Chapter 3 Studies of complex I by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Fourier transform vibrational infrared (FTIR) difference spectroscopy provides a novel spectroscopic tool to study atomic details of the structure and mechanism of respiratory NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I). Methods for the acquisition of difference spectra in both transmission and ATR modes in the mid-IR 4000 to 900 cm(-1) region are reviewed. In both modes, redox transitions can be induced by electrochemistry, and ultraviolet (UV)/visible spectra can be recorded simultaneously. Use of the ATR method with complex I layers immobilized on an internal reflection element (IRE) additionally allows transitions to be induced by perfusion/buffer exchange, hence providing a versatile means of analyzing IR changes associated with, for example, ligand/substrate binding or specific catalytic intermediates at high signal-to-noise. Absolute absorbance IR spectra can provide information on secondary structure, lipid/protein ratio, extent of isotope exchange, and sample quality and stability more generally. Such information is useful for quality control of samples during the acquisition of difference spectra in which specific atomic details of changes between two states may be probed. Examples of absolute and difference IR spectra of complex I are presented, and strategies for assignments of the spectral features are discussed.