ATP hydrolysis in the betaTP and betaDP catalytic sites of F1-ATPase

Rotary properties of hybrid F1-ATPases consisting of subunits from different species

F₁-ATPase (F₁) is an ATP-driven rotary motor protein ubiquitously found in many species as the catalytic portion of F_oF₁-ATP synthase. Despite the highly conserved amino acid sequence of the catalytic core subunits: α and β, F₁ shows diversity in the maximum catalytic turnover rate V_max and the number of rotary steps per turn. To study the design principle of F₁, we prepared eight hybrid F₁s composed of subunits from two of three genuine F₁s: thermophilic Bacillus PS3 (TF₁), bovine mitochondria (bMF₁), and Paracoccus denitrificans (PdF₁), differing in the V_max and the number of rotary steps. The V_max of the hybrids can be well fitted by a quadratic model highlighting the dominant roles of β and the couplings between α-β. Although there exist no simple rules on which subunit dominantly determines the number of steps, our findings show that the stepping behavior is characterized by the combination of all subunits.

F1-ATPase Rotary Mechanism: Interpreting Results of Diverse Experimental Modes With an Elastic Coupling Theory

In this chapter, we review single-molecule observations of rotary motors, focusing on the general theme that their mechanical motion proceeds in substeps with each substep described by an angle-dependent rate constant. In the molecular machine F1-ATPase, the stepping rotation is described for individual steps by forward and back reaction rate constants, some of which depend strongly on the rotation angle. The rotation of a central shaft is typically monitored by an optical probe. We review our recent work on the theory for the angle-dependent rate constants built to treat a variety of single-molecule and ensemble experiments on the F1-ATPase, and relating the free energy of activation of a step to the standard free energy of reaction for that step. This theory, an elastic molecular transfer theory, provides a framework for a multistate model and includes the probe used in single-molecule imaging and magnetic manipulation experiments. Several examples of its application are the following: (a) treatment of the angle-dependent rate constants in stalling experiments, (b) use of the model to enhance the time resolution of the single-molecule imaging apparatus and to detect short-lived states with a microsecond lifetime, states hidden by the fluctuations of the imaging probe, (c) treatment of out-of-equilibrium "controlled rotation" experiments, (d) use of the model to predict, without adjustable parameters, the angle-dependent rate constants of nucleotide binding and release, using data from other experiments, and (e) insights obtained from correlation of kinetic and cryo-EM structural data. It is also noted that in the case where the release of ADP would be a bottleneck process, the binding of ATP to another site acts to accelerate the release by 5-6 orders of magnitude. The relation of the present set of studies to previous and current theoretical work in the field is described. An overall goal is to gain mechanistic insight into the biological function in relation to structure.

Structure and mutation analysis of the hexameric P4 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage phiYY

phiYY is a foremost member of Cystoviridae isolated from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Its P4 protein with NTPase activity is a molecular motor for their genome packing during viral particle assembly. Previously studies on the P4 from four Pseudomonas phages phi6, phi8, phi12 and phi13 reveal that despite of belonging to the same protein family, they are unique in sequence, structure and biochemical properties. To better understand the structure and function of phiYY P4, four crystal structures of phiYY P4 in apo-form or combined with different ligands were solved at the resolution between 1.85 Å and 2.43 Å, which showed drastic conformation change of the H1 motif in ligand-bound forms compared with in apo-form, a four residue-mutation at the ligand binding pocket abolished its ATPase activity. Furthermore, the truncation mutation of the 50 residues at the C-terminal did not impair the hexamerization and ATP hydrolysis.

The fine-tuning of cell membrane lipid bilayers accentuates their compositional complexity

Cell membranes are now emerging as finely tuned molecular systems, signifying that re-evaluation of our understanding of their structure is essential. Although the idea that cell membrane lipid bilayers do little more than give shape and form to cells and limit diffusion between cells and their environment is totally passé, the structural, compositional, and functional complexity of lipid bilayers often catches cell and molecular biologists by surprise. Models of lipid bilayer structure have developed considerably since the heyday of the fluid mosaic model, principally by the discovery of the restricted diffusion of membrane proteins and lipids within the plane of the bilayer. In reviewing this field, we now suggest that further refinement of current models is necessary and propose that describing lipid bilayers as "finely-tuned molecular assemblies" best portrays their complexity and function. Also see the video abstract here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddkP-QRZTl8.

Rotary catalysis of bovine mitochondrial F1-ATPase studied by single-molecule experiments

The reaction scheme of rotary catalysis and the torque generation mechanism of bovine mitochondrial F₁ (bMF₁) were studied in single-molecule experiments. Under ATP-saturated concentrations, high-speed imaging of a single 40-nm gold bead attached to the γ subunit of bMF₁ showed 2 types of intervening pauses during the rotation that were discriminated by short dwell and long dwell. Using ATPγS as a slowly hydrolyzing ATP derivative as well as using a functional mutant βE188D with slowed ATP hydrolysis, the 2 pausing events were distinctively identified. Buffer-exchange experiments with a nonhydrolyzable analog (AMP-PNP) revealed that the long dwell corresponds to the catalytic dwell, that is, the waiting state for hydrolysis, while it remains elusive which catalytic state short pause represents. The angular position of catalytic dwell was determined to be at +80° from the ATP-binding angle, mostly consistent with other F₁s. The position of short dwell was found at 50 to 60° from catalytic dwell, that is, +10 to 20° from the ATP-binding angle. This is a distinct difference from human mitochondrial F₁, which also shows intervening dwell that probably corresponds to the short dwell of bMF₁, at +65° from the binding pause. Furthermore, we conducted "stall-and-release" experiments with magnetic tweezers to reveal how the binding affinity and hydrolysis equilibrium are modulated by the γ rotation. Similar to thermophilic F₁, bMF₁ showed a strong exponential increase in ATP affinity, while the hydrolysis equilibrium did not change significantly. This indicates that the ATP binding process generates larger torque than the hydrolysis process.

