Biomedical subjects

A E Senior

Publications and source records attributed to A E Senior.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1994

Tryptophan-free Escherichia coli F1-ATPase.

We have engineered a mutant form of Escherichia coli F1-ATPase which is tryptophan-free and contains five mutations, namely delta W28L/alpha W513F/gamma W108Y/gamma W206Y/beta W107F. A strain carrying all five mutations grew normally by oxidative phosphorylation. Purified mutant F1-ATPase showed Vmax and Km both 65% higher than wild-type, resulting in kcat/Km the same as wild-type. The pH dependence of ATPase activity in mutant enzyme was very similar to that in wild-type. Catalytic-site nucleotide-binding characteristics were measured using the analog lin-benzo-ADP and sensitivity to inhibitors was tested using dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, azide and aurovertin. The mutant enzyme was very similar to wild-type in each of these characteristics. The fluorescence spectrum of mutant enzyme confirmed the absence of tryptophan. We have therefore established that it is possible to generate a tryptophan-free enzyme which retains normal catalytic function, oligomeric stability and in vivo assembly.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

PubMed1993

Specific placement of tryptophan in the catalytic sites of Escherichia coli F1-ATPase provides a direct probe of nucleotide binding: maximal ATP hydrolysis occurs with three sites occupied.

Residue beta Y331 of Escherichia coli F1-ATPase is known from previous affinity labeling, mutagenesis, and lin-benzo-ADP binding experiments to interact directly with the adenine moiety of substrates bound in catalytic sites. Here we mutagenized beta Y331 to tryptophan. Mutant cells grew well on succinate or limiting glucose; purified mutant F1 had kappa cat/Km and lin-benzo-ADP binding characteristics similar to wild type. Fluorescence from beta W331 residues exhibited a maximum at 349 nm, indicating a polar environment in unoccupied sites. ATP, ADP, or AMPPNP caused virtually complete quenching of beta W331 fluorescence, so that the fluorescence of mutant F1 with occupied catalytic sites resembled that of wild-type enzyme. Therefore the beta W331 fluorescence provided a direct probe of nucleotide binding to catalytic sites under true equilibrium conditions. We measured ATP binding and hydrolysis in parallel experiments and found that occupancy of one or two catalytic sites per F1 molecule did not yield significant rates of hydrolysis while occupancy of all three sites yielded Vmax rates. Km(ATP) was similar to Kd3, the Kd for ATP binding to the third catalytic site. We also measured AMPPNP and ADP binding parameters. For ADP, the "on" rate at the first catalytic site was much faster (> or = 5 x 10(5) M-1 s-1) than seen previously by centrifuge column procedures, although the Kd was not much changed. For AMPPNP, the "on" rate at the first site was 2 orders of magnitude less than for ADP or ATP, and the Kd was similar to that for ADP.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

PubMed1993

The cysteine introduced into the alpha subunit of the Escherichia coli F1-ATPase by the mutation alpha R376C is near the alpha-beta subunit interface and close to a noncatalytic nucleotide binding site.

Mutation of the alpha subunit of the Escherichia coli F1-ATPase to convert Arg-376 to a Cys (alpha R376C) lowers multisite ATPase activity 400-1,000-fold while affecting unisite catalysis only around 6-fold, suggesting that the mutation is in a region important for transmission of conformational changes between catalytic sites (Soga, S., Noumi, T., Takeyama, M., Maeda, M., and Futai, M. (1989) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 268, 643-648; this study). To learn more of the structural features of the segment of the alpha subunit around Arg-376, mutant enzyme with a Cys at this position was modified with several maleimides. N-[14C]Ethylmaleimide reacted rapidly with this Cys in one of the three alpha subunits/F1 (2,500 M-1 s-1); more slowly with a second alpha subunit (390 M-1 s-1); and the same Cys in the third copy of the alpha subunit was completely unreactive to the reagent, indicating asymmetry of alpha subunits in the ECF1 complex. The photoactivatable cross-linker N-(4-azido-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzyl)-3-maleimidopropionamide++ +, when reacted via its maleimide to alpha Cys-376 of the mutant, covalently linked alpha to beta subunits upon photolysis, indicating that Cys-376 of alpha is close to an interface between the alpha and beta subunits. The EDTA-induced exchangeable noncatalytic site could be filled by TNP-ATP in both wild type and alpha R376C mutant ECF1. Occupancy of this site in the alpha R376C mutant altered the rate of reaction of the second-fastest reacting Cys-376 from 390 M-1 s-1 to below 130 M-1 s-1, suggesting that the two sites are on the same alpha subunit. TNP-ATP in the EDTA-induced exchangeable noncatalytic site was quenched by reacting Cys-376 with 4-maleimido-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N(oxyl), indicating that the region around Cys-376, which is involved in transmission of conformational changes between alpha and beta, and noncatalytic sites are maximally 10-12 A from each other.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1993

