Mechanical rotation of the c subunit oligomer in ATP synthase (F0F1): direct observation

Science. 1999 Nov 26;286(5445):1722-4. doi: 10.1126/science.286.5445.1722.

Abstract

F0F1, found in mitochondria or bacterial membranes, synthesizes adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) coupling with an electrochemical proton gradient and also reversibly hydrolyzes ATP to form the gradient. An actin filament connected to a c subunit oligomer of F0 was able to rotate by using the energy of ATP hydrolysis. The rotary torque produced by the c subunit oligomer reached about 40 piconewton-nanometers, which is similar to that generated by the gamma subunit in the F1 motor. These results suggest that the gamma and c subunits rotate together during ATP hydrolysis and synthesis. Thus, coupled rotation may be essential for energy coupling between proton transport through F0 and ATP hydrolysis or synthesis in F1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / chemistry
  • Actins / metabolism
  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism*
  • Binding Sites
  • Biotinylation
  • Energy Transfer
  • Enzymes, Immobilized
  • Escherichia coli / enzymology
  • Hydrolysis
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / chemistry*
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Proton-Motive Force
  • Proton-Translocating ATPases / chemistry*
  • Proton-Translocating ATPases / metabolism*
  • Uncoupling Agents / metabolism
  • Uncoupling Agents / pharmacology
  • Venturicidins / pharmacology
  • Video Recording

Substances

  • Actins
  • Enzymes, Immobilized
  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • Uncoupling Agents
  • Venturicidins
  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • Proton-Translocating ATPases