Mechanistic study of the ATP hydrolysis reaction in dynein motor protein

Dynein, a large and complex motor protein, harnesses energy from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis to regulate essential cellular activities. The ATP hydrolysis mechanism for the dynein motor is still shrouded in mystery. Herein, molecular dynamics simulations of a dynein motor disclosed that two water molecules are present close to the γ-phosphate of ATP and Glu1742 at the AAA1 site of dynein. We have proposed three possible mechanisms for the ATP hydrolysis. We divulge by using a quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) study that two water molecules and Glu1742 are crucial for facilitating the ATP hydrolysis reaction in dynein. Moreover, the ATP hydrolysis step is initiated by the activation of lytic water (W1) by Glu1742 through relay proton transfers with the help of auxiliary water (W2) yielding HPO₄^2- and ADP, as a product. In the next step, a proton is shifted back from Glu1742 to generate inorganic phosphate (H₂PO₄^-) via another relay proton transfer event. The overall activation barrier for the Glu1742 assisted ATP hydrolysis is found to be the most favourable pathway compared to other plausible pathways. We also unearthed that ATP hydrolysis in dynein follows a so-called associative-like pathway in its rate-limiting step. Our study ascertained the important indirect roles of the two amino acids (such as Arg2109, Asn1792) and Mg²⁺ ion in the ATP hydrolysis of dynein. Additionally, multiple sequence alignment of the different organisms of dynein motors has conveyed the evolutionary importance of the Glu1742, Asn1742, and Arg2109 residues, respectively. As similar mechanisms are also prevalent in other motors, and GTPase and ATPase enzymes, the present finding spells out the definitive requirement of a proton relay process through an extended water-chain as one of the key components in an enzymatic ATP hydrolysis reaction.

Evidence for a Partially Stalled γ Rotor in F1-ATPase from Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange Experiments and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

F₁-ATPase uses ATP hydrolysis to drive rotation of the γ subunit. The γ C-terminal helix constitutes the rotor tip that is seated in an apical bearing formed by α₃β₃. It remains uncertain to what extent the γ conformation during rotation differs from that seen in rigid crystal structures. Existing models assume that the entire γ subunit participates in every rotation. Here we interrogated E. coli F₁-ATPase by hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX) mass spectrometry. Rotation of γ caused greatly enhanced deuteration in the γ C-terminal helix. The HDX kinetics implied that most F₁ complexes operate with an intact rotor at any given time, but that the rotor tip is prone to occasional unfolding. A molecular dynamics (MD) strategy was developed to model the off-axis forces acting on γ. MD runs showed stalling of the rotor tip and unfolding of the γ C-terminal helix. MD-predicted H-bond opening events coincided with experimental HDX patterns. Our data suggest that in vitro operation of F₁-ATPase is associated with significant rotational resistance in the apical bearing. These conditions cause the γ C-terminal helix to get "stuck" (and unfold) sporadically while the remainder of γ continues to rotate. This scenario contrasts the traditional "greasy bearing" model that envisions smooth rotation of the γ C-terminal helix. The fragility of the apical rotor tip in F₁-ATPase is attributed to the absence of a c₁₀ ring that stabilizes the rotation axis in intact F_oF₁. Overall, the MD/HDX strategy introduced here appears well suited for interrogating the inner workings of molecular motors.

Comparing the catalytic strategy of ATP hydrolysis in biomolecular motors

ATP-driven biomolecular motors utilize the chemical energy obtained from the ATP hydrolysis to perform vital tasks in living cells. Understanding the mechanism of enzyme-catalyzed ATP hydrolysis reaction has substantially progressed lately thanks to combined quantum/classical molecular mechanics (QM/MM) simulations. Here, we present a comparative summary of the most recent QM/MM results for myosin, kinesin and F1-ATPase motors. These completely different motors achieve the acceleration of ATP hydrolysis through a very similar catalytic mechanism. ATP hydrolysis has high activation energy because it involves the breaking of two strong bonds, namely the Pγ-Oβγ bond of ATP and the H-O bond of lytic water. The key to the four-fold decrease in the activation barrier by the three enzymes is that the breaking of the Pγ-Oβγ bond precedes the deprotonation of the lytic water molecule, generating a metaphosphate hydrate complex. The resulting singly charged trigonal planar PγO3(-) metaphosphate is a better electrophilic target for attack by an OaH(-) hydroxyl group. The formation of this OaH(-) is promoted by a strong polarization of the lytic water: in all three proteins, this water is forming a hydrogen-bond with a backbone carbonyl group and interacts with the carboxylate group of glutamate (either directly or via an intercalated water molecule). This favors the shedding of one proton by the attacking water. The abstracted proton is transferred to the γ-phosphate via various proton wires, resulting in a H2PγO4(-)/ADP(3-) product state. This catalytic strategy is so effective that most other nucleotide hydrolyzing enzymes adopt a similar approach, as suggested by their very similar triphosphate binding sites.