Lysine 155 in beta-subunit is a catalytic residue of Escherichia coli F1 ATPase.

The "homology A" ("glycine-rich" or "P-loop") consensus sequence occurs in the catalytic sites of F1F0 ATP synthase enzymes. The conserved lysine of this motif is beta-subunit Lys-155 in Escherichia coli F1. The role of this lysine in binding and catalysis at the high affinity ATP binding site was studied with the mutants beta K155Q and beta K155E by measuring the rates of ATP binding/release, ATP hydrolysis/synthesis, and Pi release as a function of pH varied from 5.5 to 9.5. In wild type, protonated beta Lys-155 appears to contribute significantly to high affinity binding of ATP, probably through hydrogen bonding to the gamma-phosphate. ATP hydrolysis and synthesis were impaired strongly in the mutants, and the reaction equilibrium constant, which was pH-independent in wild type, was highly pH-dependent in beta K155Q and beta K155E. Studies of steady-state ATPase turnover showed that positive catalytic cooperativity was virtually absent and the pH-dependent component of positive catalytic cooperativity was abolished or reversed in the mutants. The data demonstrate that residue beta K155 is a critical catalytic residue in F1 ATPase.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1993

Combined application of site-directed mutagenesis, 2-azido-ATP labeling, and lin-benzo-ATP binding to study the noncatalytic sites of Escherichia coli F1-ATPase.

Noncatalytic nucleotide sites of Escherichia coli F1-ATPase were studied by site-directed mutagenesis, covalent photolabeling with 2-azido-ATP, and lin-benzo-ATP binding. In wild-type, 89% of 2-azido-ATP label was bound to beta-subunit, whereas in the beta Y354F mutant, 95% of the label was bound to alpha-subunit. In the alpha R365Y mutant, label was seen on both alpha (38%) and beta (62%); whereas in the alpha R365F mutant, 93% was on beta. The fluorescence of noncatalytic site-bound lin-benzo-ATP was quenched markedly in F1 from wild-type (76% quench), alpha R365F (85%), alpha R365Y (90%), and alpha R365Y, beta Y354F (83%), but only by 28% in beta Y354F. These results together demonstrate that residues alpha R365 and beta Y354 lie close to the base moiety of adenine nucleotide bound in F1 noncatalytic sites. From comparison of sequences of alpha- and beta-subunits, it appears that residue alpha R365 in noncatalytic sites is equivalent to residue beta Y331 of the catalytic sites. Two unintended mutants were obtained in which alpha-subunit was increased in length by 17 amino acids due to repeat of residues alpha 361 to alpha 377, with either F or Y in the repeated alpha 365 position. Soluble F1 was obtained from both mutants, with novel properties.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1993

Characterization of the adenosine triphosphatase activity of Chinese hamster P-glycoprotein.

