Structure of intact Thermus thermophilus V-ATPase by cryo-EM reveals organization of the membrane-bound V(O) motor

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Jan 26;107(4):1367-72. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0911085107. Epub 2010 Jan 6.

Abstract

The eubacterium Thermus thermophilus uses a macromolecular assembly closely related to eukaryotic V-ATPase to produce its supply of ATP. This simplified V-ATPase offers several advantages over eukaryotic V-ATPases for structural analysis and investigation of the mechanism of the enzyme. Here we report the structure of the complex at approximately 16 A resolution as determined by single particle electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM). The resolution of the map and our use of cryo-EM, rather than negative stain EM, reveals detailed information about the internal organization of the assembly. We could separate the map into segments corresponding to subunits A and B, the threefold pseudosymmetric C-subunit, a central rotor consisting of subunits D and F, the L-ring, the stator subcomplex consisting of subunits I, E, and G, and a micelle of bound detergent. The architecture of the V(O) region shows a remarkably small area of contact between the I-subunit and the ring of L-subunits and is consistent with a two half-channel model for proton translocation. The arrangement of structural elements in V(O) gives insight into the mechanism of torque generation from proton translocation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Protein Subunits / chemistry
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism
  • Protons
  • Thermus thermophilus / enzymology*
  • Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases / chemistry
  • Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases / metabolism*
  • Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases / ultrastructure*

Substances

  • Protein Subunits
  • Protons
  • Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases