Structure and mechanism of membrane-bound hydrogenases (P15)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 450648163

Group IV membrane-bound hydrogenases (MBHs) are members of the Complex I superfamily, catalyzing H2 production coupled with ion translocation across a membrane by an unknown mechanism. Using biochemical techniques and anaerobic, redox-controlled single-particle cryo-EM, we will study both the structure and mechanism of two MBHs: the formate-hydrogen lyase (FHL) complex from E. coli, and the energy-converting hydrogenase (Ech) from methanogenic archaea. By solving structures of the complexes under different gas and redox conditions, we will gain insights into the conformational changes that accompany catalytic turnover, and therefore the mechanism of coupling between substrate turnover and ion translocation.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1507: Protein Assemblies and Machineries in Cell Membranes
• Applicant Institution: Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
• Project Head: Dr. Bonnie J. Murphy, Ph.D.