Regulation of phospholipid-ATPase complex interaction by the adenine nucleotide carrier

(1) The effect of phospholipids on a preparation containing the ATPase complex and the adenine nucleotide carrier is studied in the presence of ligands known to affect the conformation of these components of the mitochondrial inner membrane. (2) When ATPase activity is abolished by phospholipid depletion, the reactivation induced by phosphatidylcholine is prevented by the simultaneous addition of ATP. ADP partially reproduces the ATP effect. AMP, GTP, UTP and P_i are ineffective. (3) The influence of ATP is associated with reduced phospholipid binding to the membrane fragments and is reversible. The ATP effect on reconstitution is not manifest when phosphatidylcholine is added together with negatively charged phospholipids. (4) Carboxyatractyloside does not modify the phospholipid-ATPase complex interaction but bongkrekic acid is as effective as ATP. In the presence of ADP, the influence of bongkrekic acid is considerably increased. (5) It is concluded that the binding of ATP to the adenine nucleotide carrier enables the complex to select between the charged and uncharged phospholipids. As a result of the carrier conformational change, the ATPase complex is induced to prefer a negatively charged phospholipid environment.     

Chemical modification of the Ca2+-dependent ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum from skeletal muscle. I. Binding of N-ethylmaleimide to sarcoplasmic reticulum: evidence for sulfhydryl groups in the active site of ATPase and for conformational changes induced by adenosine tri- and diphosphate.

The time course of binding of N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) to the SR was measured at pH 7.5 in the presence or absence of ATP or ADP. The following results were obtained. 1. Both in the presence and absence of nucleotide, the ATPase [EC 3.6.1.3] activity decreased linearly with increase in the amount of NEM bound to the fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), and was inhibited almost completely by the binding of 2 moles of NEM per 10(5) g of the SR protein. 2. The amount of NEM incorporated into the ATPase (M.W.=105,000) was measured by SDS disc-gel electrophoresis. It was shown that the ATPase activity was inhibited almost completely by the binding of 2 moles of NEM per mole of ATPase. 3. The rate of binding of NEM to SR decreased by 30-40% in the presence of either ATP or ADP. The concentrations of both ATP and ADP for half-saturation were 0.1-0.2mM. 4. The effect of nucleotide on the rate of binding of NEM was not changed by the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions. Similar effects were also observed even when the SR membranes were solubilized with Triton X-100. It is suggested from these results that one or two SH groups are located in the active site of the SR ATPase, and that conformational changes are induced by the addition of ATP and ADP.     

Energy-linked binding of Pi is required for continuous steady-state proton-translocating ATP hydrolysis catalyzed by F0.F1 ATP synthase

The presence of medium Pi (half-maximal concentration of 20 microM at pH 8.0) was found to be required for the prevention of the rapid decline in the rate of proton-motive force (pmf)-induced ATP hydrolysis by Fo.F1 ATP synthase in coupled vesicles derived from Paracoccus denitrificans. The initial rate of the reaction was independent of Pi. The apparent affinity of Pi for its "ATPase-protecting" site was strongly decreased with partial uncoupling of the vesicles. Pi did not reactivate ATPase when added after complete time-dependent deactivation during the enzyme turnover. Arsenate and sulfate, which was shown to compete with Pi when Fo.F1 catalyzed oxidative phosphorylation, substituted for Pi as the protectors of ATPase against the turnover-dependent deactivation. Under conditions where the enzyme turnover was not permitted (no ATP was present), Pi was not required for the pmf-induced activation of ATPase, whereas the presence of medium Pi (or sulfate) delayed the spontaneous deactivation of the enzyme which was induced by the membrane de-energization. The data are interpreted to suggest that coupled and uncoupled ATP hydrolysis catalyzed by Fo.F1 ATP synthases proceeds via different intermediates. Pi dissociates after ADP if the coupling membrane is energized (no E.ADP intermediate exists). Pi dissociates before ADP during uncoupled ATP hydrolysis, leaving the E.ADP intermediate which is transformed into the inactive ADP(Mg2+)-inhibited form of the enzyme (latent ATPase).     

Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation reactions of the red beet plasma membrane ATPase studied in the transient state

The reaction mechanism of the solubilized red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) plasma membrane ATPase was studied with a rapid quenching apparatus. Using a dual-labeled substrate ([γ-³²P]ATP and [5′,8-³H]ATP), the presteady-state time course of phosphoenzyme formation, phosphate liberation and ADP liberation was examined. The time course for both phosphoenzyme formation and ADP liberation showed a rapid, initial rise while the timecourse for phosphate liberation showed an initial lag. This indicated that ADP was released with formation of the phosphoenzyme while phosphate was released with phosphoenzyme breakdown. Phosphoenzyme formation was Mg²⁺-dependent and preincubation of the enzyme with free ATP followed by the addition of Mg²⁺ increased the rate of phosphoenzyme formation 2.3-fold. This implied that phosphoenzyme formation could result from a slow reaction of ATP binding followed by a more rapid reaction of phosphate group transfer. Phosphoenzyme formation was accelerated as the pH was decreased, and the relationship between pH and the apparent first-order rate constants for phosphoenzyme formation suggested the role of a histidyl residue in this process. Transient kinetics of phosphoenzyme breakdown confirmed the presence of two phosphoenzyme forms, and the discharge of the ADP-sensitive form by ADP correlated with ATP synthesis. Potassium chloride increased the rate of phosphoenzyme turnover and shifted the steady-state distribution of phosphoenzyme forms. From these results, a minimal catalytic mechanism is proposed for the red beet plasma membrane ATPase, and rate constants for several reaction steps are estimated.     

Modification of an essential arginine residue associated with the plasma membrane ATPase of red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) storage tissue

The dicarbonyl compounds, phenylgloxyl and 2,3-butanedione were used to demonstrate the presence of an essential arginine residue in the mechanism of the red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) plasma membrane ATPase. Treatment of the red beet ATPase with either of these reagents resulted in an inhibition of ATP hydrolytic activity protectable by the inclusion of either ATP or ADP during inhibitor incubation. Ligands of the ATP hydrolytic reaction also protected against phenylglyoxyl inhibition and affected the ability of ADP to protect against inhibition by this reagent. Kinetic analysis of 2,3-butanedione and phenylglyoxyl inhibition suggested the presence of a single arginine residue susceptible to attack by these reagents. As similar results with these arginine modification reagents were found for both the plasma membrane-associated and solubilized forms of the ATPase, it is apparent that the function of this arginyl moiety is not affected by detergent treatment and removal of the enzyme from the membrane.     

Simulation of cardiac work transitions, in vitro: effects of simultaneous Ca2+ and ATPase additions on isolated porcine heart mitochondria

During increases in cardiac work there are net increases in cytosolic [Ca(2+)] and ATP hydrolysis by myofiliments and ion transport ATPases. However, it is still unclear what role Ca(2+)or the ATP hydrolysis products, ADP and Pi, have on the regulation of mitochondrial ATP production. In this study, work jumps were simulated by simultaneous additions of Ca(2+) and ATPase to porcine heart mitochondria. The net effects on the mitochondrial ATP production were monitored by simultaneously monitoring respiration (mVo2), [NADH], [ADP] and membrane potential (deltapsi) at 37 degrees C. Addition of exogenous ATPase (300 mlU.ml(-1))]ATP (3.4 mM) was used to generate a 'resting' background production of ADP. This resting metabolic rate was 200% higher than the quiescent rate while [NADH] and deltapsi were reduced. Subsequent ATPase additions (1.3IU.ml(-)) were made with varying amounts of Ca(2+)(0 to 535 nM) to simulate step increases in cardiac work. Ca(2+) additions increased mVo2 and depolarized deltapsi, and were consistent with an activation of Fo/F1)ATPase. In contrast, Ca(2+) reduced the [NADH] response to the ATPase addition, consistent with Ca(2+)-sensitive dehydrogenase activity (CaDH). The calculated free ADP response to ATPase decreased \2-fold in the presence of Ca(2+). The addition of 172nM free Ca(2+)] ATPase increased mVo2 by 300% (P<0.05, n=8) while deltapsi decreased by 14.9+/-0.1 mV without changes in [NADH] (P > or =0.05, n=8), consistent with working heart preparations. The addition of Ca(2+) and ATPase combined increased the mitochondrial ATP production rate with changes in deltapsi, NADH and [ADP], consistent with an activation of CaDH and F o /F(1)ATPase activity. These balancing effects of ATPase activity and [Ca(2+)] may explain several aspects of metabolic regulation in the heart during work transitions in vivo.     

