Anomalous effect of uncouplers on respiratory chain-linked transhydrogenation in Escherichia coli membranes: evidence for a localized proton pathway?

Energization of the pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase in everted membrane vesicles from Escherichia coli JM83 was compared with the process in vesicles of the same strain transformed with the plasmid pDC21 overexpressing this enzyme. Proton translocation was assayed by the quenching of the fluorescence of the probe quinacrine. Agents able to discharge transmembrane proton gradients such as nigericin and the uncouplers 3,3',4',5-tetrachlorosalicylanilide and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone inhibited ATP-dependent transhydrogenation of NADP by NADH and discharged transmembrane proton gradients generated by transhydrogenation of AcNAD by NADPH, by oxidation of NADH, and by hydrolysis of ATP. This was observed in everted membrane vesicles of both strains JM83 and JM83pDC21. These strains differed significantly in the response of the NADH oxidation-dependent transhydrogenase. This reaction was inhibited by nigericin and uncouplers in membrane vesicles of JM83 but there was little inhibition or the reaction was stimulated in JM83pDC21, in spite of the discharge of the NADH oxidation-generated proton gradient measured by quinacrine fluorescence in the latter strain. It is proposed that the transhydrogenase is energized by direct or local (nonbulk phase) proton translocation in membranes of this strain. Uncouplers might facilitate these routes but would not discharge them. The generality of these observations was shown using other strains. NADH oxidase activity was severalfold lower in membrane vesicles of JM83pDC21 compared with JM83. The levels of ubiquinone and cytochromes, and the activities of NADH dehydrogenases I and II, and of cytochrome oxidase, were similar in the two strains. It is concluded that the NADH oxidase activity of JM83pDC21 is low because of the reduced rate of collision between electron-transferring complexes of the respiratory chain due to the large amount of transhydrogenase protein in the membranes of this strain. The large amount of transhydrogenase favors direct, nonbulk phase proton transfer. Transhydrogenase activity was stimulated by Ca2+, Mg2+, or Mn2+.     

Energy coupling of L-glutamate transport and vacuolar H(+)-ATPase in brain synaptic vesicles

Energy coupling of L-glutamate transport in brain synaptic vesicles has been studied. ATP-dependent acidification of the bovine brain synaptic vesicles was shown to require CI-, to be accelerated by valinomycin and to be abolished by ammonium sulfate, nigericin or CCCP plus valinomycin, and K+. On the other hand, ATP-driven formation of a membrane potential (positive inside) was found to be stimulated by ammonium sulfate, not to be affected by nigericin and to be abolished by CCCP plus valinomycin and K+. Like formation of a membrane potential, ATP-dependent L-[3H]glutamate uptake into vesicles was stimulated by ammonium sulfate, not affected by nigericin and abolished by CCCP plus valinomycin and K+. The L-[3H]glutamate uptake differed in specificity from the transport system in synaptic plasma membranes. Both ATP-dependent H+ pump activity and L-glutamate uptake were inhibited by bafilomycin and cold treatment (common properties of vacuolar H(+)-ATPase). ATP-dependent acidification in the presence of L-glutamate was also observed, suggesting that L-glutamate uptake lowered the membrane potential to drive further entry of H+. These results were consistent with the notion that the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase of synpatic vesicles formed a membrane potential to drive L-glutamate uptake. ATPase activity of the vesicles was not affected by the addition of Cl-, glutamate or nigericin, indicating that an electrochemical H+ gradient had no effect on the ATPase activity.     

Salmonella typhimurium HfrA, a mutant in which adenosine triphosphate can drive amino acid transport but not energy-dependent nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenation.

