Unravelling the remarkable synthesis and mechanisms involved in the biogenesis of heme and heme d1 from siroheme

Lead Research Organisation: University of Kent
Department Name: Sch of Biosciences

Abstract

This project aims to have a major impact on our understanding of the synthesis and evolution of a related family of heme-like molecules, and will result in a comprehensive addition to text book sections dealing with porphyrin metabolism. Hemes belong to a family of essential life pigment involved in many basic respiratory processes. This application aims to decipher a twenty-year mystery by unravelling the pathway leading to their synthesis. Specifically we aim to elucidate how heme and heme d1 are made in the Archaea and a number of eubacteria. Heme was previously thought to be synthesized along a single pathway from a compound called uroporphyrinogen III by a series of enzymes that modify the acidic side chains, oxidize the macrocycle and insert ferrous iron. However, we have recently demonstrated that heme and a structurally related macrocycle, heme d1, can be made by a completely novel pathway that involves the cannibalism of another modified tetrapyrrole, a compound called siroheme, the prosthetic group of sulphite and nitrite reductase. There are many novel features to this project that make it compelling. The transformation of siroheme into heme and heme d1 requires a number of radical SAM enzymes coupled with a decarboxylase, involving some highly unusual steps that are unprecedented in biological chemistry. The aim of this project is to understand in molecular detail the step-by-step synthesis of hemes along this pathway. Although the d1 heme is only found in the cytochrome cd1, the importance of this enzyme is becoming ever more evident as it vital for the environmentally important ANAMMOX process whereby ammonia is oxidised by nitrite under anaerobic conditions and has recently been implicated in playing a key role in the anaerobic oxidation of methane. It is believed that d1 heme has been adopted for respiratory nitrite reduction because it is tuned to permit nitrite reduction only as far as nitric oxide and not to allow the onward reduction to ammonia that is catalysed by siroheme. The discovery that siroheme is also a precursor for d1 synthesis therefore raises many interesting evolutionary and regulatory questions. Overall, the outcome of this research will result in the composition of a molecular overture of events for a new heme synthesis route, explain more clearly the relationship between heme and siroheme and provide a neodarwinistic understanding of complex biosynthetic pathways. It will also help maintain the UK at the cutting edge of biomolecular science research and maintain the position our groups have as world leaders in this field.

Technical Summary

Modified tetrapyrroles play essential roles in many different molecular processes. Despite their prevelance, there is still much to learn about the biosynthesis of these macrocycles. In a whole kingdom of life (the Archaea and also sulfate reducing bacteria) we do not even know how heme is made, but we know that it must be made along an alternative heme biosynthetic pathway since the genes from the classic pathway found in eukaryotes, for instance, are missing. In this application we plan an investigation into the relationship between the biosynthesis of siroheme, heme d1 and heme. We have recently shown that siroheme is, in fact, an intermediate in the synthesis of both heme and d1 heme and we have outlined a testable hypothesis to investigate this further. Previous research had identified a gene cluster responsible for heme d1 synthesis, which includes nirDL, E, F, G, H, J. More recently we undertook a bioinformatics comparison of the Archaea and the sulfate reducing bacteria and identified four genes that are likely involved in the alternative heme biosynthesis pathway (ahbA-D). Surprisingly, we found similarity between the genes of d1 and the alternative heme synthesis, indicating either commonality in some of the intermediates or similarity in the mechanisms employed. The research outlined in this application aims to investigate the individual steps involved in the transformation of siroheme into both d1 and heme. The initial step sees the decarboxylation of siroheme into a compound called didecarboxysiroheme (DDSH). Thereafter, DDSH undergoes a range of modifications to its peripheral side chains to give either heme or d1. These steps involve some unusual chemistry, which will be investigated during the course of the project.