A multidrug-resistant Chinese hamster ovary cell line (CR1R12) was obtained which constitutively expresses P-glycoprotein, up to 32% by weight of plasma membrane protein. CR1R12 plasma membranes had high, drug-activated ATPase activity referable to P-glycoprotein. The specific ATPase activity in the presence of verapamil was calculated to be approximately 9 mumol/min/mg (identical to 21 s-1) at 37 degrees C, pH 7.4. KM ATP was 1.4 mM, and ADP and 5'-adenylyl imidodiphosphate were competitive inhibitors with Ki values 0.35 and 0.44 mM, respectively. 2'-dATP was a good substrate, GTP and ITP were real but poor substrates, and ADP and AMP were not hydrolyzed. Optimal pH for ATP hydrolysis was 7.3. MgATP was the preferred substrate, and CaATP was hydrolyzed very weakly. 7-Chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD-Cl) covalently labeled the P-glycoprotein, and incorporation of 1.1 mol of NBD-Cl/mol of P-glycoprotein gave 100% inactivation. ATP protected against NBD-Cl inactivation. N-Ethylmaleimide was a potent inhibitor in the absence of ATP, and in its presence significant protection from inhibition could be achieved. Vanadate and fluoroaluminate were also strong inhibitors. The plasma membranes from CR1R12 cells should provide material for purification and reconstitution of P-glycoprotein and for screening of potential "multidrug-reversal" reagents by enzymic assay.

4-Chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan↗

PubMed1992

Further examination of seventeen mutations in Escherichia coli F1-ATPase beta-subunit.

Seventeen mutations in beta-subunit of Escherichia coli F1-ATPase which had previously been characterized in strain AN1272 (Mu-induced mutant) were expressed in strain JP17 (beta-subunit gene deletion). Six showed unchanged behavior, namely: C137Y; G142D; G146S; G207D; Y297F; and Y354F. Five failed to assemble F1F0 correctly, namely: G149I; G154I; G149I,G154I; G223D; and P403S,G415D. Six assembled F1F0 correctly, but with membrane ATPase lower than in AN1272, namely: K155Q; K155E; E181Q; E192Q; D242N; and D242V. AN1272 was shown to unexpectedly produce a small amount of wild-type beta-subunit; F1-ATPase activities reported previously in AN1272 were referable to hybrid enzymes containing both mutant and wild-type beta-subunits. Purified F1 was obtained from K155Q; K155E; E181Q; E192Q; and D242N mutants in JP17. Vmax ATPase values were lower, and unisite catalysis rate and equilibrium constants were perturbed to greater extent, than in AN1272. However, general patterns of perturbation revealed by difference energy diagrams were similar to those seen previously, and the new data correlated well in linear free energy relationships for reaction steps of unisite catalysis. Correlation between multisite and unisite ATPase activity was seen in the new enzymes. Overall, the data give strong support to previously proposed mechanisms of unisite catalysis, steady-state catalysis, and energy coupling in F1-ATPases (Al-Shawi, M. K., Parsonage, D. and Senior, A. E. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 4402-4410). The K155Q, K155E, D242N, and E181Q mutations caused 5000-fold, 4000-fold, 1800-fold, and 700-fold decrease, respectively, in Vmax ATPase, implying possibly direct roles for these residues in catalysis. Experiments with the D242N mutant suggested a role for residue beta D242 in catalytic site Mg2+ binding.

Catalysis↗

PubMed1992

Investigation of the aurovertin binding site of Escherichia coli F1-ATPase by fluorescence spectroscopy and site-directed mutagenesis.

(1) Previous mutational analyses have shown that residue beta R398 of the beta-subunit is a key residue for binding of the inhibitory antibiotic aurovertin to Escherichia coli F1Fo-ATP synthase. Here, we studied purified F1 from the beta R398C and beta R398W mutants. ATPase activity in both cases was resistant to aurovertin inhibition. The fluorescence spectrum (lambda exc = 278 or 295 nm) of beta R398W F1 showed a significant red-shift as compared to wild-type and beta R398C enzymes, indicating that residue beta R398 lies in a polar environment. On the basis of this and previous evidence, we propose that aurovertin binding to F1-ATPase involves a specific charged donor-acceptor H-bond between residue beta R398 and the 7-hydroxyl group of aurovertin. (2) The fluorescent substrate analog lin-benzo-ADP was shown to bind to beta R398W F1 catalytic sites with the same Kd values as to wild-type F1, and with the same quenching of the fluorescence of the analog. Fluorescence energy transfer was seen between the beta R398W residue and bound lin-benzo-ADP. Analysis of transfer efficiency at varying stoichiometry of bound lin-benzo-ADP showed that interaction occurred between one beta R398W residue and one catalytic-site-bound analog molecule at a distance of approximately 23 A. The relationships of the aurovertin and catalytic sites in the primary and tertiary structure are discussed.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

