In vitro and in vivo interactions of ferredoxin-NADP⁺ reductases in Pseudomonas putida

Ferredoxin-NADP⁺ reductase (Fpr) is known to control NADP ⁺/NADPH pool in proteobacteria. There is only one fpr gene present in most proteobacteria, but Pseudomonas putida has two Fprs (FprA and FprB). We elucidated the functional relationships between the two types of Fpr and their electron transport partners [ferredoxin (Fd) and flavodoxin (Fld)] by cloning, expressing and preparing these proteins in various combinations and assessing their properties in vitro and in vivo using biochemical assays, the Far-western analysis, the yeast two-hybrid assay and structural molecular modelling. Both of the Fprs have a lower K_m value for NADPH than for NADH in the diaphorase assays. With NADH as electron donor, FprB also has a high specific constant (k_cat/K_m) in the diaphorase assay. The catalytic efficiency of FprA is higher when Fld is present as its redox partner, compared to the kinetics observed with other electron transport partners in a NADPH-dependent cytochrome c reduction assay. The highest specific constant (k_cat/K_m) of FprB was observed in the presence of FdA. FprB's K_m value and catalytic activity (k_cat) with NADH were significant in cytochrome c reduction assays. Strong kinetic interactions of Fprs with their redox partners were also demonstrated by homology modelling, the Far-western analysis and the in vivo yeast two-hybrid system. This study demonstrates for the first time that Fprs in P. putida function as diaphorase, Fd/Fld reductases and determines their preferred redox partner in vivo and in vitro.