Reductive nitrosylation of Methanosarcina acetivorans protoglobin: A comparative study

Methanosarcina acetivorans is a strictly anaerobic non-motile methane-producing Archaea expressing protoglobin (Pgb) which might either facilitate O₂ detoxification or act as a CO sensor/supplier in methanogenesis. Unusually, M. acetivorans Pgb (MaPgb) binds preferentially O₂ rather than CO and displays anticooperativity in ligand binding. Here, kinetics and/or thermodynamics of ferric and ferrous MaPgb (MaPgb(III) and MaPgb(II), respectively) nitrosylation are reported. Data were obtained between pH 7.2 and 9.5, at 22.0°C. Addition of NO to MaPgb(III) leads to the transient formation of MaPgb(III)-NO in equilibrium with MaPgb(II)-NO⁺. In turn, MaPgb(II)-NO⁺ is converted to MaPgb(II) by OH^--based catalysis. Then, MaPgb(II) binds NO very rapidly leading to MaPgb(II)-NO. The rate-limiting step for reductive nitrosylation of MaPgb(III) is represented by the OH^--mediated reduction of MaPgb(II)-NO⁺ to MaPgb(II). Present results highlight the potential role of MaPgb in scavenging of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species.