductively cleave SAM to generate a 5'-deoxyadenosyl 5'-radical. Classical LSs also contain a second [Fe4S4] cluster that serves as the source of both appended sulfur atoms. Recently, a novel pathway for generating the lipoyl cofactor was reported. This pathway replaces the canonical LS with two proteins, LipS1 and LipS2, which act together to catalyze formation of the lipoyl cofactor. In this work, we further characterize LipS1 and LipS2 biochemically and spectroscopically. Although LipS1 and LipS2 were previously annotated as biotin synthases, we show that both proteins, unlike E. coli biotin synthase, contain two [Fe4S4] clusters. We identify the cluster ligands to both iron-sulfur clusters in both proteins and show that LipS2 acts only on an octanoyl-containing substrate, while LipS1 acts only on an 8-mercaptooctanoyl-containing substrate. Therefore, similarly to E. coli biotin synthase and in contrast to E. coli LipA, sulfur attachment takes place initially at the terminal carbon (C8) and then at the C6 methylene carbon.

Sulfur incorporation into biomolecules: recent advances

Sulfur is an essential element for a variety of cellular constituents in all living organisms and adds considerable functionality to a wide range of biomolecules. The pathways for incorporating sulfur into central metabolites of the cell such as cysteine, methionine, cystathionine, and homocysteine have long been established. Furthermore, the importance of persulfide intermediates during the biosynthesis of thionucleotide-containing tRNAs, iron-sulfur clusters, thiamin diphosphate, and the molybdenum cofactor are well known. This review briefly surveys these topics while emphasizing more recent aspects of sulfur metabolism that involve unconventional biosynthetic pathways. Sacrificial sulfur transfers from protein cysteinyl side chains to precursors of thiamin and the nickel-pincer nucleotide (NPN) cofactor are described. Newer aspects of synthesis for lipoic acid, biotin, and other compounds are summarized, focusing on the requisite iron-sulfur cluster destruction. Sulfur transfers by using a noncore sulfide ligand bound to a [4Fe-4S] cluster are highlighted for generating certain thioamides and for alternative biosynthetic pathways of thionucleotides and the NPN cofactor. Thioamide formation by activating an amide oxygen atom via phosphorylation also is illustrated. The discussion of these topics stresses the chemical reaction mechanisms of the transformations and generally avoids comments on the gene/protein nomenclature or the sources of the enzymes. This work sets the stage for future efforts to decipher the diverse mechanisms of sulfur incorporation into biological molecules.

Highlighting the Unique Roles of Radical S-Adenosylmethionine Enzymes in Methanogenic Archaea

Radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzymes catalyze an impressive variety of difficult biochemical reactions in various pathways across all domains of life. These metalloenzymes employ a reduced [4Fe-4S] cluster and SAM to generate a highly reactive 5'-deoxyadenosyl radical that is capable of initiating catalysis on otherwise unreactive substrates. Interestingly, the genomes of methanogenic archaea encode many unique radical SAM enzymes with underexplored or completely unknown functions. These organisms are responsible for the yearly production of nearly 1 billion tons of methane, a potent greenhouse gas as well as a valuable energy source. Thus, understanding the details of methanogenic metabolism and elucidating the functions of essential enzymes in these organisms can provide insights into strategies to decrease greenhouse gas emissions as well as inform advances in bioenergy production processes. This minireview provides an overview of the current state of the field regarding the functions of radical SAM enzymes in methanogens and discusses gaps in knowledge that should be addressed.

Biosynthesis and Degradation of Sulfur Modifications in tRNAs

Various sulfur-containing biomolecules include iron–sulfur clusters that act as cofactors for enzymes, sulfur-containing vitamins such as thiamin, and sulfur-modified nucleosides in RNA, in addition to methionine and cysteine in proteins. Sulfur-containing nucleosides are post-transcriptionally introduced into tRNA molecules, where they ensure precise codon recognition or stabilization of tRNA structure, thereby maintaining cellular proteome integrity. Modulating sulfur modification controls the translation efficiency of specific groups of genes, allowing organisms to adapt to specific environments. The biosynthesis of tRNA sulfur nucleosides involves elaborate ‘sulfur trafficking systems’ within cellular sulfur metabolism and ‘modification enzymes’ that incorporate sulfur atoms into tRNA. This review provides an up-to-date overview of advances in our knowledge of the mechanisms involved. It covers the functions, biosynthesis, and biodegradation of sulfur-containing nucleosides as well as the reaction mechanisms of biosynthetic enzymes catalyzed by the iron–sulfur clusters, and identification of enzymes involved in the de-modification of sulfur atoms of RNA. The mechanistic similarity of these opposite reactions is discussed. Mutations in genes related to these pathways can cause human diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes, and mitochondrial diseases), emphasizing the importance of these pathways.

Structural basis for tRNA methylthiolation by the radical SAM enzyme MiaB

Numerous post-transcriptional modifications of transfer RNAs have vital roles in translation. The 2-methylthio-N⁶-isopentenyladenosine (ms²i⁶A) modification occurs at position 37 (A37) in transfer RNAs that contain adenine in position 36 of the anticodon, and serves to promote efficient A:U codon-anticodon base-pairing and to prevent unintended base pairing by near cognates, thus enhancing translational fidelity^1-4. The ms²i⁶A modification is installed onto isopentenyladenosine (i⁶A) by MiaB, a radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) methylthiotransferase. As a radical SAM protein, MiaB contains one [Fe₄S₄]_RS cluster used in the reductive cleavage of SAM to form a 5'-deoxyadenosyl 5'-radical, which is responsible for removing the C² hydrogen of the substrate⁵. MiaB also contains an auxiliary [Fe₄S₄]_aux cluster, which has been implicated^6-9 in sulfur transfer to C² of i⁶A37. How this transfer takes place is largely unknown. Here we present several structures of MiaB from Bacteroides uniformis. These structures are consistent with a two-step mechanism, in which one molecule of SAM is first used to methylate a bridging µ-sulfido ion of the auxiliary cluster. In the second step, a second SAM molecule is cleaved to a 5'-deoxyadenosyl 5'-radical, which abstracts the C² hydrogen of the substrate but only after C² has undergone rehybridization from sp² to sp³. This work advances our understanding of how enzymes functionalize inert C-H bonds with sulfur.