Nanoscale Dynamics and Energetics of Proteins and Protein-Nucleic Acid Complexes in Classical Molecular Dynamics Simulations

The present article describes techniques for classical simulations of proteins and protein-nucleic acid complexes, revealing their dynamics and protein-substrate binding energies. The approach is based on classical atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the experimentally determined structures of the complexes. MD simulations can provide dynamics of complexes in realistic solvents on microsecond timescales, and the free energy methods are able to provide Gibbs free energies of binding of substrates, such as nucleic acids, to proteins. The chapter describes methodologies for the preparation of computer models of biomolecular complexes and free energy perturbation methodology for evaluating Gibbs free energies of binding. The applications are illustrated with examples of snapshots of proteins and their complexes with nucleic acids, as well as the precise Gibbs free energies of binding.

Catalytic robustness and torque generation of the F1-ATPase

The F₁-ATPase is the catalytic portion of the F_oF₁ ATP synthase and acts as a rotary molecular motor when it hydrolyzes ATP. Two decades have passed since the single-molecule rotation assay of F₁-ATPase was established. Although several fundamental issues remain elusive, basic properties of F-type ATPases as motor proteins have been well characterized, and a large part of the reaction scheme has been revealed by the combination of extensive structural, biochemical, biophysical, and theoretical studies. This review is intended to provide a concise summary of the fundamental features of F₁-ATPases, by use of the well-described model F₁ from the thermophilic Bacillus PS3 (TF₁). In the last part of this review, we focus on the robustness of the rotary catalysis of F₁-ATPase to provide a perspective on the re-designing of novel molecular machines.

Mechanochemical Energy Transduction during the Main Rotary Step in the Synthesis Cycle of F1-ATPase

F₁-ATPase is a highly efficient molecular motor that can synthesize ATP driven by a mechanical torque. Its ability to function reversibly in either direction requires tight mechanochemical coupling between the catalytic domain and the rotating central shaft, as well as temporal control of substrate binding and product release. Despite great efforts and significant progress, the molecular details of this synchronized and fine-tuned energy conversion mechanism are not fully understood. Here, we use extensive molecular dynamics simulations to reconcile recent single-molecule experiments with structural data and provide a consistent thermodynamic, kinetic and mechanistic description of the main rotary substep in the synthetic cycle of mammalian ATP synthase. The calculated free energy profiles capture a discrete pattern in the rotation of the central γ-shaft, with a metastable intermediate located-consistently with recent experimental findings-at 70° relative to the X-ray position. We identify this rotary step as the ATP-dependent substep, and find that the associated free energy input supports the mechanism involving concurrent nucleotide binding and release. During the main substep, our simulations show no significant opening of the ATP-bound β subunit; instead, we observe that mechanical energy is transmitted to its nucleotide binding site, thus lowering the affinity for ATP. Simultaneously, the empty subunit assumes a conformation that enables the enzyme to harness the free energy of ADP binding to drive ATP release. Finally, we show that ligand exchange is regulated by a checkpoint mechanism, an apparent prerequisite for high efficiency in protein nanomotors.

Torque transmission mechanism via DELSEED loop of F1-ATPase

F1-ATPase (F1) is an ATP-driven rotary motor in which the three catalytic β subunits in the stator ring sequentially induce the unidirectional rotation of the rotary γ subunit. Many lines of evidence have revealed open-to-closed conformational transitions in the β subunit that swing the C-terminal domain inward. This conformational transition causes a C-terminal protruding loop with conserved sequence DELSEED to push the γ subunit. Previous work, where all residues of DELSEED were substituted with glycine to disrupt the specific interaction with γ and introduce conformational flexibility, showed that F1 still rotated, but that the torque was halved, indicating a remarkable impact on torque transmission. In this study, we conducted a stall-and-release experiment on F1 with a glycine-substituted DELSEED loop to investigate the impact of the glycine substitution on torque transmission upon ATP binding and ATP hydrolysis. The mutant F1 showed a significantly reduced angle-dependent change in ATP affinity, whereas there was no change in the equilibrium for ATP hydrolysis. These findings indicate that the DELSEED loop is predominantly responsible for torque transmission upon ATP binding but not for that upon ATP hydrolysis.

Mechanism of conformational coupling in SecA: Key role of hydrogen-bonding networks and water interactions

SecA uses the energy yielded by the binding and hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to push secretory pre-proteins across the plasma membrane in bacteria. Hydrolysis of ATP occurs at the nucleotide-binding site, which contains the conserved carboxylate groups of the DEAD-box helicases. Although crystal structures provide valuable snapshots of SecA along its reaction cycle, the mechanism that ensures conformational coupling between the nucleotide-binding site and the other domains of SecA remains unclear. The observation that SecA contains numerous hydrogen-bonding groups raises important questions about the role of hydrogen-bonding networks and hydrogen-bond dynamics in long-distance conformational couplings. To address these questions, we explored the molecular dynamics of SecA from three different organisms, with and without bound nucleotide, in water. By computing two-dimensional hydrogen-bonding maps we identify networks of hydrogen bonds that connect the nucleotide-binding site to remote regions of the protein, and sites in the protein that respond to specific perturbations. We find that the nucleotide-binding site of ADP-bound SecA has a preferred geometry whereby the first two carboxylates of the DEAD motif bridge via hydrogen-bonding water. Simulations of a mutant with perturbed ATP hydrolysis highlight the water-bridged geometry as a key structural element of the reaction path.

