Studies of the viral binding proteins of shrimp BP53, a receptor of white spot syndrome virus.

The specific binding between viral attachment proteins (VAPs) of a virus and its cellular receptors on host cells mediates virus entry into host cells, which triggers subsequent viral infections. Previous studies indicate that F1 ATP synthase ß subunit (named BP53), is found on the surface of shrimp cells and involved in white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection by functioning as a potential viral receptor. Herein, in a far-western blotting assay, three WSSV proteins with molecular weights of 28 kDa, 37 kDa, and >50 kDa were found to interact with BP53. The 28 kDa and 37 kDa proteins were identified as the envelope protein VP28 and VP37 of WSSV respectively, which could be recognized by the polyclonal antibodies. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent binding assays revealed that VP37 contributed to almost 80% of the binding capability for BP53 compared with the same amount of total WSSV protein. The relationship between BP53 and its complementary interacting protein, VP37, was visualized using a co-localization assay. Bound VP37 on the cell surface co-localized with BP53 and shared a similar subcellular location on the outer surface of shrimp cells. Pearson's correlation coefficients reached to 0.67 ± 0.05 and the Mander's overlap coefficients reached 0.70 ± 0.05, which indicated a strong relationship between the localization of BP53 and bound rVP37. This provides evidence for an interaction between BP53 and VP37 obtained at the molecular and cellular levels, supporting the hypothesis that BP53 serves as a receptor for WSSV by binding to VP37. The identification of the viral binding proteins of shrimp BP53 is helpful for better understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of WSSV to infect shrimp at the cellular level.

High-resolution structure and mechanism of an F/V-hybrid rotor ring in a Na⁺-coupled ATP synthase.

All rotary ATPases catalyse the interconversion of ATP and ADP-Pi through a mechanism that is coupled to the transmembrane flow of H(+) or Na(+). Physiologically, however, F/A-type enzymes specialize in ATP synthesis driven by downhill ion diffusion, while eukaryotic V-type ATPases function as ion pumps. To begin to rationalize the molecular basis for this functional differentiation, we solved the crystal structure of the Na(+)-driven membrane rotor of the Acetobacterium woodii ATP synthase, at 2.1 Å resolution. Unlike known structures, this rotor ring is a 9:1 heteromer of F- and V-type c-subunits and therefore features a hybrid configuration of ion-binding sites along its circumference. Molecular and kinetic simulations are used to dissect the mechanisms of Na(+) recognition and rotation of this c-ring, and to explain the functional implications of the V-type c-subunit. These structural and mechanistic insights indicate an evolutionary path between synthases and pumps involving adaptations in the rotor ring.

Neuronal cell surface ATP synthase mediates synthesis of extracellular ATP and regulation of intracellular pH.

The ATP synthase is known to play important roles in ATP generation and proton translocation within mitochondria. Here, we now provide evidence showing the presence of functional ecto-ATP synthase on the neuronal surface. Immunoblotting revealed that the α, ß subunits of ATP synthase F1 portion are present in isolated fractions of plasma membrane and biotin-labelled surface protein from primary cultured neurons; the surface distribution of α, ß subunits was also confirmed by immunofluorescence staining. Moreover, α and ß subunits were also found in fractions of plasma membrane and lipid rafts isolated from rat brain, and flow cytometry analysis showed α subunits on the surface of acutely isolated brain cells. Activity assays showed that the extracellular ATP generation of cultured neurons could be compromised by α, ß subunit antibodies and ATP synthase inhibitors. pH(i) (intracellular pH) analysis demonstrated that at low extracellular pH, α or ß subunit antibodies decreased pHi of primary cultured neurons. Therefore, ATP synthase on the surface of neurons may be involved in the machineries of extracellular ATP generation and pH(i) homoeostasis.

ATP synthesis without R210 of subunit a in the Escherichia coli ATP synthase.

Interactions between subunit a and oligomeric subunit c are essential for the coupling of proton translocation to rotary motion in the ATP synthase. A pair of previously described mutants, R210Q/Q252R and P204T/R210Q/Q252R [L.P. Hatch, G.B. Cox and S.M. Howitt, The essential arginine residue at position 210 in the a subunit of the Escherichia coli ATP synthase can be transferred to position 252 with partial retention of activity, J. Biol. Chem. 270 (1995) 29407-29412] has been constructed and further analyzed. These mutants, in which the essential arginine of subunit a, R210, was switched with a conserved glutamine residue, Q252, are shown here to be capable of both ATP synthesis by oxidative phosphorylation, and ATP-driven proton translocation. In addition, lysine can replace the arginine at position 252 with partial retention of both activities. The pH dependence of ATP-driven proton translocation was determined after purification of mutant enzymes, and reconstitution into liposomes. Proton translocation by the lysine mutant, and to a lesser extent the arginine mutant, dropped off sharply above pH 7.5, consistent with the requirement for a positive charge during function. Finally, the rates of ATP synthesis and of ATP-driven proton translocation were completely inhibited by treatment with DCCD (N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide), while rates of ATP hydrolysis by the mutants were not significantly affected, indicating that DCCD modification disrupts the F(1)-F(o) interface. The results suggest that minimal requirements for proton translocation by the ATP synthase include a positive charge in subunit a and a weak interface between subunit a and oligomeric subunit c.

ATP synthesis: the world's smallest wind-up toy.

ATP synthase contains two rotary motors coupled back-to-back: the protonmotive force-driven motor F0 pushes the ATP-driven motor F1 in reverse, causing it to synthesize ATP. Half of this process has now been reproduced in vitro, using tiny magnets instead of F0 to drive the reverse rotation of a single F1 molecule.

Rotary movements within the ATP synthase do not constitute an obligatory element of the catalytic mechanism.

After a brief history of the proposals for the mechanism of the ATP synthase, the main experimental arguments for a rotational mechanism of catalysis are analyzed and on the basis of this analysis it is concluded that no evidence has been provided for rotation as an obligatory element of the catalytic mechanism. On the other hand, the experimental evidence in favor of a two-sites catalytic mechanism, derived from various approaches and not compatible with a three-sites rotary mechanism, appear to be very solid. Finally a brief characterization of the various nucleotide binding sites is provided and a suggestion is made how the enzyme has evolutionarily developed from a rotating machine into an asymmetrical device for energy conservation.