The Multifaceted Bacterial Cysteine Desulfurases: From Metabolism to Pathogenesis

Living cells have developed a relay system to efficiently transfer sulfur (S) from cysteine to various thio-cofactors (iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters, thiamine, molybdopterin, lipoic acid, and biotin) and thiolated tRNA. The presence of such a transit route involves multiple protein components that allow the flux of S to be precisely regulated as a function of environmental cues to avoid the unnecessary accumulation of toxic concentrations of soluble sulfide (S2-). The first enzyme in this relay system is cysteine desulfurase (CSD). CSD catalyzes the release of sulfane S from L-cysteine by converting it to L-alanine by forming an enzyme-linked persulfide intermediate on its conserved cysteine residue. The persulfide S is then transferred to diverse acceptor proteins for its incorporation into the thio-cofactors. The thio-cofactor binding-proteins participate in essential and diverse cellular processes, including DNA repair, respiration, intermediary metabolism, gene regulation, and redox sensing. Additionally, CSD modulates pathogenesis, antibiotic susceptibility, metabolism, and survival of several pathogenic microbes within their hosts. In this review, we aim to comprehensively illustrate the impact of CSD on bacterial core metabolic processes and its requirement to combat redox stresses and antibiotics. Targeting CSD in human pathogens can be a potential therapy for better treatment outcomes.

Overall Retention of Methyl Stereochemistry during B12-Dependent Radical SAM Methyl Transfer in Fosfomycin Biosynthesis

Methylcobalamin-dependent radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzymes methylate non-nucleophilic atoms in a range of substrates. The mechanism of the methyl transfer from cobalt to the receiving atom is still mostly unresolved. Here we determine the stereochemical course of this process at the methyl group during the biosynthesis of the clinically used antibiotic fosfomycin. In vitro reaction of the methyltransferase Fom3 using SAM labeled with 1H, 2H, and 3H in a stereochemically defined manner, followed by chemoenzymatic conversion of the Fom3 product to acetate and subsequent stereochemical analysis, shows that the overall reaction occurs with retention of configuration. This outcome is consistent with a double-inversion process, first in the SN2 reaction of cob(I)alamin with SAM to form methylcobalamin and again in a radical transfer of the methyl group from methylcobalamin to the substrate. The methods developed during this study allow high-yield in situ generation of labeled SAM and recombinant expression and purification of the malate synthase needed for chiral methyl analysis. These methods facilitate the broader use of in vitro chiral methyl analysis techniques to investigate the mechanisms of other novel enzymes.

Implications for an imidazol-2-yl carbene intermediate in the rhodanase-catalyzed C-S bond formation reaction of anaerobic ergothioneine biosynthesis

In the anaerobic ergothioneine biosynthetic pathway, a rhodanese domain containing enzyme (EanB) activates tne hercynine's sp² ε-C-H Dona ana replaces it with a C-S bond to produce ergothioneine. The key intermediate for this trans-sulfuration reaction is the Cys412 persulfide. Substitution of the EanB-Cys412 persulfide with a Cys412 perselenide does not yield the selenium analog of ergothioneine, selenoneine. However, in deuterated buffer, the perselenide-modified EanB catalyzes the deuterium exchange between hercynine's sp² ε-C-H bond and D₂O. Results from QM/MM calculations suggest that the reaction involves a carbene intermediate and that Tyr353 plays a key role. We hypothesize that modulating the pK_a of Tyr353 will affect the deuterium-exchange rate. Indeed, the 3,5-difluoro tyrosine containing EanB catalyzes the deuterium exchange reaction with k _ex of ~10-fold greater than the wild-type EanB (EanB_WT). With regards to potential mechanisms, these results support the involvement of a carbene intermediate in EanB-catalysis, rendering EanB as one of the few carbene-intermediate involving enzymatic systems.

Single-step Replacement of an Unreactive C-H Bond by a C-S Bond Using Polysulfide as the Direct Sulfur Source in Anaerobic Ergothioneine Biosynthesis

Ergothioneine, a natural longevity vitamin and antioxidant, is a thiol-histidine derivative. Recently, two types of biosynthetic pathways were reported. In the aerobic ergothioneine biosynthesis, a non-heme iron enzyme incorporates a sulfoxide to an sp² C-H bond in trimethyl-histidine (hercynine) through oxidation reactions. In contrast, in the anaerobic ergothioneine biosynthetic pathway in a green sulfur bacterium, Chlorobium limicola, a rhodanese domain containing protein (EanB) directly replaces this unreactive hercynine C-H bond with a C-S bond. Herein, we demonstrate that polysulfide (HSS_nSR) is the direct sulfur-source in EanB-catalysis. After identifying EanB's substrates, X-ray crystallography of several intermediate states along with mass spectrometry results provide additional mechanistic details for this reaction. Further, quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations reveal that protonation of N_π of hercynine by Tyr353 with the assistance of Thr414 is a key activation step for the hercynine sp² C-H bond in this trans-sulfuration reaction.