In contrast with wild-type Salmonella typhimurium LT2, strain HfrA did not have ATP-driven energy-dependent transhydrogenase activity, although ATP-dependent quenching of atebrin fluorescence was normal. Respiration-dependent and energy-independent transhydrogenase, and Ca2+-activated ATPase (adenosine triphosphatase) activities were similar in both strains. Purified ATPases from the two strains had similar specific activities, similar subunit polypeptides, and were equally effective in restoring energy-dependent transhydrogenase activities to membrane particles of strain LT2 from which the ATPase had been stripped. The purified ATPases from both strains could restore respiration-dependent but not ATP-dependent transhydrogenation to stripped particles of strain HfrA. Both strains grew aerobically equally well on salts media containing glucose, malate, succinate, citrate, acetate, pyruvate, fumarate, lactate or aspartate as substrates. Growth on glucose under anaerobic conditions was similar. Strains LT2 and HfrA were equally effective in the accumulation under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions of the amino acids proline, phenylalanine, histidine, lysine, isoleucine and aspartic acid. Inhibition of amino acid accumulation by KCN and dicyclohexylcarbodi-imide occurred to the same extent in both strains. The complete inhibition by dicyclohexylcarbodi-imide of amino acid uptake under anaerobic conditions suggested that ATP could drive amino acid uptake in both strains. The ability of strain HfrA to carry out ATP-dependent transport or quenching of atebrin fluorescence but not ATP-dependent transhydrogenation is different from the wild-type strain and from any previously described energy-coupling mutant. It is difficult to reconcile the properties of this mutant with the chemiosmotic hypothesis.     

Energy-linked mitochondrial pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase of adult Hymenolepis diminuta.

Employing "phosphorylating" submitochondrial particles as the source of pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase, the occurrence of an energy-linked NADH----NADP+ transhydrogenation in the adult cestode Hymenolepis diminuta was demonstrated. The isolated particles displayed rotenone-sensitive NADH utilization and the reversible transhydrogenase, with the NADPH----NAD+ transhydrogenation being more prominent. Although not inhibiting the NADPH----NAD+ reaction, rotenone, but not oligomycin, inhibited the catalysis of NADH----NADP+ transhydrogenation. In the presence of rotenone, Mg2+ plus ATP stimulated by more than 3-fold NADH----NADP+ transhydrogenation. This stimulation was ATP specific and was abolished by EDTA or oligomycin. Succinate was essentially without effect on the NADH----NADP+ reaction. These data demonstrate the occurrence of an energy-linked transhydrogenation between NADH and NADP+ with energization resulting from either electron transport-dependent NADH oxidation or ATP utilization via the phosphorylating mechanism in accord with the preparation of "phosphorylating" particles. This is the first demonstration of an energy-linked transhydrogenation in the parasitic helminths and apparently in the invertebrates generally.     

The lysosomal proton pump is electrogenic

Lysosomes were purified approximately 40-fold from rat kidney cortex by differential and Percoll density gradient centrifugation. In a sucrose medium, the lysosomes quenched the fluorescence of the potential sensitive dye diS-C3-(5) (3,3'-dipropylthiocarbo-cyanine iodide) in a time-dependent manner, indicating that the dye accumulates within the lysosomal interior. After treatment of the lysosomes with valinomycin, the dye fluorescence displayed a logarithmic dependence upon the external K+ concentration; thus, the fluorescence signal provides a semiquantitative measure of the lysosomal membrane potential (delta psi). In the absence of valinomycin, lysosomal quenching of diS-C3-(5) fluorescence was partially reversed by agents which collapse the lysosomal pH gradient (ammonium sulfate, chloroquine, and K nigericin), suggesting that the proton gradient across the lysosomal membrane contributes to delta psi. A rapid increase in diS-C3-(5) fluorescence, indicative of an increase in delta psi, was observed upon the addition of Mg-ATP to the lysosomes. The ATP-dependent fluorescence change was inhibited by protonophores, K valinomycin, permeable anions, and N-ethylmaleimide, but was unaffected by ammonium sulfate, K nigericin, or sodium vanadate. Oligomycin had no effect at concentrations below 2 micrograms/ml; at higher concentrations, oligomycin partially inhibited the fluorescence response to Mg-ATP, but it also inhibited the fluorescence response to K valinomycin, suggesting that it had modified the permeability of the lysosomal membrane. Dicylohexylcarbodiimide behaved similarly to oligomycin. Mg-ATP also altered the lysosomal distribution of 86Rb+ (in the presence of valinomycin) and S[14C]CN-, consistent with an increase in the potential of the lysosomal interior of 40-50 mV. The results demonstrate that the lysosomal proton pump is electrogenic.     