The mechanism of smooth muscle caldesmon-tropomyosin inhibition of the elementary steps of the actomyosin ATPase

Caldesmon is a component of smooth muscle thin filaments that inhibits the actomyosin ATPase via its interaction with actin-tropomyosin. We have performed a comprehensive transient kinetic characterization of the actomyosin ATPase in the presence of smooth muscle caldesmon and tropomyosin. At physiological ratios of caldesmon to actin (1 caldesmon/7 actin monomers) actomyosin ATPase is inhibited by about 75%. Inhibitory caldesmon concentrations had little effect upon the rate of S1 binding to actin, actin-S1 dissociation by ATP, and dissociation of ADP from actin-S1 x ADP; however the rate of phosphate release from the actin-S1 x ADP x P(i) complex was decreased by more than 80%. In addition the transient of phosphate release displayed a lag of up to 200 ms. The presence of a lag phase indicates that a step on the pathway prior to phosphate release has become rate-limiting. Premixing the actin-tropomyosin filaments with myosin heads resulted in the disappearance of the lag phase. We conclude that caldesmon inhibition of the rate of phosphate release is caused by the thin filament being switched by caldesmon to an inactive state. The active and inactive states correspond to the open and closed states observed in skeletal muscle thin filaments with no evidence for the existence of a third, blocked state. Taken together these data suggest that at physiological concentrations, caldesmon controls the isomerization of the weak binding complex to the strong binding complex, and this causes the inhibition of the rate of phosphate release. This inhibition is sufficient to account for the inhibition of the steady state actomyosin ATPase by caldesmon and tropomyosin.     

H-ATPase Activity from Storage Tissue of Beta vulgaris: III. Modulation of ATPase Activity by Reaction Substrates and Products

Two distinct membrane fractions containing H⁺-ATPase activity were prepared from red beet. One fraction contained a H⁺-ATPase activity that was inhibited by NO₃⁻ while the other contained a H⁺-ATPase inhibited by vanadate. We have previously proposed that these H⁺-ATPases are associated with tonoplast (NO₃⁻-sensitive) and plasma membrane (vanadate-sensitive), respectively. Both ATPase were examined to determine to what extent their activity was influenced by variations in the concentration of ATPase substrates and products. The substrate for both ATPase was MgATP²⁻, and Mg²⁺ concentrations in excess of ATP had only a slight inhibitory effect on either ATPase. Both ATPases were inhibited by free ATP (i.e. ATP concentrations in excess of Mg²⁺) and ADP but not by AMP. The plasma membrane ATPase was more sensitive than the tonoplast ATPase to free ATP and the tonoplast ATPase was more sensitive than the plasma membrane ATPase to ADP.

Inhibition of both ATPases by free ATP was complex. Inhibition of the plasma membrane ATPase by ADP was competitive whereas the tonoplast ATPase demonstrated a sigmoidal dependence on MgATP²⁻ in the presence of ADP. Inorganic phosphate moderately inhibited both ATPases in a noncompetitive manner.

Calcium inhibited the plasma membrane but not the tonoplast ATPase, apparently by a direct interaction with the ATPase rather than by disrupting the MgATP²⁻ complex.

The sensitivity of both ATPases to ADP suggests that under conditions of restricted energy supply H⁺-ATPase activity may be reduced by increases in ADP levels rather than by decreases in ATP levels per se. The sensitivity of both ATPases to ADP and free ATP suggests that modulation of cytoplasmic Mg²⁺ could modulate ATPase activity at both the tonoplast and plasma membrane.

     

Relation between the gradient of the ATP/ADP ratio and the membrane potential across the mitochondrial membrane.

The relation between the intramitochondrial and extramitochondrial ratio ATP/ADP, the transmembrane potential and pH gradient is investigated in the present communication. For this purpose mitochondria are equilibrated with added [14C]ATP in the presence of substrate and oligomycin for eliminating phosphate transfer by ATPase. The membrane potential was measured by the distribution of 86Rb+ in the presence of valinomycin, the deltapH by the distribution of [14C]acetate. In the energized state by varying deltapsi between 60 and 160 mV, the internal (ATP/ADP)i is decreased 30-fold, the external (ATP/ADP)e remains largely constant. As a result, the deltalog (ATP/ADP)e/(ATP/ADP)i = deltalogphi is increased linerly with deltapsi according to the following relation: deltalogphi = 0.85 deltapsi - 0.35. The deltapH was changed between 0.1 and 0.8 by increasing the Pi concentration causing only a minor decrease of deltalogphi would be expected if the ATP-ADP exchange has a significant electroneutral portion. Also in the uncoupled and respiration-inhibited state the same function between deltalogphi and deltapsi is found as in the energized states. It is concluded that under these conditions the ATP-ADP exchange is largely electrical.     

