Coenzyme F420 dependence of the methylenetetrahydromethanopterin dehydrogenase of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum.

To identify the electron acceptor of the methylenetetrahydromethanopterin dehydrogenase of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum, we have purified the enzyme to homogeneity. The purified enzyme is absolutely dependent on coenzyme F420 (a 7,8-didemethyl-8-hydroxy-5-deazariboflavin derivative) for activity. Several alternative electron acceptors are ineffectual in the reaction. Changes in the absorption spectra of reaction mixtures indicate that 1.1 mol of coenzyme F420 is reduced per mol of substrate oxidized. The reaction is reversible and the equilibrium favors oxidation of methylenetetrahydromethanopterin.