Oxidation of NADPH by submitochondrial particles from beef heart in complete absence of transhydrogenase activity from NADPH to NAD.

Treatment of submitochondrial particles (ETP) with trypsin at 0 degrees destroyed NADPH leads to NAD (or 3-acetylpyridine adenine dinucleotide, AcPyAD) transhydrogenase activity. NADH oxidase activity was unaffected; NADPH oxidase and NADH leads to AcPyAD transhydrogenase activities were diminished by less than 10%. When ETP was incubated with trypsin at 30 degrees, NADPH leads to NAD transhydrogenase activity was rapidly lost, NADPH oxidase activity was slowly destroyed, but NADH oxidase activity remained intact. The reduction pattern by NADPH, NADPH + NAD, and NADH of chromophores absorbing at 475 minus 510 nm (flavin and iron-sulfur centers) in complex I (NADH-ubiquinone reductase) or ETP treated with trypsin at 0 degrees also indicated specific destruction of transhydrogenase activity. The sensitivity of the NADPH leads to NAD transhydrogenase reaction to trypsin suggested the involvement of susceptible arginyl residues in the enzyme. Arginyl residues are considered to be positively charged binding sites for anionic substrates and ligands in many enzymes. Treatment of ETP with the specific arginine-binding reagent, butanedione, inhibited transhydrogenation from NADPH leads to NAD (or AcPyAD). It had no effect on NADH oxidation, and inhibited NADPH oxidation and NADH leads to AcPyAD transhydrogenation by only 10 to 15% even after 30 to 60 min incubation of ETP with butanedione. The inhibition of NADPH leads to NAD transhydrogenation was diminished considerably when butanedione was added to ETP in the presence of NAD or NADP. When both NAD and NADP were present, the butanedione effect was completely abolished, thus suggesting the possible presence of arginyl residues at the nucleotide binding site of the NADPH leads to NAD transhydrogenase enzyme. Under conditions that transhydrogenation from NADPH to NAD was completely inhibited by trypsin or butanedione, NADPH oxidation rate was larger than or equal to 220 nmol min-1 mg-1 ETP protein at pH 6.0 and 30 degrees. The above results establish that in the respiratory chain of beef-heart mitochondria NADH oxidation, NADPH oxidation, and NADPH leads to NAD transhydrogenation are independent reactions.     

Chemical modification of mitochondrial transhydrogenase: evidence for two classes of sulfhydryl groups.

Chemical-modification studies on submitochondrial particle pyridine dinucleotide transhydrogenase (EC 1.6.1.1) demonstrate the presence of one class of sulfhydryl group in the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) site and another peripheral to the active site. Reaction of the peripheral sulfhydryl group with N-ethylmaleimide, or both classes with 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), completely inactivated transhydrogenase. NADP+ or NADPH nearly completely protected against 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) inactivation and modification of both classes of sulfhydryl groups, while NADP+ only partially protected against and NADPH substantially stimulated N-ethylmaleimide inactivation. Methyl methanethiolsulfonate treatment resulted in methanethiolation at both classes of sulfhydryl groups, and either NADP+ or NADPH protected only the NADP site group. S-Methanethio and S-cyano transhydrogenases were active derivatives with pH optima shifted about 1 unit lower than that of the native enzyme. These experiments indicate that neither class of sulfhydryl group is essential for transhydrogenation. Lack of involvement of either sulfhydryl group in energy coupling to transhydrogenation is suggested by the observations that S-methanethio transhydrogenase is functional in (a) energy-linked transhydrogenation promoted by phenazine methosulfate mediated ascorbate oxidation and (b) the generation of a membrane potential during the reduction of NAD+ by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH).     