PubMed1992

Catalytic sites of Escherichia coli F1-ATPase. Characterization of unisite catalysis at varied pH.

Using manual rapid-mixing procedures in which small, equal volumes of Escherichia coli F1-ATPase and [gamma-32P]ATP were combined at final concentrations of 2 and 0.2 microM, respectively (i.e., unisite catalysis conditions), it was shown that greater than or equal to 66% of the 32P became bound to the enzyme, with the ratio of bound ATP/bound Pi equal to 0.4 and the rate of dissociation of bound [32P]Pi equal to 3.5 x 10(-3) s-1, similar to previously published values. Azide is known to inhibit cooperative but not unisite catalysis in F1-ATPase [Noumi, T., Maeda, M., & Futai, M. (1987) FEBS Lett. 213, 381-384]. In the presence of 1 mM sodium azide, 99% of the 32P became bound to the enzyme, with the ratio of bound ATP/bound Pi being 0.57. These experiments demonstrated that when conditions are used which minimize cooperative catalysis, most or all of the F1 molecules bind substoichiometric ATP tightly, hydrolyze it with retention of bound ATP and Pi, and release the products slowly. The data justify the validity of previously published rate constants for unisite catalysis. Unisite catalysis in E. coli F1-ATPase was studied at varied pH from 5.5 to 9.5 using buffers devoid of phosphate. Rate constants for ATP binding/release, ATP hydrolysis/resynthesis, Pi release, and ADP binding/release were measured; the Pi binding rate constant was inferred from the delta G for ATP hydrolysis. ATP binding was pH-independent; ATP release accelerated at higher pH. The highest KaATP (4.4 x 10(9) M-1) was seen at physiological pH 7.5.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1992

Effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on catalysis in Escherichia coli F1-ATPase.

(1) Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) markedly inhibited the Vmax of multisite ATPase activity in Escherichia coli F1-ATPase at concentrations greater than 30% (v/v). Vmax/KM was reduced by 2 orders of magnitude in 40% (v/v) DMSO at pH 7.5, primarily due to reduction of Vmax. The inhibition was rapidly reversed on dilution into aqueous buffer. (2) KdATP at the first, high-affinity catalytic site was increased 1500-fold from 2.3 x 10(-10) to 3.4 x 10(-7) M in 40% DMSO at pH 7.5, whereas KdADP was increased 3.2-fold from 8.8 to 28 microM. This suggests that the high-affinity catalytic site presents a hydrophobic environment for ATP binding in native enzyme, that there is a significant difference between the conformation for ADP binding as opposed to ATP binding, and that the ADP-binding conformation is more hydrophilic. (3) Rate constants for hydrolysis and resynthesis of bound ATP in unisite catalysis were slowed approximately 10-fold by 40% DMSO; however, the equilibrium between bound Pi/bound ATP was little changed. The reduction in catalysis rates may well be related to the large increase in KdATP (less constrained site). (4) Significant Pi binding to E. coli F1 could not be detected either in 40% DMSO or in aqueous buffer using a centrifuge column procedure. (5) We infer, on the basis of the measured constants KaATP, K2 (hydrolysis/resynthesis of ATP), k+3 (Pi release), and KdADP and from estimates of k-3 (Pi binding) that delta G for ATP hydrolysis in 40% DMSO-containing pH 7.5 buffer is between -9.2 and -16.8 kJ/mol.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

PubMed1992

On the location and function of tyrosine beta 331 in the catalytic site of Escherichia coli F1-ATPase.

