The influence of the synergistic anion on iron chelation by ferric binding protein, a bacterial transferrin

Although the presence of an exogenous anion is a requirement for tight Fe(3+) binding by the bacterial (Neisseria) transferrin nFbp, the identity of the exogenous anion is not specific in vitro. nFbp was reconstituted as a stable iron containing protein by using a number of different exogenous anions [arsenate, citrate, nitrilotriacetate, pyrophosphate, and oxalate (symbolized by X)] in addition to phosphate, predominantly present in the recombinant form of the protein. Spectroscopic characterization of the Fe(3+)anion interaction in the reconstituted protein was accomplished by UV-visible and EPR spectroscopies. The affinity of the protein for Fe(3+) is anion dependent, as evidenced by the effective Fe(3+) binding constants (K'(eff)) observed, which range from 1 x 10(17) M(-1) to 4 x 10(18) M(-1) at pH 6.5 and 20 degrees C. The redox potentials for Fe(3+)nFbpXFe(2+)nFbpX reduction are also found to depend on the identity of the synergistic anion required for Fe(3+) sequestration. Facile exchange of exogenous anions (Fe(3+)nFbpX + X' --> Fe(3+)nFbpX' + X) is established and provides a pathway for environmental modulation of the iron chelation and redox characteristics of nFbp. The affinity of the iron loaded protein for exogenous anion binding at pH 6.5 was found to decrease in the order phosphate > arsenate approximately pyrophosphate > nitrilotriacetate > citrate approximately oxalate carbonate. Anion influence on the iron primary coordination sphere through iron binding and redox potential modulation may have in vivo application as a mechanism for periplasmic control of iron delivery to the cytosol.