Calcium transport driven by a proton motive force in vacuolar membrane vesicles of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Vacuolar membrane vesicles of Saccharomyces cerevisiae accumulate Ca2+ ion in the presence of ATP, not in the presence of ADP or adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate. Calcium transport showed saturation kinetics with a Km value of 0.1 mM and optimal pH of 6.4. Ca2+ ion incorporated in the vesicles was exchangeable and released completely by a protonophore uncoupler, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzilidenemalononitrile (SF6847), or calcium-specific ionophore, A23187. The transport required Mg2+ ion but was inhibited by Cu2+ or Zn2+ ions, inhibitors of H+-ATPase of the vacuolar membrane. The transport activity was sensitive to the H+-ATPase inhibitor N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, but not to oligomycin or sodium vanadate. SF6847 or nigericin blocked Ca2+ uptake completely, but valinomycin stimulated it 1.35-fold. These results indicate that an electrochemical potential difference of protons is a driving force for this Ca2+ transport. The ATP-dependent formation of the deltapH in the vesicles and its partial dissipation by CaCl2 were demonstrated by fluorescence quenching of quinacrine. This Ca2+ uptake by vacuolar membrane vesicles is suggested to be catalyzed by a Ca2+/H+ antiport system.     

Energy-linked nicotinamide-nucleotide transhydrogenase. Light-driven transhydrogenase catalyzed by transhydrogenase from beef heart mitochondria reconstituted with bacteriorhodopsin

Purified nicotinamide-nucleotide transhydrogenase from beef heart mitochondria was co-reconstituted with bacteriorhodopsin to from transhydrogenase-bacteriorhodopsin vesicles that catalyze a 20-fold light-dependent and uncoupler-sensitive stimulation of the reduction of NADP+ and NADP+ analogs by NADH and a 50-fold shift of the nicotinamide nucleotide ratio. In the presence of light, the transhydrogenase-bacteriorhodopsin vesicles catalyzed a pronounced light intensity-dependent inward proton pumping as indicated by a pH shift of the medium. As indicated by pH shifts, proton pumping by the bacteriorhodopsin essentially paralleled the light-driven transhydrogenase. Addition of valinomycin increased the pH shift twice with a concomitant 50% inhibition of the light-driven transhydrogenase, whereas nigericin inhibited the pH shift completely and the light-driven transhydrogenase partially. Taken together, these results suggest that transhydrogenase and bacteriorhodopsin interact through a delocalized proton-motive force. Possible partial reactions of transhydrogenase were investigated with transhydrogenase-bacteriorhodopsin vesicles energized by light. Reduction of oxidized 3-acetylpyridine adenine dinucleotide by NADH, previously claimed to represent partial reactions, was found to require NADPH. Similarly, reduction of thio-NADP+ by NADPH required NADH. It is concluded that these reactions do not represent partial reactions.     

The energy-linked transhydrogenase reaction in respiratory mutants of Escherichia coli K 12

1. Energy-linked and non-energy-linked transhydrogenase activities were assayed in membrane preparations from normal Escherichia coli K 12 and from various mutant strains. 2. The energy-linked transhydrogenase, which uses ATP as energy source, was dependent for activity on the presence of a functional Mg(2+)+Ca(2+)-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase. 3. Neither of the quinones formed by E. coli, namely ubiquinone-8 and menaquinone-8, was required for normal ATP-dependent energy-linked transhydrogenase activity. 4. The energy-linked transhydrogenase was inhibited by piericidin A at a site unrelated to the sites of inhibition of the electron-transport chain by piericidin A.     

Resolution and reconstitution of Rhodospirillum rubrum pyridine dinucleotide transhydrogenase. Proteolytic and thermal inactivation of the membrane component.

Pyridine dinucleotide transhydrogenase of the Rhodospirillum rubrum chromatophore membrane was readily resolved by a washing procedure into two inactive components, a soluble transhydrogenase factor protein and an insoluble membrane-bound factor. Transhydrogenation was reconstituted on reassociation of these components. The capacity of the membrane factor to reconstitute enzymatic activity was lost after proteolysis of soluble transhydrogenase factor-depleted membranes with trypsin. NADP+ or NADPH, but neither NAD+ nor NADH, stimulated by several fold the rate of trypsin-dependent inactivation of the membrane factor. Substantial protection of the membrane factor from proteolytic inactivation was observed in the presence of Mg2+ ions, an inhibitor of transhydrogenation, or when the soluble transhydrogenase factor was bound to the membrane. Coincident with the loss of enzymatic reconstitutive capacity of the membrane factor was a loss in the ability of the membranes to bind the soluble transhydrogenase factor in a stable complex. The membrane component was inactivated by preincubating soluble transhydrogenase factor-depleted membranes at temperatures above 45 degrees. NADP+, NADPH, or Mg2+ ions, but neither NAD+ nor NADH, protected against inactivation. These studies indicate that (a) the binding of NADP+ or NADPH to the membrane factor promotes a conformational alteration in the protein such that its themostability and susceptibility to proteolysis are increased, and (b) the inhibitory Mg2+ ion-binding site resides in the membrane component.     