First Step in Catalysis of the Radical S-Adenosylmethionine Methylthiotransferase MiaB Yields an Intermediate with a [3Fe-4S]0-Like Auxiliary Cluster

The enzyme MiaB catalyzes the attachment of a methylthio (-SCH3) group at the C2 position of N6-(isopentenyl)adenosine (i6A) in the final step of the biosynthesis of the hypermodified tRNA nucleotide 2-methythio-N6-(isopentenyl)adenosine (ms2i6A). MiaB belongs to the expanding subgroup of enzymes of the radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) superfamily that harbor one or more auxiliary [4Fe-4S] clusters in addition to the [4Fe-4S] cluster that all family members require for the reductive cleavage of SAM to afford the common 5'-deoxyadenosyl 5'-radical (5'-dA•) intermediate. While the role of the radical SAM cluster in generating the 5'-dA• is well understood, the detailed role of the auxiliary cluster, which is essential for MiaB catalysis, remains unclear. It has been proposed that the auxiliary cluster may serve as a coordination site for exogenously derived sulfur destined for attachment to the substrate or that the cluster itself provides the sulfur atom and is sacrificed during turnover. In this work, we report spectroscopic and biochemical evidence that the auxiliary [4Fe-4S]2+ cluster in Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (Bt) MiaB is converted to a [3Fe-4S]0-like cluster during the methylation step of catalysis. Mössbauer characterization of the MiaB [3Fe-4S]0-like cluster revealed unusual spectroscopic properties compared to those of other well-characterized cuboidal [3Fe-4S]0 clusters. Specifically, the Fe sites of the mixed-valent moiety do not have identical Mössbauer parameters. Our results support a mechanism where the auxiliary [4Fe-4S] cluster is the direct sulfur source during catalysis.

Parsing redox potentials of five ferredoxins found within Thermotoga maritima

Most organisms contain multiple soluble protein-based redox carriers such as members of the ferredoxin (Fd) family, that contain one or more iron-sulfur clusters. The potential redundancy of Fd proteins is poorly understood, particularly in connection to the ability of Fd proteins to deliver reducing equivalents to members of the "radical SAM," or S-adenosylmethionine radical enzyme (ARE) superfamily, where the activity of all known AREs requires that an essential iron-sulfur cluster bound by the enzyme be reduced to the catalytically relevant [Fe₄ S₄ ]¹⁺ oxidation state. As it is still unclear whether a single Fd in a given organism is specific to individual redox partners, we have examined the five Fd proteins found within Thermotoga maritima via direct electrochemistry, to compare them in a side-by-side fashion for the first time. While a single [Fe₄ S₄ ]-cluster bearing Fd (TM0927) has a potential of -420 mV, the other four 2x[Fe₄ S₄ ]-bearing Fds (TM1175, TM1289, TM1533, and TM1815) have potentials that vary significantly, including cases where the two clusters of the same Fd are essentially coincident (e.g., TM1175) and those where the potentials are well separate (TM1815).

Ferredoxins as interchangeable redox components in support of MiaB, a radical S-adenosylmethionine methylthiotransferase

MiaB is a member of the methylthiotransferase subclass of the radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) superfamily of enzymes, catalyzing the methylthiolation of C2 of adenosines bearing an N⁶ -isopentenyl (i⁶ A) group found at position 37 in several tRNAs to afford 2-methylthio-N⁶ -(isopentenyl)adenosine (ms² i⁶ A). MiaB uses a reduced [4Fe-4S]⁺ cluster to catalyze a reductive cleavage of SAM to generate a 5'-deoxyadenosyl 5'-radical (5'-dA•)-a required intermediate in its reaction-as well as an additional [4Fe-4S]²⁺ auxiliary cluster. In Escherichia coli and many other organisms, re-reduction of the [4Fe-4S]²⁺ cluster to the [4Fe-4S]⁺ state is accomplished by the flavodoxin reducing system. Most mechanistic studies of MiaBs have been carried out on the enzyme from Thermotoga maritima (Tm), which lacks the flavodoxin reducing system, and which is not activated by E. coli flavodoxin. However, the genome of this organism encodes five ferredoxins (TM0927, TM1175, TM1289, TM1533, and TM1815), each of which might donate the requisite electron to MiaB and perhaps to other radical SAM enzymes. The genes encoding each of these ferredoxins were cloned, and the associated proteins were isolated and shown to support turnover by Tm MiaB. In addition, TM1639, the ferredoxin-NADP⁺ oxidoreductase subunit α (NfnA) from Tm was overproduced and isolated and shown to provide electrons to the Tm ferredoxins during Tm MiaB turnover. The resulting reactions demonstrate improved coupling between formation of the 5'-dA• and ms² i⁶ A production, indicating that only one hydrogen atom abstraction is required for the reaction.

Methanogenesis marker protein 10 (Mmp10) from Methanosarcina acetivorans is a radical S-adenosylmethionine methylase that unexpectedly requires cobalamin

Methyl coenzyme M reductase (MCR) catalyzes the last step in the biological production of methane by methanogenic archaea, as well as the first step in the anaerobic oxidation of methane to methanol by methanotrophic archaea. MCR contains a number of unique post-translational modifications in its α subunit, including thioglycine, 1-N-methylhistidine, S-methylcysteine, 5-C-(S)-methylarginine, and 2-C-(S)-methylglutamine. Recently, genes responsible for the thioglycine and methylarginine modifications have been identified in bioinformatics studies and in vivo complementation of select mutants; however, none of these reactions has been verified in vitro Herein, we purified and biochemically characterized the radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) protein MaMmp10, the product of the methanogenesis marker protein 10 gene in the methane-producing archaea Methanosarcina acetivorans Using an array of approaches, including kinetic assays, LC-MS-based quantification, and MALDI TOF-TOF MS analyses, we found that MaMmp10 catalyzes the methylation of the equivalent of Arg²⁸⁵ in a peptide substrate surrogate, but only in the presence of cobalamin. We noted that the methyl group derives from SAM, with cobalamin acting as an intermediate carrier, and that MaMmp10 contains a C-terminal cobalamin-binding domain. Given that Mmp10 has not been annotated as a cobalamin-binding protein, these findings suggest that cobalamin-dependent radical SAM proteins are more prevalent than previously thought.