1) Using a combination of site-directed mutagenesis and fluorescence spectroscopy we have studied the location and function of residue beta Y331 in the catalytic site of Escherichia coli F1-ATPase. The fluorescent analog lin-benzo-ADP was used as a catalytic-site probe, and was found to bind to three sites in normal F1, with Kd1 = 0.20 microM and Kd2,3 = 5.5 microM. lin-Benzo-ATP was a good substrate for hydrolysis. 2) The mutants investigated were beta Y331F, L, A and E. kcat/KM for ATP hydrolysis in purified F1 was reduced according to the series Y greater than or equal to F greater than L greater than A greater than E, with E being severely impaired; concomitant decreases in binding affinity for lin-benzo-ADP were seen. 3) Fluorescence properties of lin-benzo-ADP bound to F1 differed widely, depending on the residue present at position beta 331. Red shifts of excitation and emission spectra occurred with F and L residues, but not with Y, A, or E. There was strong quenching of fluorescence with wild-type (Y), partial quenching with A, and no quenching with F, L, or E. 4) We conclude that (a) the environment around the bound adenine moiety in the catalytic site is nonpolar, (b) residue beta 331 is part of the adenine-binding subdomain and when tyrosine is the residue, the phenolic hydroxyl makes direct interaction with the fluorophore, (c) an aromatic residue is not absolutely required at position beta 331 for catalytic function, but an increase in polarity leads to functional impairment, and (d) in terms of fluorescence response of bound lin-benzo-ADP all three catalytic sites behaved the same. 5) F1 from mutant beta Y297F bound lin-benzo-ADP with the same fluorescence and binding characteristics as normal F1, and catalytic properties were similar to normal. Therefore, there was no reason to conclude that residue beta Y297 is involved in binding the adenine moiety of ATP.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1992

Catalytic sites of Escherichia coli F1-ATPase.

The catalytic site of Escherichia coli F1-ATPase is reviewed in terms of structure and function. Structural prediction, biochemical analyses, and mutagenesis experiments suggest that the catalytic site is formed primarily by residues 137-335 of beta-subunit. Subdomains of the site involved in phosphate-bond cleavage/synthesis and adenine-ring binding are discussed. Ambiguities inherent in steady-state catalytic measurements due to catalytic site cooperativity are discussed, and the advantages of pre-steady-state ("unisite") techniques are emphasized. The emergence of a single high-affinity catalytic site occurs as a result of F1-oligomer assembly. Measurements of unisite catalysis rate and equilibrium constants, and their modulation by varied pH, dimethylsulfoxide, and mutations, are described and conclusions regarding the nature of the high-affinity catalytic site and mechanism of catalysis are presented.

Binding Sites↗

PubMed1992

F1-ATPase with cysteine instead of serine at residue 373 of the alpha subunit.

Escherichia coli strain AN718 contains the alpha S373F mutation in F1F0-ATP synthase which blocks ATP synthesis (oxidative phosphorylation) and steady-state F1-ATPase activity. The revertant strain AN718SS2 containing the mutation alpha C373 was isolated and shown to confer a phenotype of higher growth yield than that of the wild type in liquid medium containing limiting glucose, succinate, or LB. Purified F1 from strain AN718SS2 was found to have 30% of wild-type steady-state ATPase activity and 60% of wild-type oxidative phosphorylation activity. Azide sensitivity of ATPase activity and ADP-induced enhancement of bound aurovertin fluorescence, both of which are lost in alpha S373F mutant F1, were regained in alpha C373 F1. N-Ethylmaleimide (NEM) inactivated alpha C373 F1 steady-state ATPase potently but had no effect on unisite ATPase. Complete inactivation of alpha C373 F1 steady-state ATPase corresponded to incorporation of one NEM per F1 (mol/mol), in just one of the three alpha subunits. NEM-inactivated enzyme showed azide-insensitive residual ATPase activity and loss of ADP-induced enhancement of bound aurovertin fluorescence. The data confirm the view that placement at residue alpha 373 of a bulky amino acid side-chain (phenylalanyl or NEM-derivatized cysteinyl) blocks positive catalytic cooperativity in F1. The fact that NEM inhibits steady-state ATPase when only one alpha subunit of three is reacted suggests a cyclical catalytic mechanism.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1992

Catalytic properties of Escherichia coli F1-ATPase depleted of endogenous nucleotides.