Purification and properties of reconstitutively active nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase of Escherichia coli

The nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase of Escherichia coli has been purified from cytoplasmic membranes by pre-extraction of the membranes with sodium cholate and Triton X-100, solubilization of the enzyme with sodium deoxycholate in the presence of 1 M potassium chloride, and centrifugation through a 1.1 M sucrose solution. The purified enzyme consists of two subunits, alpha and beta, of apparent Mr 50000 and 47000. During transhydrogenation between NADPH and 3-acetylpyridine adenine dinucleotide by both the purified enzyme reconstituted into liposomes and the membrane-bound enzyme, a pH gradient is established across the membrane as indicated by the quenching of the fluorescence of 9-aminoacridine. Treatment of transhydrogenase with N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide results in an inhibition of proton pump activity and transhydrogenation, suggesting that proton translocation and catalytic activities are obligatory linked. NADH protected the enzyme against inhibition by N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, while NADP, and to a lesser extent NADPH, appeared to increase the rate of inhibition. [14C]Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide preferentially labelled the 50000-Mr subunit of the transhydrogenase enzyme. The presence of an allosteric binding site which reacts with NADH, but not with reduced 3-acetylpyridine adenine dinucleotide, has been demonstrated.     

Midgut mitochondrial transhydrogenase in wandering stage larvae of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

Midgut mitochondria from fifth larval instar Manduca sexta exhibited a transhydrogenase that catalyzes the following reversible reaction: NADPH + NAD(+) <--> NADP(+) + NADH. The NADPH-forming transhydrogenation occurred as a nonenergy- and energy-linked activity. Energy for the latter was derived from the electron transport-dependent utilization of NADH or succinate, or from Mg++-dependent ATP hydrolysis by ATPase. The NADH-forming and all of the NADPH-forming reactions appeared optimal at pH 7.5, were stable to prolonged dialysis, and displayed thermal lability. N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) inhibited the NADPH --> NAD(+) and energy-linked NADH --> NADP(+) transhydrogenations, but not the nonenergy-linked NADH --> NADP(+) reaction. Oligomycin only inhibited the ATP-dependent energy-linked activity. The NADH-forming, nonenergy-linked NADPH-forming, and the energy-linked NADPH-forming activities were membrane-associated in M. sexta mitochondria. This is the first demonstration of the reversibility of the M. sexta mitochondrial transhydrogenase and, more importantly, the occurrence of nonenergy-linked and energy-linked NADH --> NADP(+) transhydrogenations. The potential relationship of the transhydrogenase to the mitochondrial, NADPH-utilizing ecdysone-20 monooxygenase of M. sexta is considered.     

Comparison of the Properties of γ-Aminobutyric Acid and L-Glutamate Uptake into Synaptic Vesicles Isolated from Rat Brain

Rat brain synaptic vesicles exhibit ATP-dependent uptake of gamma-[3H]amino-n-butyric acid ([3H]GABA) and L-[3H]glutamate. After hypotonic shock, the highest specific activities of uptake of both L-glutamate and GABA were recovered in the 0.4 M fraction of a sucrose gradient. The uptakes of L-glutamate and GABA were inhibited by similar, but not identical, concentrations of the mitochondrial uncoupler carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone and the ionophores nigericin and gramicidin, but they were not inhibited by the K+ carrier valinomycin. N,N'-Dicyclohexyl-carbodiimide and N-ethylmaleimide, Mg2+-ATPase inhibitors, inhibited the GABA and L-glutamate uptakes similarly. Low concentrations of Cl- stimulated the vesicular uptake of L-glutamate but not that of GABA. The uptakes of both L-glutamate and GABA were inhibited by high concentrations of Cl-. These results indicate that the vesicular GABA and L-glutamate uptakes are driven by an electrochemical proton gradient generated by a similar Mg2+-ATPase. The vesicular uptake mechanisms are discussed in relation to other vesicle uptake systems.     

