Nitrous Oxide Reductase

The final step of bacterial denitrification, the two electron reduction of N₂O to N₂ is catalyzed by a multicopper enzyme named nitrous oxide reductase (N₂OR). The catalytic center of this enzyme is a tetranuclear copper site called CuZ, unique in biological systems.
The structure of CuZ center opened a novel area of research in metallobiochemistry. In the last decade, there has been progress in defining the structure of the CuZ center, characterizing the mechanism of nitrous oxide reduction, and identifying intermediates of this reaction. The crystal structure of N₂OR from Pseudomonas nautica was solved to a resolution of 2.4 Å. This enzyme contains one binuclear (CuA) and a tetranuclear copper center (CuZ), an unusual structure (catalytic site). CuZ center is a new type of cluster, in which four copper ions are coordinated by seven histidine residues. In addition, the determination of the structure of the CuZ center allowed a structural interpretation of the spectroscopic data, which was supported by theoretical calculations. The structure, function, and spectroscopic characterization of the N₂OR are being investigated. Although many questions have been answered about this enzyme it remains a scientific challenge, with many hypothesis being formed.

People Involved
Isabel Moura (PI)
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Publications
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Funding
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