Theory for rates, equilibrium constants, and Brønsted slopes in F1-ATPase single molecule imaging experiments

A theoretical model of elastically coupled reactions is proposed for single molecule imaging and rotor manipulation experiments on F1-ATPase. Stalling experiments are considered in which rates of individual ligand binding, ligand release, and chemical reaction steps have an exponential dependence on rotor angle. These data are treated in terms of the effect of thermodynamic driving forces on reaction rates, and lead to equations relating rate constants and free energies to the stalling angle. These relations, in turn, are modeled using a formalism originally developed to treat electron and other transfer reactions. During stalling the free energy profile of the enzymatic steps is altered by a work term due to elastic structural twisting. Using biochemical and single molecule data, the dependence of the rate constant and equilibrium constant on the stall angle, as well as the Børnsted slope are predicted and compared with experiment. Reasonable agreement is found with stalling experiments for ATP and GTP binding. The model can be applied to other torque-generating steps of reversible ligand binding, such as ADP and Pi release, when sufficient data become available.

Mechanism of the αβ conformational change in F1-ATPase after ATP hydrolysis: free-energy simulations

One of the motive forces for F1-ATPase rotation is the conformational change of the catalytically active β subunit due to closing and opening motions caused by ATP binding and hydrolysis, respectively. The closing motion is accomplished in two steps: the hydrogen-bond network around ATP changes and then the entire structure changes via B-helix sliding, as shown in our previous study. Here, we investigated the opening motion induced by ATP hydrolysis using all-atom free-energy simulations, combining the nudged elastic band method and umbrella sampling molecular-dynamics simulations. Because hydrolysis requires residues in the α subunit, the simulations were performed with the αβ dimer. The results indicate that the large-scale opening motion is also achieved by the B-helix sliding (in the reverse direction). However, the sliding mechanism is different from that of ATP binding because sliding is triggered by separation of the hydrolysis products ADP and Pi. We also addressed several important issues: 1), the timing of the product Pi release; 2), the unresolved half-closed β structure; and 3), the ADP release mechanism. These issues are fundamental for motor function; thus, the rotational mechanism of the entire F1-ATPase is also elucidated through this αβ study. During the conformational change, conserved residues among the ATPase proteins play important roles, suggesting that the obtained mechanism may be shared with other ATPase proteins. When combined with our previous studies, these results provide a comprehensive view of the β-subunit conformational change that drives the ATPase.

Rotational mechanism of Enterococcus hirae V1-ATPase by crystal-structure and single-molecule analyses

In ion-transporting rotary ATPases, the mechanical rotation of inner rotor subunits against other stator subunits in the complex mediates conversion of chemical free energy from ATP hydrolysis into electrochemical potential by pumping ions across the cell membrane. To fully understand the rotational mechanism of energy conversion, it is essential to analyze a target sample by multiple advanced methods that differ in spatiotemporal resolutions and sample environments. Here, we describe such a strategy applied to the water-soluble V1 moiety of Enterococcus hirae V-ATPase; this strategy involves integration of crystal structure studies and single-molecule analysis of rotary dynamics and torque generation. In addition, we describe our current model of the chemo-mechanical coupling scheme obtained by this approach, as well as future prospects.

Kinesin Motor Enzymology: Chemistry, Structure, and Physics of Nanoscale Molecular Machines

Molecular motors are enzymes that convert chemical potential energy into controlled kinetic energy for mechanical work inside cells. Understanding the biophysics of these motors is essential for appreciating life as well as apprehending diseases that arise from motor malfunction. This review focuses on kinesin motor enzymology with special emphasis on the literature that reports the chemistry, structure and physics of several different kinesin superfamily members.

Molecular structure and rotary dynamics of Enterococcus hirae V₁-ATPase

V1-ATPase is a rotary molecular motor in which the mechanical rotation of the rotor DF subunits against the stator A3B3 ring is driven by the chemical free energy of ATP hydrolysis. Recently, using X-ray crystallography, we solved the high-resolution molecular structure of Enterococcus hirae V1-ATPase (EhV1) and revealed how the three catalytic sites in the stator A3B3 ring change their structure on nucleotide binding and interaction with the rotor DF subunits. Furthermore, recently, we also demonstrated directly the rotary catalysis of EhV1 by using single-molecule high-speed imaging and analyzed the properties of the rotary motion in detail. In this critical review, we introduce the molecular structure and rotary dynamics of EhV1 and discuss a possible model of its chemomechanical coupling scheme.

Coordination and control inside simple biomolecular machines

Biomolecular machines can achieve physiological functions precisely and efficiently, though they always operate under fluctuations and noises. We review two types of simple machinery that we have recently studied. The machinery can be regarded as molecular motors. They transform chemical free energy from NTP hydrolysis to mechanical work. One type belongs to small monomeric helicases that move directionally along single-stranded nucleic acid, and may further unwind the duplex part for gene replication or repair. The other type belongs to ring-shaped NTPase motors that also move or transport nucleic acid or protein substrate in a directional manner, such as for genome packaging or protein degradation. The central issue in this review is on how the machinery coordinates essential degrees of freedom during the mechanochemical coupling process. Further concerns include how the coordination and control are manifested in experiments, and how they can be captured well in modeling and computational research. We employed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, coarse-grained analyses, and stochastic modeling techniques to examine the molecular machines at multiple resolutions and timescales. Detailed descriptions on how the protein interacts with its substrate at interface, as well as how multiple protein subunits are coordinated are summarized.