Recent Advances in Our Understanding of the Biosynthesis of Sulfur Modifications in tRNAs

Sulfur is an essential element in all living organisms. In tRNA molecules, there are many sulfur-containing nucleosides, introduced post-transcriptionally, that function to ensure proper codon recognition or stabilization of tRNA structure, thereby enabling accurate and efficient translation. The biosynthesis of tRNA sulfur modifications involves unique sulfur trafficking systems that are closely related to cellular sulfur metabolism, and “modification enzymes” that incorporate sulfur atoms into tRNA. Herein, recent biochemical and structural characterization of the biosynthesis of sulfur modifications in tRNA is reviewed, with special emphasis on the reaction mechanisms of modification enzymes. It was recently revealed that TtuA/Ncs6-type 2-thiouridylases from thermophilic bacteria/archaea/eukaryotes are oxygen-sensitive iron-sulfur proteins that utilize a quite different mechanism from other 2-thiouridylase subtypes lacking iron-sulfur clusters such as bacterial MnmA. The various reaction mechanisms of RNA sulfurtransferases are also discussed, including tRNA methylthiotransferase MiaB (a radical S-adenosylmethionine-type iron-sulfur enzyme) and other sulfurtransferases involved in both primary and secondary sulfur-containing metabolites.

Determining Redox Potentials of the Iron-Sulfur Clusters of the AdoMet Radical Enzyme Superfamily

While protein film electrochemistry (PFE) has proven to be an effective tool in the interrogation of redox cofactors and assessing the electrocatalytic activity of many different enzymes, recently it has been proven to be useful for the study of the redox potentials of the cofactors of AdoMet radical enzymes (AREs). In this chapter, we review the challenges and opportunities of examining the redox cofactors of AREs in a high level of detail, particularly for the deconvolution of redox potentials of multiple cofactors. We comment on how to best assess the electroactive nature of any given ARE, and we see that when applied well, PFE allows for not only determining redox potentials, but also determining proton-coupling and ligand-binding phenomena in the ARE superfamily.

Substrate-Dependent Cleavage Site Selection by Unconventional Radical S-Adenosylmethionine Enzymes in Diphthamide Biosynthesis

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) has a sulfonium ion with three distinct C-S bonds. Conventional radical SAM enzymes use a [4Fe-4S] cluster to cleave homolytically the C_5',adenosine-S bond of SAM to generate a 5'-deoxyadenosyl radical, which catalyzes various downstream chemical reactions. Radical SAM enzymes involved in diphthamide biosynthesis, such as Pyrococcus horikoshii Dph2 (PhDph2) and yeast Dph1-Dph2 instead cleave the C_γ,Met-S bond of methionine to generate a 3-amino-3-carboxylpropyl radical. We here show radical SAM enzymes can be tuned to cleave the third C-S bond to the sulfonium sulfur by changing the structure of SAM. With a decarboxyl SAM analogue (dc-SAM), PhDph2 cleaves the C_methyl-S bond, forming 5'-deoxy-5'-(3-aminopropylthio) adenosine (dAPTA, 1). The methyl cleavage activity, like the cleavage of the other two C-S bonds, is dependent on the presence of a [4Fe-4S]⁺ cluster. Electron-nuclear double resonance and mass spectroscopy data suggests that mechanistically one of the S atoms in the [4Fe-4S] cluster captures the methyl group from dc-SAM, forming a distinct EPR-active intermediate, which can transfer the methyl group to nucleophiles such as dithiothreitol. This reveals the [4Fe-4S] cluster in a radical SAM enzyme can be tuned to cleave any one of the three bonds to the sulfonium sulfur of SAM or analogues, and is the first demonstration a radical SAM enzyme could switch from an Fe-based one electron transfer reaction to a S-based two electron transfer reaction in a substrate-dependent manner. This study provides an illustration of the versatile reactivity of Fe-S clusters.

The RicAFT (YmcA-YlbF-YaaT) complex carries two [4Fe-4S]2+ clusters and may respond to redox changes

During times of environmental insult, Bacillus subtilis undergoes developmental changes leading to biofilm formation, sporulation and competence. Each of these states is regulated in part by the phosphorylated form of the master response regulator Spo0A (Spo0A∼P). The phosphorylation state of Spo0A is controlled by a multi-component phosphorelay. RicA, RicF and RicT (previously YmcA, YlbF and YaaT) have been shown to be important regulatory proteins for multiple developmental fates. These proteins directly interact and form a stable complex, which has been proposed to accelerate the phosphorelay. Indeed, this complex is sufficient to stimulate the rate of phosphotransfer amongst the phosphorelay proteins in vitro. In this study, we demonstrate that two [4Fe-4S]²⁺ clusters can be assembled on the complex. As with other iron-sulfur cluster-binding proteins, the complex was also found to bind FAD, hinting that these cofactors may be involved in sensing the cellular redox state. This work provides the first comprehensive characterization of an iron-sulfur protein complex that regulates Spo0A∼P levels. Phylogenetic and genetic evidence suggests that the complex plays a broader role beyond stimulation of the phosphorelay.

