Point mutation consideration in CcO protein of the electron transfer chain by MD simulation

In Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, proteins such as CcO are present in the electron transport pathway. They cause ferrous iron oxidation to ferric leading to the electron release. CcO has two copper atoms (CuA, CuB). CuA plays an important role in electron transfer. According to previous studies, the conversion of histidine to methionine in a similar protein increased the redox potential and was directly related to the number of electrons received. Also, the binding of methionine 233 to CuA and CuB in the wild protein structure is the reason for the selection of the H230 M mutation in the CuA site. Then, wild-type and H230 M mutant were simulated in the presence of a bilayer membrane POPC using the gromacs version 5.1.4. The changes performed in the H230 M mutant were evaluated by MD simulations analyzes. CcO and CoxA proteins are the last two proteins in the chain and were docked by the PatchDock server. By H230 M mutation, the connection between CuA and M230 weakens. The M230 moves further away from CuA, resulting become more flexible. Therefore, the Methionine gets closer to E149 of the CoxA leading to the higher stability of the CcO/CoxA complex. The results of RMSF analysis at the mutation point showed a significant increase. This indicates more flexibility in the active site. And leads to an increase in E₀ in the mutation point, an increase in the rate of electron reception, and an improved bioleaching process.