Vacuolar-type ATPase (V-ATPase) shares its structure and rotational catalysis with F-type ATPase (F-ATPase, ATP synthase). However, unlike subunits of F-ATPase, those of V-ATPase have tissue- and/or organelle-specific isoforms. Structural diversity of V-ATPase generated by different combinations of subunit isoforms enables it to play diverse physiological roles in mammalian cells. Among these various roles, this review focuses on the functions of lysosome-specific V-ATPase in bone resorption by osteoclasts. Lysosomes remain in the cytoplasm in most cell types, but in osteoclasts, secretory lysosomes move toward and fuse with the plasma membrane to secrete lysosomal enzymes, which is essential for bone resorption. Through this process, lysosomal V-ATPase harboring the a3 isoform of the a subunit is relocated to the plasma membrane, where it transports protons from the cytosol to the cell exterior to generate the acidic extracellular conditions required for secreted lysosomal enzymes. In addition to this role as a proton pump, we recently found that the lysosomal a3 subunit of V-ATPase is essential for anterograde trafficking of secretory lysosomes. Specifically, a3 interacts with Rab7, a member of the Rab guanosine 5'-triphosphatase (GTPase) family that regulates organelle trafficking, and recruits it to the lysosomal membrane. These findings revealed the multifunctionality of lysosomal V-ATPase in osteoclasts; V-ATPase is responsible not only for the formation of the acidic environment by transporting protons, but also for intracellular trafficking of secretory lysosomes by recruiting organelle trafficking factors. Herein, we summarize the molecular mechanism underlying secretory lysosome trafficking in osteoclasts, and discuss the possible regulatory role of V-ATPase in organelle trafficking.
Keywords: organelle trafficking; osteoclast; proton pump; secretory lysosome; vacuolar-type ATPase.