Diverse Mechanisms of Sulfur Decoration in Bacterial tRNA and Their Cellular Functions

Sulfur-containing transfer ribonucleic acids (tRNAs) are ubiquitous biomolecules found in all organisms that possess a variety of functions. For decades, their roles in processes such as translation, structural stability, and cellular protection have been elucidated and appreciated. These thionucleosides are found in all types of bacteria; however, their biosynthetic pathways are distinct among different groups of bacteria. Considering that many of the thio-tRNA biosynthetic enzymes are absent in Gram-positive bacteria, recent studies have addressed how sulfur trafficking is regulated in these prokaryotic species. Interestingly, a novel proposal has been given for interplay among thionucleosides and the biosynthesis of other thiocofactors, through participation of shared-enzyme intermediates, the functions of which are impacted by the availability of substrate as well as metabolic demand of thiocofactors. This review describes the occurrence of thio-modifications in bacterial tRNA and current methods for detection of these modifications that have enabled studies on the biosynthesis and functions of S-containing tRNA across bacteria. It provides insight into potential modes of regulation and potential evolutionary events responsible for divergence in sulfur metabolism among prokaryotes.

On the Role of Additional [4Fe-4S] Clusters with a Free Coordination Site in Radical-SAM Enzymes

The canonical CysXXXCysXXCys motif is the hallmark of the Radical-SAM superfamily. This motif is responsible for the ligation of a [4Fe-4S] cluster containing a free coordination site available for SAM binding. The five enzymes MoaA, TYW1, MiaB, RimO and LipA contain in addition a second [4Fe-4S] cluster itself bound to three other cysteines and thus also displaying a potentially free coordination site. This review article summarizes recent important achievements obtained on these five enzymes with the main focus to delineate the role of this additional [4Fe-4S] cluster in catalysis.

Biosynthesis of Sulfur-Containing tRNA Modifications: A Comparison of Bacterial, Archaeal, and Eukaryotic Pathways

Post-translational tRNA modifications have very broad diversity and are present in all domains of life. They are important for proper tRNA functions. In this review, we emphasize the recent advances on the biosynthesis of sulfur-containing tRNA nucleosides including the 2-thiouridine (s²U) derivatives, 4-thiouridine (s⁴U), 2-thiocytidine (s²C), and 2-methylthioadenosine (ms²A). Their biosynthetic pathways have two major types depending on the requirement of iron–sulfur (Fe–S) clusters. In all cases, the first step in bacteria and eukaryotes is to activate the sulfur atom of free l-cysteine by cysteine desulfurases, generating a persulfide (R-S-SH) group. In some archaea, a cysteine desulfurase is missing. The following steps of the bacterial s²U and s⁴U formation are Fe–S cluster independent, and the activated sulfur is transferred by persulfide-carrier proteins. By contrast, the biosynthesis of bacterial s²C and ms²A require Fe–S cluster dependent enzymes. A recent study shows that the archaeal s⁴U synthetase (ThiI) and the eukaryotic cytosolic 2-thiouridine synthetase (Ncs6) are Fe–S enzymes; this expands the role of Fe–S enzymes in tRNA thiolation to the Archaea and Eukarya domains. The detailed reaction mechanisms of Fe–S cluster depend s²U and s⁴U formation await further investigations.

The Catalytic Mechanism of the Class C Radical S-Adenosylmethionine Methyltransferase NosN

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) is one of the most common co-substrates in enzyme-catalyzed methylation reactions. Most SAM-dependent reactions proceed through an S_N 2 mechanism, whereas a subset of them involves radical intermediates for methylating non-nucleophilic substrates. Herein, we report the characterization and mechanistic investigation of NosN, a class C radical SAM methyltransferase involved in the biosynthesis of the thiopeptide antibiotic nosiheptide. We show that, in contrast to all known SAM-dependent methyltransferases, NosN does not produce S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) as a co-product. Instead, NosN converts SAM into 5'-methylthioadenosine as a direct methyl donor, employing a radical-based mechanism for methylation and releasing 5'-thioadenosine as a co-product. A series of biochemical and computational studies allowed us to propose a comprehensive mechanism for NosN catalysis, which represents a new paradigm for enzyme-catalyzed methylation reactions.

Redox Behavior of the S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM)-Binding Fe-S Cluster in Methylthiotransferase RimO, toward Understanding Dual SAM Activity

RimO, a radical-S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzyme, catalyzes the specific C₃ methylthiolation of the D89 residue in the ribosomal S₁₂ protein. Two intact iron-sulfur clusters and two SAM cofactors both are required for catalysis. By using electron paramagnetic resonance, Mössbauer spectroscopies, and site-directed mutagenesis, we show how two SAM molecules sequentially bind to the unique iron site of the radical-SAM cluster for two distinct chemical reactions in RimO. Our data establish that the two SAM molecules bind the radical-SAM cluster to the unique iron site, and spectroscopic evidence obtained under strongly reducing conditions supports a mechanism in which the first molecule of SAM causes the reoxidation of the reduced radical-SAM cluster, impeding reductive cleavage of SAM to occur and allowing SAM to methylate a HS^- ligand bound to the additional cluster. Furthermore, by using density functional theory-based methods, we provide a description of the reaction mechanism that predicts the attack of the carbon radical substrate on the methylthio group attached to the additional [4Fe-4S] cluster.

Transformations of the FeS Clusters of the Methylthiotransferases MiaB and RimO, Detected by Direct Electrochemistry

The methylthiotransferases (MTTases) represent a subfamily of the S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) radical superfamily of enzymes that catalyze the attachment of a methylthioether (-SCH₃) moiety on unactivated carbon centers. These enzymes contain two [4Fe-4S] clusters, one of which participates in the reductive fragmentation of AdoMet to generate a 5'-deoxyadenosyl 5'-radical and the other of which, termed the auxiliary cluster, is believed to play a central role in constructing the methylthio group and attaching it to the substrate. Because the redox properties of the bound cofactors within the AdoMet radical superfamily are so poorly understood, we have examined two MTTases in parallel, MiaB and RimO, using protein electrochemistry. We resolve the redox potentials of each [4Fe-4S] cluster, show that the auxiliary cluster has a potential higher than that of the AdoMet-binding cluster, and demonstrate that upon incubation of either enzyme with AdoMet, a unique low-potential state of the enzyme emerges. Our results are consistent with a mechanism whereby the auxiliary cluster is transiently methylated during substrate methylthiolation.

