Structure, electronic configuration, and Mössbauer spectral parameters of an antiferromagnetic Fe2-peroxo intermediate of methane monooxygenase

Dalton Trans. 2012 Jan 21;41(3):995-1003. doi: 10.1039/c1dt11656h. Epub 2011 Nov 21.

Abstract

Determining structures of reaction intermediates is crucial for understanding catalytic cycles of metalloenzymes. However, short life times or experimental difficulties have prevented obtaining such structures for many enzymes of interest. We report geometric and electronic structures of a peroxo intermediate in the catalytic cycle of methane monooxygenase hydroxylase (MMOH) for which there is no crystallographic characterization. The structure was predicted via spin density functional theory using (57)Fe Mössbauer spectral parameters as a reference. Computed isomer shifts (δ(Fe) = +0.68, +0.66 mm s(-1)) and quadrupole splittings (ΔE(Q) = -1.49, -1.48 mm s(-1)) for the predicted structure are in excellent agreement with experimental values of a peroxo MMOH intermediate. Predicted peroxo to iron charge transfer bands agree with UV-Vis spectroscopy. Peroxide binds in a cis μ-1,2 fashion and plays a dominant role in the active site's electronic structure. This induces a ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition of the diiron core weakening the O-O bond in preparation for cleavage in subsequent steps of the catalytic cycle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Catalytic Domain
  • Iron / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxygenases / chemistry*
  • Oxygenases / metabolism
  • Peroxides / chemistry*
  • Spectroscopy, Mossbauer / methods*

Substances

  • Peroxides
  • Iron
  • Oxygenases
  • methane monooxygenase