Robustness of the rotary catalysis mechanism of F1-ATPase

F1-ATPase (F1) is the rotary motor protein fueled by ATP hydrolysis. Previous studies have suggested that three charged residues are indispensable for catalysis of F1 as follows: the P-loop lysine in the phosphate-binding loop, GXXXXGK(T/S); a glutamic acid that activates water molecules for nucleophilic attack on the γ-phosphate of ATP (general base); and an arginine directly contacting the γ-phosphate (arginine finger). These residues are well conserved among P-loop NTPases. In this study, we investigated the role of these charged residues in catalysis and torque generation by analyzing alanine-substituted mutants in the single-molecule rotation assay. Surprisingly, all mutants continuously drove rotary motion, even though the rotational velocity was at least 100,000 times slower than that of wild type. Thus, although these charged residues contribute to highly efficient catalysis, they are not indispensable to chemo-mechanical energy coupling, and the rotary catalysis mechanism of F1 is far more robust than previously thought.

Single-molecule analysis of the rotation of F₁-ATPase under high hydrostatic pressure

F1-ATPase is the water-soluble part of ATP synthase and is an ATP-driven rotary molecular motor that rotates the rotary shaft against the surrounding stator ring, hydrolyzing ATP. Although the mechanochemical coupling mechanism of F1-ATPase has been well studied, the molecular details of individual reaction steps remain unclear. In this study, we conducted a single-molecule rotation assay of F1 from thermophilic bacteria under various pressures from 0.1 to 140 MPa. Even at 140 MPa, F1 actively rotated with regular 120° steps in a counterclockwise direction, showing high conformational stability and retention of native properties. Rotational torque was also not affected. However, high hydrostatic pressure induced a distinct intervening pause at the ATP-binding angles during continuous rotation. The pause was observed under both ATP-limiting and ATP-saturating conditions, suggesting that F1 has two pressure-sensitive reactions, one of which is evidently ATP binding. The rotation assay using a mutant F1(βE190D) suggested that the other pressure-sensitive reaction occurs at the same angle at which ATP binding occurs. The activation volumes were determined from the pressure dependence of the rate constants to be +100 Å(3) and +88 Å(3) for ATP binding and the other pressure-sensitive reaction, respectively. These results are discussed in relation to recent single-molecule studies of F1 and pressure-induced protein unfolding.

Timing of inorganic phosphate release modulates the catalytic activity of ATP-driven rotary motor protein

F₁-ATPase is a rotary motor protein driven by ATP hydrolysis. The rotary motion of F₁-ATPase is tightly coupled to catalysis, in which the catalytic sites strictly obey the reaction sequences at the resolution of elementary reaction steps. This fine coordination of the reaction scheme is thought to be important to achieve extremely high chemomechanical coupling efficiency and reversibility, which is the prominent feature of F₁-ATPase among molecular motor proteins. In this study, we intentionally change the reaction scheme by using single-molecule manipulation, and we examine the resulting effect on the rotary motion of F₁-ATPase. When the sequence of the products released, that is, ADP and inorganic phosphate, is switched, we find that F₁ frequently stops rotating for a long time, which corresponds to inactivation of catalysis. This inactive state presents MgADP inhibition, and thus, we find that an improper reaction sequence of F₁-ATPase catalysis induces MgADP inhibition.

The F1-ATPase is a motor protein which exhibits rotary motion as a result of catalytic hydrolysis of ATP. Here, the authors investigate how the sequence of this reaction influences molecular rotation, showing that premature product release can result in protein inactivation.

Anatomy of F1-ATPase powered rotation

F1-ATPase, the catalytic complex of the ATP synthase, is a molecular motor that can consume ATP to drive rotation of the γ-subunit inside the ring of three αβ-subunit heterodimers in 120° power strokes. To elucidate the mechanism of ATPase-powered rotation, we determined the angular velocity as a function of rotational position from single-molecule data collected at 200,000 frames per second with unprecedented signal-to-noise. Power stroke rotation is more complex than previously understood. This paper reports the unexpected discovery that a series of angular accelerations and decelerations occur during the power stroke. The decreases in angular velocity that occurred with the lower-affinity substrate ITP, which could not be explained by an increase in substrate-binding dwells, provides direct evidence that rotation depends on substrate binding affinity. The presence of elevated ADP concentrations not only increased dwells at 35° from the catalytic dwell consistent with competitive product inhibition but also decreased the angular velocity from 85° to 120°, indicating that ADP can remain bound to the catalytic site where product release occurs for the duration of the power stroke. The angular velocity profile also supports a model in which rotation is powered by Van der Waals repulsive forces during the final 85° of rotation, consistent with a transition from F1 structures 2HLD1 and 1H8E (Protein Data Bank).

Gas-phase salt bridge interactions between glutamic acid and arginine

The gas-phase side chain-side chain (SC-SC) interaction and possible proton transfer between glutamic acid (Glu) and arginine (Arg) residues are studied under low-temperature conditions in an overall neutral peptide. Conformation-specific IR spectra, obtained with the free electron laser FELIX, in combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, provide insight into the occurrence of intramolecular proton transfer and detailed information on the conformational preferences of the peptides Z-Glu-Alan-Arg-NHMe (n = 0,1,3). Low-energy structures are obtained using molecular dynamics simulations via the simulated annealing approach, resulting in three types of SC-SC interactions, in particular two types of pair-wise interactions and one bifurcated interaction. These low-energy structures are optimized and frequency calculations are performed using the B3LYP functional, for structural analysis, and the M05-2x functional, for relative energies, employing the 6-311+G(d,p) basis set. Comparison of experimental and computed spectra suggests that only a single conformation was present for each of the three peptides. Despite the increasing spacing between the Glu and Arg residues, the peptides have several types of interactions in common, in particular specific SC-SC and dispersion interactions between the Arg side chain and the phenyl ring of the Z-cap. Comparison with previous experiments on Ac-Glu-Ala-Phe-Ala-Arg-NHMe as well as molecular dynamics simulations further suggest that the pairwise interaction observed here is indeed energetically most favorable for short peptide sequences.

Adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis mechanism in kinesin studied by combined quantum-mechanical/molecular-mechanical metadynamics simulations

Kinesin is a molecular motor that hydrolyzes adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and moves along microtubules against load. While motility and atomic structures have been well-characterized for various members of the kinesin family, not much is known about ATP hydrolysis inside the active site. Here, we study ATP hydrolysis mechanisms in the kinesin-5 protein Eg5 by using combined quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics metadynamics simulations. Approximately 200 atoms at the catalytic site are treated by a dispersion-corrected density functional and, in total, 13 metadynamics simulations are performed with their cumulative time reaching ~0.7 ns. Using the converged runs, we compute free energy surfaces and obtain a few hydrolysis pathways. The pathway with the lowest free energy barrier involves a two-water chain and is initiated by the Pγ-Oβ dissociation concerted with approach of the lytic water to PγO3-. This immediately induces a proton transfer from the lytic water to another water, which then gives a proton to the conserved Glu270. Later, the proton is transferred back from Glu270 to HPO(4)2- via another hydrogen-bonded chain. We find that the reaction is favorable when the salt bridge between Glu270 in switch II and Arg234 in switch I is transiently broken, which facilitates the ability of Glu270 to accept a proton. When ATP is placed in the ADP-bound conformation of Eg5, the ATP-Mg moiety is surrounded by many water molecules and Thr107 blocks the water chain, which together make the hydrolysis reaction less favorable. The observed two-water chain mechanisms are rather similar to those suggested in two other motors, myosin and F1-ATPase, raising the possibility of a common mechanism.

Molecular dynamics simulations of yeast F1-ATPase before and after 16° rotation of the γ subunit

We have recently proposed the "packing exchange mechanism" for F1-ATPase, wherein the perturbation by a substrate binding/release or an ATP hydrolysis is followed by the reorganization of the asymmetric packing structure of the α3β3 complex, accompanying the γ subunit rotation. As part of a further investigation of this rotational mechanism, we performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations for yeast F1-ATPase both before and after a 16° rotation of the γ subunit triggered by a Pi release. We analyzed the structural fluctuations, the subunit interface interactions, and the dynamics of the relative subunit arrangements before and after the rotation. We found that with the Pi release the αEβE subunit interface becomes looser, which also allosterically makes the αDPβDP subunit interface looser. This structural communication between these interfaces takes place through a tightening of the αTPβTP subunit interface. The γ subunit interacts less strongly with αDP and βDP and more strongly with αTP and βTP. After the Pi release, the tightly packed interfaces are reorganized from the interfaces around βDP to those around βTP, inducing the 16° rotation. These results, which are consistent with the packing exchange mechanism, allow us to deduce a view of the structural change during the 40° rotation.

Simulation of catalytic water activation in mitochondrial F1-ATPase using a hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics approach: an alternative role for β-Glu 188

The use of quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics simulations to study the free energy landscape of the water activation at the catalytic site of mitochondrial F(1)-ATPase affords us insight into the generation of the nucleophile OH(-) prior to ATP hydrolysis. As a result, the ATP molecule was found to be the final proton acceptor. In the simulated pathway, the transfer of a proton to the nucleotide was not direct but occurred via a second water molecule in a manner similar to the Grotthuss mechanism proposed for proton diffusion. Residue β-Glu 188, previously described as the putative catalytic base, was found to be involved in the stabilization of a transient hydronium ion during water activation. Simulations in the absence of the carboxylate moiety of β-Glu 188 support this role.

Operation mechanism of F(o) F(1)-adenosine triphosphate synthase revealed by its structure and dynamics

F(o) F(1) -Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase, a complex of two rotary motor proteins, reversibly converts the electrochemical potential of protons across the cell membrane into phosphate transfer potential of ATP to provide the energy currency of the cell. The water-soluble motor is F(1) -ATPase, which possesses ATP synthesis/hydrolysis catalytic sites. Isolated F(1) hydrolyses ATP to rotate the rotary shaft against the stator ring. The membrane-embedded motor is F(o) , which is driven by proton flow down the proton electrochemical potential. In the F(o) F(1) complex, the direction of mechanical rotation, the chemical reaction, and the proton transport are determined by the relative amplitudes between the Gibbs free energy of the ATP hydrolysis reaction and the electrochemical potential of protons across the membrane. Therefore, F(o) F(1) -ATP synthase is a highly efficient molecular device in which the chemical, mechanical, and potential energies are tightly and reversibly converted. In this critical review, we summarize our latest knowledge about the operation mechanism of this sophisticated nanomachine, revealed by its structure and dynamics.