Unanticipated coordination of tris buffer to the Radical SAM cluster of the RimO methylthiotransferase

Radical SAM enzymes generally contain a [4Fe-4S](2+/1+) (RS cluster) cluster bound to the protein via the three cysteines of a canonical motif CxxxCxxC. The non-cysteinyl iron is used to coordinate SAM via its amino-carboxylate moiety. The coordination-induced proximity between the cluster acting as an electron donor and the adenosyl-sulfonium bond of SAM allows for the homolytic cleavage of the latter leading to the formation of the reactive 5'-deoxyadenosyl radical used for substrate activation. Most of the structures of Radical SAM enzymes have been obtained in the presence of SAM, and therefore, little is known about the situation when SAM is not present. In this report, we show that RimO, a methylthiotransferase belonging to the radical SAM superfamily, binds a Tris molecule in the absence of SAM leading to specific spectroscopic signatures both in Mössbauer and pulsed EPR spectroscopies. These data provide a cautionary note for researchers who work with coordinative unsaturated iron sulfur clusters.

Radical S-Adenosylmethionine Enzymes in Human Health and Disease

Radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzymes catalyze an astonishing array of complex and chemically challenging reactions across all domains of life. Of approximately 114,000 of these enzymes, 8 are known to be present in humans: MOCS1, molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis; LIAS, lipoic acid biosynthesis; CDK5RAP1, 2-methylthio-N(6)-isopentenyladenosine biosynthesis; CDKAL1, methylthio-N(6)-threonylcarbamoyladenosine biosynthesis; TYW1, wybutosine biosynthesis; ELP3, 5-methoxycarbonylmethyl uridine; and RSAD1 and viperin, both of unknown function. Aberrations in the genes encoding these proteins result in a variety of diseases. In this review, we summarize the biochemical characterization of these 8 radical S-adenosylmethionine enzymes and, in the context of human health, describe the deleterious effects that result from such genetic mutations.

Maturation of nitrogenase cofactor-the role of a class E radical SAM methyltransferase NifB

Nitrogenase catalyzes the important reactions of N2-reduction, CO-reduction and CO2-reduction at its active cofactor site. Designated the M-cluster, this complex metallocofactor is assembled through the generation of a characteristic 8Fe-core before the insertion of Mo and homocitrate that completes the stoichiometry of the M-cluster. NifB catalyzes the crucial step of radical SAM-dependent carbide insertion that occurs concomitant with the insertion a '9th' sulfur and the rearrangement/coupling of two 4Fe-clusters into a complete 8Fe-core of the M-cluster. Further categorization of a family of NifB proteins as a new class of radical SAM methyltransferases suggests a general function of these proteins in complex metallocofactor assembly and provides a new platform for unveiling unprecedented chemical reactions catalyzed by biological systems.

Stereochemical Course of the Reaction Catalyzed by RimO, a Radical SAM Methylthiotransferase

RimO is a member of the growing radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) superfamily of enzymes, which use a reduced [4Fe-4S] cluster to effect reductive cleavage of the 5' C-S bond of SAM to form a 5'-deoxyadenosyl 5'-radical (5'-dA(•)) intermediate. RimO uses this potent oxidant to catalyze the attachment of a methylthio group (-SCH3) to C3 of aspartate 89 of protein S12, one of 21 proteins that compose the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome. However, the exact mechanism by which this transformation takes place has remained elusive. Herein, we describe the stereochemical course of the RimO reaction. Using peptide mimics of the S12 protein bearing deuterium at the 3 pro-R or 3 pro-S positions of the target aspartyl residue, we show that RimO from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (Bt) catalyzes abstraction of the pro-S hydrogen atom, as evidenced by the transfer of deuterium into 5'-deoxyadenosine (5'-dAH). The observed kinetic isotope effect on H atom versus D atom abstraction is ∼1.9, suggesting that this step is at least partially rate determining. We also demonstrate that Bt RimO can utilize the flavodoxin/flavodoxin oxidoreductase/NADPH reducing system from Escherichia coli as a source of requisite electrons. Use of this in vivo reducing system decreases, but does not eliminate, formation of 5'-dAH in excess of methylthiolated product.

Refining the pathway of carbide insertion into the nitrogenase M-cluster

Carbide insertion plays a pivotal role in the biosynthesis of M-cluster, the cofactor of nitrogenase. Previously, we proposed a carbide insertion pathway involving methyltransfer from SAM to a FeS precursor and hydrogen abstraction from this methyl group that initiates the radical-based precursor maturation. Here we demonstrate that the methyl group is transferred to a precursor-associated sulfur before hydrogen abstraction, thereby refining the initial steps of the carbide insertion pathway.

Carbide insertion plays a pivotal role in the biosynthesis of M-cluster, the cofactor of nitrogenase. Here the authors further define the pathway for interstitial carbide atom insertion, showing that the SAM-derived methyl group is transferred to a FeS precursor sulfur before hydrogen abstraction via an SN2-type reaction.

Advanced paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies of iron-sulfur proteins: Electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) and electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM)

The advanced electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques, electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) and electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) spectroscopies, provide unique insights into the structure, coordination chemistry, and biochemical mechanism of nature's widely distributed iron-sulfur cluster (FeS) proteins. This review describes the ENDOR and ESEEM techniques and then provides a series of case studies on their application to a wide variety of FeS proteins including ferredoxins, nitrogenase, and radical SAM enzymes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Fe/S proteins: Analysis, structure, function, biogenesis and diseases.

