Outer membrane cytochromes/flavin interactions in Shewanella spp.-A molecular perspective

Biointerphases. 2017 May 31;12(2):021004. doi: 10.1116/1.4984007.

Abstract

Extracellular electron transfer (EET) is intrinsically associated with the core phenomena of energy harvesting/energy conversion in natural ecosystems and biotechnology applications. However, the mechanisms associated with EET are complex and involve molecular interactions that take place at the "bionano interface" where biotic/abiotic interactions are usually explored. This work provides molecular perspective on the electron transfer mechanism(s) employed by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. Molecular docking simulations were used to explain the interfacial relationships between two outer-membrane cytochromes (OMC) OmcA and MtrC and riboflavin (RF) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN), respectively. OMC-flavin interactions were analyzed by studying the electrostatic potential, the hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface properties, and the van der Waals surface of the OMC proteins. As a result, it was proposed that the interactions between flavins and OMCs are based on geometrical recognition event. The possible docking positions of RF and FMN to OmcA and MtrC were also shown.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / chemistry*
  • Cytochrome c Group / chemistry*
  • Electron Transport
  • Flavin Mononucleotide / chemistry*
  • Molecular Docking Simulation*
  • Riboflavin / chemistry*
  • Shewanella / chemistry*

Substances

  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins
  • Cytochrome c Group
  • Flavin Mononucleotide
  • MtrC protein, Shewanella
  • Riboflavin