The functional coupling between MM isozyme of creatine phosphokinase (EC 2.7.3.2.) and MgATPase of myofibrils and (Na, K)ATPase of plasma membrane in heart cells]

The functional role of particulate MM isozyme of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) bound to heart myofibrils has been studied. It has been shown that in the presence of heart myofibrils and MgATP creatine phosphate can be used to rephosphorylate ADP formed in the MgATPase reaction. The rate of creatine phosphate splitting is determined by the kinetic properties of myofibrillar MgATPase and by the kinetic parameters of myofibrillar CPK. It has been found that a purified heart plasma membrane preparation contains high CPK activity. CPK isozyme bound to plasma membrane of heart cells is identical to MM isozyme of CPK and is able to rephosphorylate effectively ADP, formed in the (Na K)ATPase reaction. The rate of creatine phosphate splitting in these coupled reactions is sensitive to ouabain and is determined by the kinetic parameters both of the (Na, K)ATPase and plasma membrane CPK. The results obtained indicate the important role of myofibrillar and plasma membrane CPK in the intracellular energy transport processes.     

Kinetic studies on the membrane-bound and the purified coupling factor-ATPase from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides

The activity of membrane-bound and purified ATPase (EC 3.6.1.3) was potentiated by several divalent cations. Highest rates of ATP hydrolysis were obtained when the activity was measured with the (cation-ATP)2- complex. Free ATP and free divalent cations in excess were found to be competitive inhibitors to the complex. The apparent Km (complex) values were lower than the Ki values for free ATP indicating that the (cation-ATP)2- complex is bound more tightly to the enzyme than the free ATP. Based on these results, a binding of the complex to the active site at two points is suggested, namely through the ATP and through the cation. Removal of the coupling factor from the membrane apparently caused conformational changes which resulted in a pronounced alteration of the kinetic parameters of ATPase activity. Whereas highest values in chromatophore-bound ATPase activity were observed in the presence of Mg2+, the purified enzyme became even more active in the presence of Ca2+. The Ki values for free ATP decreased upon solubilization of the enzyme. Free Mg2+ in excess was more inhibitory on the purified ATPase than Ca2+, while free Ca2+ in excess was more inhibitory on the membrane-bound enzyme if compared to Mg2+. Ki values for product inhibition by ADP and Pi were determined. Kinetic analyses of photophosphorylation activity revealed that the (cation-ADP)- complex is the functional substrate. The apparent Km values for the complex and for Pi were estimated. Excess of free cations and ADP inhibited competitively the phosphorylation. Ki(ADP), Ki(Ca2+), and Ki(Mg2+) were calculated by Dixon analyses.     

A study of the binding of adenosine diphosphate to myosin subfragment-1.

The binding of ADP to subfragment-1 was investigated by the gel filtration method. The amount of bound ADP was determined as a function of free ADP concentration. Linear Scatchard plots were obtained. The maximum binding number, 0.55 mole of ADP per 10(5) g of protein, and the dissociation constant, 1.6 x 10(-6) M, were obtained, using subfragment-1 prepared by tryptic digestion, in the presence of 0.083 M KCl-10 mM MgCl2-0.02 M Tris-HCl (pH 8), at 25 degrees. Similar maximum numbers, about 0.5 mole per 10(5) g of protein, were obtained with subfragment-1 prepared by chymotryptic digestion of myosin or papain digestion of myofibrils. The maximum number did not depend on the KCl concentration or the temperature, while the dissociation constant decreased on decreasing either the KCl concentration or the temperature. Adenylyl imidodiphosphate binding to subfragment-1 prepared by chymotryptic digestion was also measured by the gel filtration method. The maximum binding number, 0.41 mole per 10(5) g of subfragment-1, and the dissociation constant, less than 10(-7) M, were obtained in the presence of 0.7 M KCl-10 mM MgCl2-0.02 M Tris-HCl (pH 8), at 8 degrees. The difference absorbance at 288 nm of the difference absorption spectrum induced by ADP of subfragment-1 prepared by tryptic digestion was proportional to the amount of bound ADP. The steady-state ATPase rate of subfragment-1 prepared by tryptic digestion was inhibited competitively by ADP in the presence of MgCl2. The extent of the initial burst of ATPase [EC 3.6.1.3] decreased from 0.46 +/- 0.06 to 0.30 +/- 0.09 mole of Pi per 10(5) g of subfragment-1 on adding ADP to a level of 0.6 mM. Subfragment-1 prepared by tryptic digestion bound F-actin with a mole ratio of 1/0.96 of actin monomer. The binding was depressed by the addition of ADP. On the basis of these results, subfragment-1 preparations were assumed to be a half-and-half mixture of two kinds of protein, and properties of each protein are discussed.     