Chemotaxis of Spirochaeta aurantia: involvement of membrane potential in chemosensory signal transduction.

The effects of valinomycin and nigericin on sugar chemotaxis in Spirochaeta aurantia were investigated by using a quantitative capillary assay, and the fluorescent cation, 3,3'-dipropyl-2,2'-thiodicarbocyanine iodide was used as a probe to study effects of chemoattractants on membrane potential. Addition of a chemoattractant, D-xylose, to cells in either potassium or sodium phosphate buffer resulted in a transient membrane depolarization. In the presence of valinomycin, the membrane potential of cells in potassium phosphate buffer was reduced, and the transient membrane depolarization that resulted from the addition of D-xylose was eliminated. Although there was no detectable effect of valinomycin on motility, D-xylose taxis of cells in potassium phosphate buffer was completely inhibited by valinomycin. In sodium phosphate buffer, valinomycin had little effect on membrane potential or D-xylose taxis. Nigericin is known to dissipate the transmembrane pH gradient of S. aurantia in potassium phosphate buffer. This compound did not dissipate the membrane potential or the transient membrane depolarization observed upon addition of D-xylose to cells in either potassium or sodium phosphate buffer. Nigericin did not inhibit D-xylose taxis in either potassium or sodium phosphate buffer. This study indicates that the membrane potential but not the transmembrane pH gradient of S. aurantia is somehow involved in chemosensory signal transduction.     

Energy-linked transhydrogenase. Effects of valinomycin and nigericin on the ATP-driven transhydrogenase reaction catalyzed by reconstituted transhydrogenase-ATPase vesicles

Reconstituted transhydrogenase-ATPase vesicles obtained with purified beef heart transhydrogenase and oligomycin-sensitive ATPase were investigated with respect to the mode of interaction between the two proton pumps, with special reference to the relative contributions of the membrane potential and proton gradient using valinomycin and nigericin in the presence of potassium. In the absence of ionophores and at low ATP concentrations, below 20 microM, the ATPase generated a proton motive force which was predominantly due to a membrane potential, whereas at saturating concentrations of ATP the proton gradient was the predominant component. The ATP-dependence of the rate of the ATP-driven transhydrogenase reaction showed apparent Km values in the low and high ATP concentration range of about 3 and 56 microM, respectively, with a corresponding difference in Vmax of about 3-fold. It is concluded that the reconstituted transhydrogenase can utilize both a membrane potential and a proton gradient, separately or combined, where the relative contributions of these components depend on the activity of the ATPase. In the reconstituted vesicles, the maximally active transhydrogenase is apparently driven by an electrochemical proton gradient where the membrane potential and the proton gradient contribute one-third and two-thirds, respectively. The rate-dependent relative generation of a membrane potential and pH gradient presumably reflects the proton pump characteristics of the ATPase and/or buffering/permeability characteristics of the vesicles rather than the properties of the transhydrogenase per se. These results are discussed in relation to current models for transhydrogenase-linked proton translocation.     

Cholate resistance in Lactococcus lactis is mediated by an ATP-dependent multispecific organic anion transporter

The cholate-resistant Lactococcus lactis strain C41-2, derived from wild-type L. lactis MG1363 through selection for growth on cholate-containing medium, displayed a reduced accumulation of cholate due to an enhanced active efflux. However, L. lactis C41-2 was not cross resistant to deoxycholate or cationic drugs, such as ethidium and rhodamine 6G, which are typical substrates of the multidrug transporters LmrP and LmrA in L. lactis MG1363. The cholate efflux activity in L. lactis C41-2 was not affected by the presence of valinomycin plus nigericin, which dissipated the proton motive force. In contrast, cholate efflux in L. lactis C41-2 was inhibited by ortho-vanadate, an inhibitor of P-type ATPases and ATP-binding cassette transporters. Besides ATP-dependent drug extrusion by LmrA, two other ATP-dependent efflux activities have previously been detected in L. lactis, one for the artificial pH probe 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5(and 6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) and the other for the artificial pH probe N-(fluorescein thio-ureanyl)-glutamate (FTUG). Surprisingly, the efflux rate of BCECF, but not that of FTUG, was significantly enhanced in L. lactis C41-2. Further experiments with L. lactis C41-2 cells and inside out membrane vesicles revealed that cholate and BCECF inhibit the transport of each other. These data demonstrate the role of an ATP-dependent multispecific organic anion transporter in cholate resistance in L. lactis.     