SPASM and twitch domains in S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) radical enzymes

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM, also known as AdoMet) radical enzymes use SAM and a [4Fe-4S] cluster to catalyze a diverse array of reactions. They adopt a partial triose-phosphate isomerase (TIM) barrel fold with N- and C-terminal extensions that tailor the structure of the enzyme to its specific function. One extension, termed a SPASM domain, binds two auxiliary [4Fe-4S] clusters and is present within peptide-modifying enzymes. The first structure of a SPASM-containing enzyme, anaerobic sulfatase-maturating enzyme (anSME), revealed unexpected similarities to two non-SPASM proteins, butirosin biosynthetic enzyme 2-deoxy-scyllo-inosamine dehydrogenase (BtrN) and molybdenum cofactor biosynthetic enzyme (MoaA). The latter two enzymes bind one auxiliary cluster and exhibit a partial SPASM motif, coined a Twitch domain. Here we review the structure and function of auxiliary cluster domains within the SAM radical enzyme superfamily.

Structures of lipoyl synthase reveal a compact active site for controlling sequential sulfur insertion reactions

Lipoyl cofactors are essential for living organisms and are produced by the insertion of two sulfur atoms into the relatively unreactive C-H bonds of an octanoyl substrate. This reaction requires lipoyl synthase, a member of the radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzyme superfamily. In the present study, we solved crystal structures of lipoyl synthase with two [4Fe-4S] clusters bound at opposite ends of the TIM barrel, the usual fold of the radical SAM superfamily. The cluster required for reductive SAM cleavage conserves the features of the radical SAM superfamily, but the auxiliary cluster is bound by a CX4CX5C motif unique to lipoyl synthase. The fourth ligand to the auxiliary cluster is an extremely unusual serine residue. Site-directed mutants show this conserved serine ligand is essential for the sulfur insertion steps. One crystallized lipoyl synthase (LipA) complex contains 5'-methylthioadenosine (MTA), a breakdown product of SAM, bound in the likely SAM-binding site. Modelling has identified an 18 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm) deep channel, well-proportioned to accommodate an octanoyl substrate. These results suggest that the auxiliary cluster is the likely sulfur donor, but access to a sulfide ion for the second sulfur insertion reaction requires the loss of an iron atom from the auxiliary cluster, which the serine ligand may enable.

Auxiliary iron-sulfur cofactors in radical SAM enzymes

A vast number of enzymes are now known to belong to a superfamily known as radical SAM, which all contain a [4Fe-4S] cluster ligated by three cysteine residues. The remaining, unligated, iron ion of the cluster binds in contact with the α-amino and α-carboxylate groups of S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM). This binding mode facilitates inner-sphere electron transfer from the reduced form of the cluster into the sulfur atom of SAM, resulting in a reductive cleavage of SAM to methionine and a 5'-deoxyadenosyl radical. The 5'-deoxyadenosyl radical then abstracts a target substrate hydrogen atom, initiating a wide variety of radical-based transformations. A subset of radical SAM enzymes contains one or more additional iron-sulfur clusters that are required for the reactions they catalyze. However, outside of a subset of sulfur insertion reactions, very little is known about the roles of these additional clusters. This review will highlight the most recent advances in the identification and characterization of radical SAM enzymes that harbor auxiliary iron-sulfur clusters. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Fe/S proteins: Analysis, structure, function, biogenesis and diseases.

Iron-sulfur proteins responsible for RNA modifications

RNA molecules are decorated with various chemical modifications, which are introduced post-transcriptionally by RNA-modifying enzymes. These modifications are required for proper RNA function. Among more than 100 known species of RNA modifications, several modified bases in tRNAs and rRNAs are introduced by RNA-modifying enzymes containing iron-sulfur (Fe/S) clusters. Most Fe/S-containing RNA-modifying enzymes contain radical SAM domains that catalyze a variety of chemical reactions, including methylation, methylthiolation, carboxymethylation, tricyclic purine formation, and deazaguanine formation. Lack of these modifications can cause pathological consequences. Here, we review recent studies on the biogenesis and function of RNA modifications mediated by Fe/S proteins. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Fe/S proteins: Analysis, structure, function, biogenesis and diseases.

The biosynthesis of thiol- and thioether-containing cofactors and secondary metabolites catalyzed by radical S-adenosylmethionine enzymes

Sulfur atoms are present as thiol and thioether functional groups in amino acids, coenzymes, cofactors, and various products of secondary metabolic pathways. The biosynthetic pathways for several sulfur-containing biomolecules require the substitution of sulfur for hydrogen at unreactive aliphatic or electron-rich aromatic carbon atoms. Examples discussed in this review include biotin, lipoic acid, methylthioether modifications found in some nucleic acids and proteins, and thioether cross-links found in peptide natural products. Radical S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) enzymes use an iron-sulfur cluster to catalyze the reduction of SAM to methionine and a highly reactive 5'-deoxyadenosyl radical; this radical can abstract hydrogen atoms at unreactive positions, facilitating the introduction of a variety of functional groups. Radical SAM enzymes that catalyze sulfur insertion reactions contain a second iron-sulfur cluster that facilitates the chemistry, either by donating the cluster's endogenous sulfide or by binding and activating exogenous sulfide or sulfur-containing substrates. The use of radical chemistry involving iron-sulfur clusters is an efficient anaerobic route to the generation of carbon-sulfur bonds in cofactors, secondary metabolites, and other natural products.

