Abstract
Flavin-dependent N-monooxygenases (NMOs) are key enzymes in the biosynthesis of hydroxamate-containing siderophores, which are critical virulence factors in pathogenic microorganisms. SidA, an NMO from Aspergillus fumigatus, catalyzes the NADPH- and O(2)-dependent hydroxylation of L-ornithine (Orn) via a stable C4a-hydroperoxyflavin (FAD(OOH)) intermediate. This study investigates the role of Arg144 in the catalytic cycle of SidA. Site-directed mutagenesis of Arg144 to alanine (R144A) significantly impaired both oxygen consumption and Orn hydroxylation, resulting in an approximately 60-fold reduction in k(cat) and a ~300-fold decrease in k(cat)/K(M). The pH dependence, solvent kinetic isotope effects, and rapid-reaction kinetics reveal that R144 influences protonation events crucial for the decay of the FAD(OH) intermediate. Structural and kinetic evidence supports a model in which R144 participates in a hydrogen-bonding network that facilitates flavin oxidation.