The recombinant Methanocaldococcus jannaschii probable hydrogenase nickel incorporation protein HypB (HypB) is a crucial component in the maturation of [NiFe]-hydrogenases. These enzymes are essential for the reversible oxidation of hydrogen and are used by various microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea, for energy production and survival under anaerobic conditions. HypB plays a pivotal role in delivering nickel ions to the hydrogenase enzyme, facilitating its activation and functionality.
HypB is a metal-binding GTPase that belongs to the SIMIBI class of NTP-binding proteins. It is involved in the mobilization and storage of nickel ions, which are necessary for the assembly of the active site in hydrogenases. The GTPase activity of HypB is critical for its function in hydrogenase maturation, as it facilitates the dimerization of HypB upon GTP binding, which is essential for nickel delivery to the hydrogenase enzyme .
Nickel Mobilization: HypB is responsible for transporting nickel ions to the hydrogenase enzyme, ensuring its proper assembly and activation.
Nickel Storage: HypB can store nickel ions, which helps maintain a pool of available nickel for hydrogenase maturation when needed.
GTPase Activity: The intrinsic GTPase activity of HypB is essential for its role in hydrogenase maturation. This activity is linked to the dimerization of HypB, which facilitates nickel transfer .
Recent studies have highlighted the importance of HypB in the maturation of [NiFe]-hydrogenases. Disruption of the hypB gene results in hydrogenase deficiency, which can be partially alleviated by nickel supplementation . The interaction between HypB and another nickel metallochaperone, HypA, is crucial for efficient nickel transfer to the hydrogenase enzyme .
GTP-Dependent Dimerization: Essential for nickel delivery and hydrogenase maturation .
Nickel Transfer Mechanism: HypB modifies the nickel coordination environment of HypA, facilitating nickel transfer .
GTPase Activity Requirement: Necessary for hydrogenase maturation and nickel mobilization .
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Function | Nickel mobilization and storage for hydrogenase maturation |
| GTPase Activity | Essential for dimerization and nickel delivery |
| Dimerization | GTP-dependent, crucial for nickel transfer |
| Metal Binding | Two sites, one influenced by nucleotide binding |
| Organism | HypB Function |
|---|---|
| Methanocaldococcus jannaschii | Nickel incorporation into hydrogenases |
| Bradyrhizobium japonicum | Nickel mobilization and storage |
| Escherichia coli | Essential for hydrogenase maturation |
KEGG: mja:MJ_0442
STRING: 243232.MJ_0442