Shared-intermediates in the biosynthesis of thio-cofactors: Mechanism and functions of cysteine desulfurases and sulfur acceptors

Cysteine desulfurases utilize a PLP-dependent mechanism to catalyze the first step of sulfur mobilization in the biosynthesis of sulfur-containing cofactors. Sulfur activation and integration into thiocofactors involve complex mechanisms and intricate biosynthetic schemes. Cysteine desulfurases catalyze sulfur-transfer reactions from l-cysteine to sulfur acceptor molecules participating in the biosynthesis of thio-cofactors, including Fe-S clusters, thionucleosides, thiamin, biotin, and molybdenum cofactor. The proposed mechanism of cysteine desulfurases involves the PLP-dependent cleavage of the C-S bond from l-cysteine via the formation of a persulfide enzyme intermediate, which is considered the hallmark step in sulfur mobilization. The subsequent sulfur transfer reaction varies with the class of cysteine desulfurase and sulfur acceptor. IscS serves as a mecca for sulfur incorporation into a network of intertwined pathways for the biosynthesis of thio-cofactors. The involvement of a single enzyme interacting with multiple acceptors, the recruitment of shared-intermediates partaking roles in multiple pathways, and the participation of Fe-S enzymes denote the interconnectivity of pathways involving sulfur trafficking. In Bacillus subtilis, the occurrence of multiple cysteine desulfurases partnering with dedicated sulfur acceptors partially deconvolutes the routes of sulfur trafficking and assigns specific roles for these enzymes. Understanding the roles of promiscuous vs. dedicated cysteine desulfurases and their partnership with shared-intermediates in the biosynthesis of thio-cofactors will help to map sulfur transfer events across interconnected pathways and to provide insight into the hierarchy of sulfur incorporation into biomolecules. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Fe/S proteins: Analysis, structure, function, biogenesis and diseases.

Recent advances in radical SAM enzymology: new structures and mechanisms

The radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) superfamily of enzymes catalyzes an amazingly diverse variety of reactions ranging from simple hydrogen abstraction to complicated multistep rearrangements and insertions. The reactions they catalyze are important for a broad range of biological functions, including cofactor and natural product biosynthesis, DNA repair, and tRNA modification. Generally conserved features of the radical SAM superfamily include a CX₃CX₂C motif that binds an [Fe₄S₄] cluster essential for the reductive cleavage of SAM. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the structure and mechanisms of these enzymes that, in some cases, have overturned widely accepted mechanisms.

Blurring the lines between ribosomal and nonribosomal peptide scaffolds

Two of the canons of protein science have been (1) that there are 20-22 amino acids that are proteinogenic and (2), with the exception of achiral glycine, that the other residues are L-amino acids. By contrast, the presence of nonproteinogenic amino acid residues and D-enantiomers has been regarded as hallmarks of nonribosomal peptides. The recent discoveries that bottromycins and polytheonamides, containing β-methyl and D-amino acid residues, are of ribosomal origin blur the distinctions between peptide structures derivable by ribosomal and nonribosomal assembly lines and reveal new chemistry for posttranslational maturation of proteins.

Discovery of multiple modified F(430) coenzymes in methanogens and anaerobic methanotrophic archaea suggests possible new roles for F(430) in nature

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is generated and consumed in anaerobic environments through the energy metabolism of methanogens and anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME), respectively. Coenzyme F430 is essential for methanogenesis, and a structural variant of F430, 17(2)-methylthio-F430 (F430-2), is found in ANME and is presumably essential for the anaerobic oxidation of methane. Here we use liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry to identify several new structural variants of F430 in the cell extracts of selected methanogens and ANME. Methanocaldococcus jannaschii and Methanococcus maripaludis contain an F430 variant (denoted F430-3) that has an M(+) of 1,009.2781. This mass increase of 103.9913 over that of F430 corresponds to C3H4O2S and is consistent with the addition of a 3-mercaptopropionate moiety bound as a thioether followed by a cyclization. The UV absorbance spectrum of F430-3 was different from that of F430 and instead matched that of an F430 derivative where the 17(3) keto moiety had been reduced. This is the first report of a modified F430 in methanogens. In a search for F430-2 and F430-3 in other methanogens and ANME, we have identified a total of nine modified F430 structures. One of these compounds may be an abiotic oxidative product of F430, but the others represent naturally modified versions of F430. This work indicates that F430-related molecules have additional functions in nature and will inspire further research to determine the biochemical role(s) of these variants and the pathways involved in their biosynthesis.

Evidence for a catalytically and kinetically competent enzyme-substrate cross-linked intermediate in catalysis by lipoyl synthase

Lipoyl synthase (LS) catalyzes the final step in lipoyl cofactor biosynthesis: the insertion of two sulfur atoms at C6 and C8 of an (N(6)-octanoyl)-lysyl residue on a lipoyl carrier protein (LCP). LS is a member of the radical SAM superfamily, enzymes that use a [4Fe-4S] cluster to effect the reductive cleavage of S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) to l-methionine and a 5'-deoxyadenosyl 5'-radical (5'-dA(•)). In the LS reaction, two equivalents of 5'-dA(•) are generated sequentially to abstract hydrogen atoms from C6 and C8 of the appended octanoyl group, initiating sulfur insertion at these positions. The second [4Fe-4S] cluster on LS, termed the auxiliary cluster, is proposed to be the source of the inserted sulfur atoms. Herein, we provide evidence for the formation of a covalent cross-link between LS and an LCP or synthetic peptide substrate in reactions in which insertion of the second sulfur atom is slowed significantly by deuterium substitution at C8 or by inclusion of limiting concentrations of SAM. The observation that the proteins elute simultaneously by anion-exchange chromatography but are separated by aerobic SDS-PAGE is consistent with their linkage through the auxiliary cluster that is sacrificed during turnover. Generation of the cross-linked species with a small, unlabeled (N(6)-octanoyl)-lysyl-containing peptide substrate allowed demonstration of both its chemical and kinetic competence, providing strong evidence that it is an intermediate in the LS reaction. Mössbauer spectroscopy of the cross-linked intermediate reveals that one of the [4Fe-4S] clusters, presumably the auxiliary cluster, is partially disassembled to a 3Fe-cluster with spectroscopic properties similar to those of reduced [3Fe-4S](0) clusters.