Quantum and classical dynamics simulations of ATP hydrolysis in solution

ATP hydrolysis is a key reaction in living cells that drives many cellular processes. The reaction, which involves gamma phosphate cleavage from ATP, converting it to ADP, has been suggested to occur via an associative or dissociative mechanism dependent upon the surrounding environment. Prior quantum chemical studies suffered from short simulation timescales failing to capture free energy contributions due to relaxation of the surrounding aqueous environment. We have developed a highly parallelized QM/MM implementation in the NAMD and OpenAtom simulation packages, using the dual grid, dual length scale method for combined plane-wave and Eular exponential spline-based QM/MM simulations. This approach, using message-driven parallel quantum and classical dynamics, permits sufficient timescale simulations for quantum chemical events such as ATP hydrolysis, and is found to accurately and reliably include the free energy contributions of solvent relaxation to hydrolysis. In this paper we describe the application of the dual grid, dual length plane-wave-based QM/MM method to study both the associative and dissociative mechanisms of ATP hydrolysis, accounting for the free energy contribution from solvent relaxation, as well as for the key role of Mg(2+) in the reaction.

Molecular mechanism of ATP hydrolysis in F1-ATPase revealed by molecular simulations and single-molecule observations

Enzymatic hydrolysis of nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) plays a pivotal role in protein functions. In spite of its biological significance, however, the chemistry of the hydrolysis catalysis remains obscure because of the complex nature of the reaction. Here we report a study of the molecular mechanism of hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in F(1)-ATPase, an ATP-driven rotary motor protein. Molecular simulations predicted and single-molecule observation experiments verified that the rate-determining step (RDS) is proton transfer (PT) from the lytic water molecule, which is strongly activated by a metaphosphate generated by a preceding P(γ)-O(β) bond dissociation (POD). Catalysis of the POD that triggers the chain activation of the PT is fulfilled by hydrogen bonds between Walker motif A and an arginine finger, which commonly exist in many NTPases. The reaction mechanism unveiled here indicates that the protein can regulate the enzymatic activity for the function in both the POD and PT steps despite the fact that the RDS is the PT step.

Structural comparison of F1-ATPase: interplay among enzyme structures, catalysis, and rotations

F(1)-ATPase, a rotary motor powered by adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis, has been extensively studied by various methods. Here, we performed a systematic comparison of 29 X-ray crystal structures of F(1)-complexes, finding fine interplay among enzyme structures, catalysis, and rotations. First, analyzing the 87 structures of enzymatic αβ-subunits, we confirmed that the two modes, the hinge motion of β-subunit and the loose/tight motion of the αβ-interface, dominate the variations. The structural ensemble was nearly contiguous bridging three clusters, αβ(TP), αβ(DP), and αβ(E). Second, the catalytic site analysis suggested the correlation between the phosphate binding and the tightening of the αβ-interface. Third, addressing correlations of enzymatic structures with the orientations of the central stalk γ, we found that the γ rotation highly correlates with loosening of αβ(E)-interface and β(DP) hinge motions. Finally, calculating the helix 6 angle of β, we identified the recently observed partially closed conformation being consistent with β(HC).

Domain motion of individual F1-ATPase β-subunits during unbiased molecular dynamics simulations

F(1)-ATPase is the catalytic domain of F(1)F(o)-ATP synthase and consists of a hexameric arrangement of three noncatalytic α and three catalytic β subunits. We have used unbiased molecular dynamics simulations with a total simulation time of 900 ns to investigate the dynamic relaxation properties of isolated β-subunits as a step toward explaining the function of the integral F(1) unit. To this end, we simulated the open (β(E)) and the closed (β(TP)) conformations under unbiased conditions for up to 120 ns each using several samples. The simulations confirm that nucleotide-free β(E) retains its open configuration over the course of the simulations. The same is true when the neighboring α subunits are included. The nucleotide-depleted as well as the nucleotide-bound isolated β(TP) subunits show a significant trend toward the open conformation during our simulations, with one trajectory per case opening completely. Hence, our simulations suggest that the equilibrium conformation of a nucleotide-free β-subunit is the open conformation and that the transition from the closed to the open conformation can occur on a time scale of a few tens of nanoseconds.

Torsional elasticity and energetics of F1-ATPase

F(o)F(1)-ATPase is a rotary motor protein synthesizing ATP from ADP driven by a cross-membrane proton gradient. The proton flow through the membrane-embedded F(o) generates the rotary torque that drives the rotation of the asymmetric shaft of F(1). Mechanical energy of the rotating shaft is used by the F(1) catalytic subunit to synthesize ATP. It was suggested that elastic power transmission with transient storage of energy in some compliant part of the shaft is required for the observed high turnover rate. We used atomistic simulations to study the spatial distribution and structural determinants of the F(1) torsional elasticity at the molecular level and to comprehensively characterize the elastic properties of F(1)-ATPase. Our fluctuation analysis revealed an unexpected heterogeneity of the F(1) shaft elasticity. Further, we found that the measured overall torsional moduli of the shaft arise from two distinct contributions, the intrinsic elasticity and the effective potential imposed on the shaft by the catalytic subunit. Separation of these two contributions provided a quantitative description of the coupling between the rotor and the catalytic subunit. This description enabled us to propose a minimal quantitative model of the F(1) energetics along the rotary degrees of freedom near the resting state observed in the crystal structures. As opposed to the usually employed models where the motor mechanical progression is described by a single angular variable, our multidimensional treatment incorporates the spatially inhomogeneous nature of the shaft and its interactions with the stator and offers new insight into the mechanoenzymatics of F(1)-ATPase.