Nucleotide-depleted Escherichia coli F1 was prepared by the procedure of Wise et al. (1983, Biochem. J. 215, 343-350). This enzyme had high rates of steady-state ATPase and GTPase activity. When "unisite" ATP hydrolysis was measured using an F1/ATP concentration ratio of 10, all of the substoichiometric ATP became bound to the high-affinity catalytic site and none became bound to noncatalytic sites. The association rate constant for ATP binding was 7 x 10(5) M-1 s-1 and the KdATP was 7.9 x 10(-10) M, as compared to values of 3.8 x 10(5) M-1 s-1 and 1.9 x 10(-10) M, respectively, in native (i.e., nucleotide-replete) F1. Rate constants for bound ATP hydrolysis, ATP resynthesis, and P(i) release, and the reaction equilibrium constant, were similar in nucleotide-depleted and native F1. Therefore, we conclude that occupancy of the noncatalytic sites is not required for formation of the high-affinity catalytic site of F1 and has no significant effect on unisite catalysis. In further experiments we looked for the occurrence of inhibitory, catalytic-site-bound MgADP in E. coli F1. Such an entity has been reported for chloroplast and mitochondrial F1. However, our experiments gave no indication for inhibitory MgADP in E. coli F1.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

PubMed1991

Characterization of Escherichia coli ATP synthase beta-subunit mutations using a chromosomal deletion strain.

(1) We constructed Escherichia coli strain JP17 with a deletion in the ATP synthase beta-subunit gene. JP17 is completely deficient in ATP synthase activity and expresses no beta-subunit. Expression of normal beta-subunit from a plasmid restores haploid levels of ATP synthase in membranes. JP17 was shown to be efficacious for studies of beta-subunit mutations. Site-directed mutants were studied directly in JP17. Randomly generated chromosomal mutants were identified by PCR and DNA sequencing, cloned, and expressed in JP17. (2) Eight novel mutations occurring within the putative catalytic nucleotide-binding domain were characterized with respect to their effects on catalysis and structure. The mutations beta C137S, beta G152D, beta G152R, beta E161Q, beta E161R, and beta G251D each impaired catalysis without affecting enzyme assembly or oligomeric structure and are of interest for future studies of catalytic mechanism. The mutations beta D301V and beta D302V, involving strongly conserved carboxyl residues, caused oligomeric instability of F1. However, growth characteristics of these mutants suggested that neither carboxyl side chain is critical for catalysis. (3) The mutations beta R398C and beta R398W rendered ATP synthase resistant to aurovertin, giving strong support to the view that beta R398 is a key residue in the aurovertin-binding site. Neither beta R398C or beta R398W impaired catalysis significantly.

Aurovertins↗

PubMed1990

Tight ATP and ADP binding in the noncatalytic sites of Escherichia coli F1-ATPase is not affected by mutation of bulky residues in the 'glycine-rich loop'.

It is shown that ATP dissociates very slowly (koff less than 6.4 x 10(5) s-1, t1/2 greater than 3 h) from the three noncatalytic sites of E. coli F1-ATPase and that ADP dissociates from these three sites in a homogeneous fashion with koff = 1.5 x 10(-4) s-1 (t1/2 = 1.35 h). Mutagenesis of alpha-subunit residues R171 and Q172 in the 'glycine-rich loop' (Homology A) consensus region of the noncatalytic sites was carried out to test the hypothesis that unusually bulky residues at these positions are responsible wholly or partly for the observed tight binding of adenine nucleotides. The mutations alpha Q172G or alpha R171S,Q172G had no effects on ATP or ADP binding to or rates of dissociation from F1 noncatalytic sites. KdATP and KdADP of isolated alpha-subunit were weakened by approximately 1 order of magnitude in both mutants. The results suggest that neither residue alpha R171 nor alpha Q172 interacts directly with bound nucleotide, and show that the presence of bulky residues per se in the glycine-rich loop region of F1-alpha-subunit is not responsible for tight binding in the noncatalytic sites.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

PubMed1990

Adenosine triphosphatase and nucleotide binding activity of isolated beta-subunit preparations from Escherichia coli F1F0-ATP synthase.