Inhibition and labeling of the Ca2(+)-ATPase from sarcoplasmic reticulum by periodate oxidized ATP

The analog of ATP obtained by oxidation of the ribose ring of ATP with periodate (oxATP) was used as a reagent for the inhibition and labeling of the Ca2(+)-ATPase purified from sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes. The substrate concentration dependence for hydrolysis showed a biphasic pattern for both ATP and oxATP as substrates. Preincubation of Ca2(+)-ATPase in the presence of 0.05 mM CaCl2, 5 mM MgCl2, 100 mM KCl and oxATP led to an irreversible inhibition. This inhibition occurred faster at alkaline pH. The presence of ADP, adenyl-5'-imidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP) or EGTA in the preincubation medium decreased the rate of inhibition. OxATP covalently labels the enzyme: the labeling was decreased by ADP. This ADP-protected labeling increased with time until it reached approx. 1 mol [3H]oxATP per mol ATPase. The rate of labeling of the ADP-protected group correlated with the rate of loss of ADP-protected activity. Trypsin digestion of oxATP-labeled ATPase followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate showed that fragment A1 contained a high degree of label that is displaced by ADP. We propose that the A1 fragment is situated close to the ribose ring when the adenosine moiety of ATP is bound to the catalytic site of the Ca2(+)-ATPase.     

The reaction of myosin with N-ethylmaleimide in the presence of ADP

Myosin reacted with N-ethylmaleimide in the presence of ADP lost its ability to be activated by actin. Subfragment 1 behaved similarly. About 2 moles of N-ethylmaleimide per mole of Subfragment 1 were required to eliminate actin activation of the Mg²⁺-ATPase activity. At the point at which actin activation was lost the K⁺-EDTA-ATPase activity was also lost, but the Ca²⁺-activated ATPase activity was increased. Kinetic measurements indicated that the labelling with N-ethylmaleimide in the presence of ADP reduced V (the ATPase activity at infinite actin concentration) but did not effect K_app (which is related to the dissociation constant of the actin-Subfragment 1 complex). The Mg²⁺-activated activity of the reacted myosin alone remained unaltered and the ability to bind actin was retained. We propose that the N-ethylmaleimide labelling blocked the actin activation by preventing the accelerated release of hydrolysis products from the myosin.     

ADP inhibition of the plasmalemma ATPase from Jerusalem artichoke tubers (Hèlianthus tuberosus L.)

The inhibitory effect of ADP on the plasma membrane ATPase from the parenchyma cells of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthiis tuberosus L.) tubers was investigated in both physiological states (dormant or non-dormant). To begin with, several sources of ADP were employed, as many commercial ADP contain a variable and non-negligible amount of vanadate the inhibitory effect of which on plasmalemma ATPase is well known. By using vanadium-free ADP, it was possible to show that the plasma membrane ATPase was inhibited by ADP. Similar levels of inhibition were measured in dormant and non-dormant samples, showing that endogenous ADP is not responsible for the physiological regulation of ATPase activity in dormant and non-dormant materials.     

Dual effect of ADP on the activity of the plasma membrane H+‐ATPase of red beet

The effect of ADP on the activity of the plasma membrane (PM) H⁺‐ATPase of red beet ( Beta vulgaris L.) parenchyma discs was evaluated by analyzing the effect of increasing concentrations of ADP on the kinetics of the reaction. When the PM H⁺‐ATPase activity was assayed at pH 6.3, ADP behaved as a simple competitive inhibitor. When the activity was assayed at pH 7.1, ADP not only increased the apparent K_m for MgATP but also decreased the V_max of the reaction. When the C‐terminal domain of the PM H⁺‐ATPase was cleaved by controlled trypsin treatment or displaced by addition of lysophosphatidylcholine, only the competitive component of inhibition by ADP of the activity assayed at pH 7.1 was evident. The results are discussed in relation to the physiological relevance of the activation of the PM H⁺‐ATPase by displacement of the autoinhibitory C‐terminal domain.     

Tightly bound nucleotides of the energy-transducing ATPase of chloroplasts and their role in photophosphorylation.

