Open AccessSelenate reductase activity in Escherichia coli requires Isc iron–sulfur cluster biosynthesis genes
Author(s) -
Yee Nathan,
Choi Jessica,
Porter Abigail W.,
Carey Sean,
Rauschenbach Ines,
Harel Arye
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1111/1574-6968.12623
Subject(s) - selenate , escherichia coli , complementation , reductase , biochemistry , gene cluster , biosynthesis , iron–sulfur cluster , cofactor , sulfur metabolism , mutant , enzyme , biology , sulfite reductase , chemistry , gene , selenium , organic chemistry
Abstract The selenate reductase in Escherichia coli is a multi‐subunit enzyme predicted to bind Fe–S clusters. In this study, we examined the iron–sulfur cluster biosynthesis genes that are required for selenate reductase activity. Mutants devoid of either the iscU or hscB gene in the Isc iron–sulfur cluster biosynthesis pathway lost the ability to reduce selenate. Genetic complementation by the wild‐type sequences restored selenate reductase activity. The results indicate the Isc biosynthetic system plays a key role in selenate reductase Fe–S cofactor assembly and is essential for enzyme activity.