Planned Impact

The research described in this application will have a major impact on several areas of science, including synthetic, chemical and systems biology. The basic findings of our preliminary research challenge some existing dogmas about how metabolic pathways and enzymes function. Thus we have demonstrated that heme can be made via a completely novel route, which shares some similarity with the synthesis of heme d1. As such the results will be incorporated into future text books. The research also describes a simple but highly efficient method for the isolation of pathway intermediates, thereby allowing the elucidation of metabolic pathways in a fairly rapid timescale. This method will be particularly applicable to pathways involving labile compounds. With an increase of interest especially of secondary metabolites such an approach is likely to prove popular with chemical biologists and medicinal chemists alike. The research falls well within the remit of synthetic biology and is therefore addressing a key priority area. In this respect the project applies the engineering paradigm of systems design to metabolism. In essence, the project employs the re-design of existing, natural biological systems for useful purposes. The research also has the potential engineer improvements in existing biological products and especially improve our understanding of biological systems through researching the role of modularity. The research will have application in the biomedicine and bioprocessing of pharmaceuticals and nutrient. The beneficiaries of this research will be researchers in academia and industry who are interested in synthetic biology and its applications. There is a current strong interest in this area and science needs to put forward a strong representation in terms of the positive contributions that it can make. The research will not only provide essential information about how pathways and enzymes can be investigated, but it will also provide greater insight into the biosynthesis of modified tetrapyrroles. As such, the novel enzyme activities that are involved in the d1 assembly pathway may also be relevant to assembling other kinds of cyclic molecules. If this proves to be the case then we will ensure that our findings are widely disseminated, through example short review articles. Furthermore, there is no doubt that d1 heme is vital for the operation of the Anammox process which is key for waste water treatment. Thus we will ensure that our findings are disseminated to those working in waste water treatment. Knowledge of d1 assembly is important for that field as if it were inadvertently inhibited then clearly the process would be blocked. The Warren and Ferguson groups are heavily involved in outreach programmes, through interactions with local schools and community groups. Regular talks and demonstrations are given through organized events during science week and at other times by invitation via the biology4all website, ensuring there is good dissemination with the general public on a range of important issues. The skills acquired by those involved in this project include not only a wide range of important biological techniques ranging from spectroscopy and structural biology through to microbiology and recombinant DNA technology but also the chance to contribute towards a basic understanding of bacterial physiology. The knowledge and techniques will provide those employed with skills that can be used across education and industry. The intellectual property resulting from this project will be protected and used via the Innovation and Enterprise Office. The research will be published in high impact journals and oral communications given at international conferences. Using the infrastructure of the new Centre for Molecular Processing within the University of Kent, the research will be brought to the attention of many leading industrial companies.

Publications

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Description The overall aim of the grant was to elucidate how siroheme is converted into heme and heme d1. The initial step involves the decarboxylation of siroheme to give didecarboxysiroheme (DDSH). It is at this point the pathways for the two modified tetrapyrroles diverge and where side chain modification and/or loss results in the biogenesis of either heme or d1. All the enzymes involved in these steps are unique and have not been previously characterised. Our research has provided remarkable molecular insights into how the enzymes associated with this new branch of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis operate.
In particular, the following objectives were achieved:
1. The siroheme synthesis step has been fully characterised
2. Recombinant strains producing all the genes for heme and heme d1 have been constructed
3. The mechanism of the enzymes associated with the alternative heme biosynthetic pathway have been investigated.
4. Structural studies on the enzymes for the alternative heme pathway have been undertaken. Structures for siroheme synthase and the AhbA/B complex have been determined, providing new insights into the decarboxylation process.
Exploitation Route The identification of a new pathway for the biosynthesis of heme has encouraged others to look how heme is made. This has resulted in the discovery of another variation in the biosynthesis of heme that is found in gram positive bacteria. These developments are all important as the pathways represent new targets for the development of antimicrobial agents in organisms such as S. aureus and could lead to the development of new antibiotics. Significantly, these heme pathways are not found in humans.
Sectors Chemicals

Manufacturing

including Industrial Biotechology

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology

 
Description We have demonstrated that the transformation of siroheme into heme and heme d1 requires a number of radical SAM enzymes coupled with a decarboxylase, involving some highly unusual steps that are unprecedented in biological chemistry. In so doing we have provided some of the molecular detail required for this process. The discovery that siroheme is also a precursor for d1 synthesis therefore raises many interesting evolutionary and regulatory questions. Overall, the outcome of this research has resulted in the determination of a new heme synthesis route, explained more clearly the relationship between heme and siroheme and provided a neodarwinistic understanding of complex biosynthetic pathways. In so doing, it has also highlighted that a third heme pathway must exist, mainly in Gram positive bacteria, involving coproporphyrin as an intermediate. These discoveries provide new opportunities for the selective inhibition of the pathways for this essential life pigment. The discovery of the various heme pathways has led to a greater understanding of how all tetrapyrroles are made and how the branched biosynthetic pathway evolved.
First Year Of Impact 2013
Sector Chemicals,Education,Environment,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology
Impact Types Societal

Economic

 
Description Investigations into the unprecedented reactions associated with the biosyntheses of hemes
Amount £362,679 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/N00924X/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 06/2016 
End 06/2020
 
Description Scientific collaboration with Prof Gunhild Layer 
Organisation University of Leipzig
Department Institute of Biophysical Chemistry
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution By using the technology developed in this application, and through collaboration with Prof Layer, we were able to elucidate the biosynthesis of a related cofactor called coenzyme F430
Collaborator Contribution Prof Layer was able to provide methodology to assist in the formation of active reductase enzymes by reconstitution of Fe-S centres. In so doing we were able to complete our understanding of how F430 is made in methanogenic bacteria.
Impact The research ultimately resulted in a paper in Nature on the biosynthesis of F430
Start Year 2013