1. Like other energy-transducing membranes, chloroplast membranes bear a coupling ATPase with especially tight binding sites for adenine nucleotides. Membranes washed several times still contain 2.5 nmol ATP and 1.3 nmol ADP bound per mg chlorophyll, which is equivalent to 1.9 ATP and 1.0 ADP per coupling ATPase. 2. In de-energized membranes, these nucleotides exchange to only a limited extent with added nucleotides. In membranes illuminated in the presence of pyocyanine, however, complete exchange of the bound nucleotides occurs rapidly, irrespective of whether ATP or ADP is present in the medium. 3. Pi can exchange into these nucleotided at both the beta and gamma positions when the membranes are energized in the presence of Mg-2+. Equilibrium with the beta and gamma groups of th ebound nucleotides is, however, not complete. 4. The inhibitors and uncouplers Dio-9, S13 and EDTA have different effects on the exchange of nucleotides, the exchange of inorganic phosphate and photophosphorylation. 5. The bound ATP level on the membrane is stable to a wide variety of conditions. The ADP level, however, drops to near zero under conditions of maximal activation of the emmbrane ATPase.     

Specificity of association of a Ca2+/Mg2+ ATPase with cholinergic synaptic vesicles from Torpedo electric organ.

Cholinergic synaptic vesicles from the electric organ of $\text{Torpedo}$$\text{californica}$ have been subjected to analytical scale separation techniques not utilized in the isolation procedure, and the ATPase activity of separated fractions determined. Most of the ATPase activity migrated with the vesicles. Sensitivity of the ATPase activity to 16 potential inhibitors also was determined. Most of the ATPase activity was inhibited by low concentrations of 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzo-oxadiazole (NBD-C1) and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD), but not by a water soluble carbodiimide. The close association of the ATPase with the vesicles and the pattern of inhibition obtained provide further support for the authentic presence of a membrane bound $\text{Ca}{}^{\mathrm{2+}}\text{Mg}{}^{\mathrm{2+}}$ ATPase in the cholinergic synaptic vesicle.     

Nucleotide binding to noncatalytic sites is essential for ATP-dependent stimulation and ADP-dependent inactivation of the chloroplast ATP synthase

Light-dependent binding of labeled ADP and ATP to noncatalytic sites of chloroplast ATP synthase and the effect of light-exposed thylakoid membrane preincubation with ADP or ATP on ATPase activity were studied. ADP binding during the preincubation was shown to inactivate the chloroplast ATPase, whereas ATP binding caused its activation. The rate and equilibrium constants of ATPase inactivation and activation were close to those of ADP and ATP binding to a noncatalytic site, with K _d values of 38 and 33 μM, respectively. It is suggested that ADP- or ATP-binding to one of the noncatalytic sites affects the ATPase activity of chloroplast ATP synthase through a mechanism that modulates tightness of ADP binding to a catalytic site.     

Chemiosmotic energy conversion and the membrane ATPase of Methanolobus tindarius

Electron transport phosphorylation has been demonstrated to drive ATP synthesis for the methanogenic archaebacterium Methanolobus tindarius: Protonophores evoked uncoupler effects and lowered the membrane potential delta psi. Under the influence of N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide [(cHxN)2C] the membrane potential increased while methanol turnover was inhibited. 2-Bromoethanesulfonate, an inhibitor of methanogenesis, had no effect on the membrane potential but, like (cHxN)2C and protonophores, decreased the intracellular ATP concentration. Labeling experiments with (cHxN)2(14)C showed membranes to contain a proteolipid, with a molecular mass of 5.5 kDa, that resembles known (cHxN)2C-binding proteins of F0-F1 ATPases. The (cHxN)2-sensitive membrane ATPase hydrolysed Mg.ATP at a pH optimum of 5.0 with a Km (ATP) of 2.5 mM (V = 77 mU/mg). It was inhibited competitively by ADP; Ki (ADP) = 0.65 mM. Azide or vanadate caused no significant loss in ATPase activity, but millimolar concentrations of nitrate showed an inhibitory effect, suggesting a relationship to ATPases from vacuolar membranes. In contrast, no inhibition occurred in the presence of bafilomycin A1. The ATPase was extractable with EDTA at low salt concentrations. The purified enzyme consists of four different subunits, alpha (67 kDa), beta (52 kDa), gamma (20 kDa) and beta (less than 10 kDa), as determined from SDS gel electrophoresis.