Adenosine triphosphatase activity and nucleotide binding affinity of isolated beta-subunit preparations from Escherichia coli F1F0-ATP synthase were studied. The aim was to find out whether isolated beta-subunit would provide an experimental model in which effects of mutations on catalysis per se, unencumbered by complications due to their effects on positive catalytic cooperativity, could be studied. Three types of purified, isolated beta-subunit preparations were studied. Type I-beta was from a strain lacking all F1F0 subunits except beta and epsilon. Type II-beta was from F1 carrying the alpha S375F mutation which blocks positive catalytic cooperativity. Type III-beta was from normal F1. Type I- and II-beta had very low ATPase activity (less than 10(-4) s-1) which was azide-insensitive, aurovertin-insensitive, and unaffected by anti-beta antibody. Type I-beta activity was EDTA-insensitive. We conclude that isolated beta-subunit from E. coli F1F0 has zero or at most very low intrinsic ATPase activity. Type III-beta had low ATPase activity (8.4 x 10(-5) s-1 to 1.1 x 10(-3) s-1 in seven different preparations). This activity was aurovertin-sensitive, but varied in azide sensitivity from 0 to 34% inhibited. The azide-sensitive component, like F1 and alpha 3 beta 3 gamma oligomer, was inhibited by anti-beta and anti-alpha antibodies. The azide-insensitive component was stimulated by anti-beta and unaffected by anti-alpha. We show here that (alpha beta)-oligomer has ATPase activity which is azide-insensitive, aurovertin-sensitive, stimulated by anti-beta, and unaffected by anti-alpha. The intrinsic ATPase activity of Type III-beta could be due to contaminating (alpha beta)-oligomer plus alpha 3 beta 3 gamma-oligomer. Isolated beta had very low affinity for nucleotide as compared to the first catalytic site on F1. Taken together with the very low ATPase activity of isolated beta (even if real), the work shows that isolated beta is not a good experimental model of F1 catalysis.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

PubMed1990

Thermodynamic analyses of the catalytic pathway of F1-ATPase from Escherichia coli. Implications regarding the nature of energy coupling by F1-ATPases.

Thermodynamic properties of 12 different F1-ATPase enzymes were analyzed in order to gain insights into the catalytic mechanism and the nature of energy coupling to delta mu H+. The enzymes were normal soluble Escherichia coli F1, a group of nine beta-subunit mutant soluble E. coli F1 enzymes (G142S, K155Q, K155E, E181Q, E192Q, M209I, D242N, D242V, R246C), and both soluble and membrane-bound bovine heart mitochondrial F1. Unisite activity was studied by use of Gibbs free energy diagrams, difference energy diagrams, and derivation of linear free energy relationships. This allowed construction of binding energy diagrams for both the unisite ATP hydrolysis and ATP synthesis reaction pathways, which were in agreement. The binding energy diagrams showed that the step of Pi binding is a major energy-requiring step in ATP synthesis, as is the step of ATP release. It is suggested that there are two major catalytic enzyme conformations, and ATP- and an ADP-binding conformation. The effects of the mutations on the rate-limiting steps of multisite as compared to unisite activity were correlated, suggesting a direct link between the rate-limiting steps of the two types of activity. Multisite activity was analyzed by Arrhenius plots and by study of relative promotion from unisite to multisite rate. Changes in binding energy due to mutation were seen to have direct effects on multisite catalysis. From all the data, a model is derived to describe the mechanism of ATP synthesis. ATP hydrolysis, and energy coupling to delta mu H+ in F1F0-ATPases.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