The first non-turnover voltammetric response from a molybdenum enzyme: direct electrochemistry of dimethylsulfoxide reductase from Rhodobacter capsulatus

J Biol Inorg Chem. 2002 Sep;7(7-8):879-83. doi: 10.1007/s00775-002-0374-y. Epub 2002 May 14.

Abstract

The first direct voltammetric response from a molybdenum enzyme under non-turnover conditions is reported. Cyclic voltammetry of dimethylsulfoxide reductase from Rhodobacter capsulatus reveals a reversible Mo(VI/V) response at +161 mV followed by a reversible Mo(V/IV) response at -102 mV versus NHE at pH 8. The higher potential couple exhibits a pH dependence consistent with protonation upon reduction to the Mo(V) state and we have determined the p K(a) for this semi-reduced species to be 9.0. The lower potential couple is pH independent within the range 5<pH<10. The optical spectrum of the Mo chromophore has been investigated with spectroelectrochemistry. At high potential, in its resting state, the enzyme exhibits a spectrum characteristic of the Mo(VI) form. This changes significantly following bulk electrolysis (-400 mV versus NHE) at an optically transparent, indium-doped tin oxide working electrode, where a single visible electronic maximum at 632 nm is observed, which is comparable with spectra reported previously for the dithionite-reduced enzyme. This two-electron process is chemically reversible by reoxidizing the enzyme at the electrode in the absence of mediators or promoters. The activity of the enzyme has been established by observation of a catalytic current in the presence of DMSO at pH 8, where a sigmoidal (steady state) voltammogram is seen.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electrochemistry
  • Electrodes
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Iron-Sulfur Proteins*
  • Molybdenum / chemistry*
  • Oxidoreductases / chemistry*
  • Rhodobacter capsulatus / enzymology*
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet

Substances

  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Iron-Sulfur Proteins
  • Molybdenum
  • Oxidoreductases
  • dimethyl sulfoxide reductase