Fe protein-independent substrate reduction by nitrogenase MoFe protein variants.

The reduction of substrates catalyzed by nitrogenase normally requires nucleotide-dependent Fe protein delivery of electrons to the MoFe protein, which contains the active site FeMo cofactor. Here, it is reported that independent substitution of three amino acids (β-98(Tyr→His), α-64(Tyr→His), and β-99(Phe→His)) located between the P cluster and FeMo cofactor within the MoFe protein endows it with the ability to reduce protons to H2, azide to ammonia, and hydrazine to ammonia without the need for Fe protein or ATP. Instead, electrons can be provided by the low-potential reductant polyaminocarboxylate-ligated Eu(II) (Em values of -1.

Uncoupling nitrogenase: catalytic reduction of hydrazine to ammonia by a MoFe protein in the absence of Fe protein-ATP.

The catalytic reduction of hydrazine (N(2)H(4)) to ammonia by a β-98(Tyr→His) MoFe protein in the absence of the Fe protein or ATP is reported. The reduction of N(2) or other substrates (e.g.