In vitro translocation of protein across Escherichia coli membrane vesicles requires both the proton motive force and ATP

The energy requirement for protein translocation across membrane was studied with inverted membrane vesicles from an Escherichia coli strain that lacks all components of F1F0-ATPase. An ompF-lpp chimeric protein was used as a model secretory protein. Translocation of the chimeric protein into membrane vesicles was totally inhibited in the presence of carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) or valinomycin and nigericin and partially inhibited when either valinomycin or nigericin alone was added. Depletion of ATP with glucose and hexokinase resulted in the complete inhibition of the translocation process, and the inhibition was suppressed by the addition of ATP-generating systems such as phosphoenolpyruvate-pyruvate kinase or creatine phosphate-creatine kinase. These results indicate that both the proton motive force and ATP are required for the translocation process. The results further suggest that both the membrane potential and the chemical gradient of protons (delta pH), of which the proton motive force is composed, participate in the translocation process.     

A microsomal ATP-activated pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase

An ATP-activated transhydrogenase which catalyzes the reduction of TPN⁺ by DPNH has been demonstrated in the microsomal fraction from the endosperm of immature Echinocystis macrocarpa seeds. The activity is specifically dependent on the presence of ATP (K_m of approximately 0.1 mm) of several nucleotides tested. The reaction is stimulated by MgCl₂ addition up to concentrations of 6 mm. When 10^?2m EDTA is added to the assay mixture in the absence of added MgCl₂, a transhydrogenation reaction is observed which no longer shows any dependence on added ATP. A TPN⁺-dependent ATPase activity can be demonstrated in these preparations, but no fixed stoichiometry between ATP cleavage and TPNH formation could be established. A lag in attaining the maximal rate of transhydrogenation is seen unless the enzyme is preincubated for 10 min with ATP before initiating the reaction. It can further be shown that preincubation of the enzyme with ATP followed by removal of the ATP on a Dowex 1 column produces an enzyme capable of catalyzing the transhydrogenation without the further addition of ATP. 2,4-Dinitrophenol and thyroxin are effective inhibitors of the transhydrogenase and 2,4-dinitrophenol was shown to inhibit the activating effect of ATP during the preincubation period. It is concluded that the role of ATP is in the modification of the enzyme rather than direct participation in the transhydrogenation. The transhydrogenase is inhibited by ADP and AMP. This results in a response of the enzyme to adenylate energy charge in a manner characteristic for regulatory enzymes which participate in ATP-utilizing metabolic sequences.     

Some properties of membrane-bound, solubilized and reconstituted into liposomes H+-ATPase of vacuoles of Saccharomyces carlsbergensis

Vacuoles of yeast grown in peptone medium possessed high ATPase activity (up to 1 mumol X mg protein-1 X min-1). Membrane-bound and solubilized ATPase activities were insensitive to vanadate and azide, but were inhibited by NO-3 . K+ and cyclic AMP stimulated both membrane-bound and solubilized ATPase activities. Dio-9 activated the membrane form of vacuolar ATPase 1.5-2-fold and did not affect the solubilized enzyme. Solubilized and partially purified vacuolar ATPase was reconstituted with soy-bean phospholipids by a freeze-thaw procedure. ATPase activities in native vacuoles and proteoliposomes were stimulated effectively by Dio-9, the protonophore FCCP and ionophores valinomycin and nigericin. ATP-dependent H+ transport into proteoliposomes was also shown by quenching of ACMA fluorescence. Vacuolar and partially purified ATPase preparations possessed also GTPase activity. Unlike ATPase, however, GTPase was not incorporated as a proton pump into liposomes.