Ultraviolet Resonance Raman Spectroscopy of Bacteriorhodopsin and Its Photointermediates

Ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy was used to elucidate the dynamic change of the protein structure of bacteriorhodopsin (BR) during the photocycle. The photointermediates minus light- adapted (LA) BR difference spectra show Trp difference signals, which are assigned to Trp189 or Trp182 on helix F by using the mutants, W182F and W189F. The Difference signals of Trp 182 indicates an increase in hydrogen bonding strength at the indole nitrogen and a large change in the side chain conformation (X$\^$2,1/ torsion angle) in the M$_1$ \longrightarrow M$_2$ transition. On the other hand, Trp189 shows an increased hydrophobic interaction. These results suggest that the tilt of helix F occurs in the M$_1$\longrightarrow M$_2$ transition. In the M$_2$ \longrightarrow N transition, the hydrophobic interaction of Trp182 decreases drastically, The decrease in hydrophobic interaction of Trp182 in the N state suggests an invasion of water molecules that promote the proton transfer from Asp96 to the Schiff base. Structural reorganization of the protein after the tilt of helix F may be important for efficient reprotonation of the Schiff base.