Double-lock ratchet mechanism revealing the role of alphaSER-344 in FoF1 ATP synthase

In a majority of living organisms, FoF1 ATP synthase performs the fundamental process of ATP synthesis. Despite the simple net reaction formula, ADP+Pi→ATP+H2O, the detailed step-by-step mechanism of the reaction yet remains to be resolved owing to the complexity of this multisubunit enzyme. Based on quantum mechanical computations using recent high resolution X-ray structures, we propose that during ATP synthesis the enzyme first prepares the inorganic phosphate for the γP-OADP bond-forming step via a double-proton transfer. At this step, the highly conserved αS344 side chain plays a catalytic role. The reaction thereafter progresses through another transition state (TS) having a planar ion configuration to finally form ATP. These two TSs are concluded crucial for ATP synthesis. Using stepwise scans and several models of the nucleotide-bound active site, some of the most important conformational changes were traced toward direction of synthesis. Interestingly, as the active site geometry progresses toward the ATP-favoring tight binding site, at both of these TSs, a dramatic increase in barrier heights is observed for the reverse direction, i.e., hydrolysis of ATP. This change could indicate a "ratchet" mechanism for the enzyme to ensure efficacy of ATP synthesis by shifting residue conformation and thus locking access to the crucial TSs.

Mechanism of the conformational change of the F1-ATPase β subunit revealed by free energy simulations

F(1)-ATPase is an ATP-driven rotary motor enzyme. The β subunit changes its conformation from an open to a closed form upon ATP binding. The motion in the β subunit is regarded as a major driving force for rotation of the central stalk. In this Article, we explore the conformational change of the β subunit using all-atom free energy simulations with explicit solvent and propose a detailed mechanism for the conformational change. The β subunit conformational change is accomplished roughly in two characteristic steps: changing of the hydrogen-bond network around ATP and the dynamic movement of the C-terminal domain via sliding of the B-helix. The details of the former step agree well with experimental data. In the latter step, sliding of the B-helix enhances the hydrophobic stabilization due to the exclusion of water molecules from the interface and improved packing in the hydrophobic core. This step contributes to a decrease in free energy, leading to the generation of torque in the F(1)-ATPase upon ATP binding.

Structural fluctuation and concerted motions in F(1)-ATPase: A molecular dynamics study

F(1)-ATPase is an adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP)-driven rotary motor enzyme. We investigated the structural fluctuations and concerted motions of subunits in F(1)-ATPase using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. An MD simulation for the alpha(3)beta(3)gamma complex was carried out for 30 ns. Although large fluctuations of the N-terminal domain observed in simulations of the isolated beta(E) subunit were suppressed in the complex simulation, the magnitude of fluctuations in the C-terminal domain was clearly different among the three beta subunits (beta(E), beta(TP), and beta(DP)). Despite fairly similar conformations of the beta(TP) and beta(DP) subunits, the beta(DP) subunit exhibits smaller fluctuations in the C-terminal domain than the beta(TP) subunit due to their dissimilar interface configurations. Compared with the beta(TP) subunit, the beta(DP) subunit stably interacts with both the adjacent alpha(DP) and alpha(E) subunits. This sandwiched configuration in the beta(DP) subunit leads to strongly correlated motions between the beta(DP) and adjacent alpha subunits. The beta(DP) subunit exhibits an extensive network of highly correlated motions with bound ATP and the gamma subunit, as well as with the adjacent alpha subunits, suggesting that the structural changes occurring in the catalytically active beta(DP) subunit can effectively induce movements of the gamma subunit.

The glmS ribozyme: use of a small molecule coenzyme by a gene-regulatory RNA

The glmS ribozyme is the first known example of a natural ribozyme that has evolved to require binding of an exogenous small molecule for activity. In Gram-positive bacteria, this RNA domain is part of the messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding the essential enzyme that synthesizes glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN6P). When present at physiologic concentration, this small molecule binds to the glmS ribozyme and uncovers a latent self-cleavage activity that ultimately leads to degradation of the mRNA. Biochemical and structural studies reveal that the RNA adopts a rigid fold stabilized by three pseudoknots and the packing of a peripheral domain against the ribozyme core. GlcN6P binding to this pre-organized RNA does not induce conformational changes; rather, the small molecule functions as a coenzyme, providing a catalytically essential amine group to the active site. The ribozyme is not a passive player, however. Active site functional groups are essential for catalysis, even in the presence of GlcN6P. In addition to being a superb experimental system with which to analyze how RNA catalysts can exploit small molecule coenzymes to broaden their chemical versatility, the presence of the glmS ribozyme in numerous pathogenic bacteria make this RNA an attractive target for the development of new antibiotics and antibacterial strategies.

Predicting order of conformational changes during protein conformational transitions using an interpolated elastic network model

The decryption of sequence of structural events during protein conformational transitions is essential to a detailed understanding of molecular functions of various biological nanomachines. Coarse-grained models have proven useful by allowing highly efficient simulations of protein conformational dynamics. By combining two coarse-grained elastic network models constructed based on the beginning and end conformations of a transition, we have developed an interpolated elastic network model to generate a transition pathway between the two protein conformations. For validation, we have predicted the order of local and global conformational changes during key ATP-driven transitions in three important biological nanomachines (myosin, F(1) ATPase and chaperonin GroEL). We have found that the local conformational change associated with the closing of active site precedes the global conformational change leading to mechanical motions. Our finding is in good agreement with the distribution of intermediate experimental structures, and it supports the importance of local motions at active site to drive or gate various conformational transitions underlying the workings of a diverse range of biological nanomachines.

Real-time structural transitions are coupled to chemical steps in ATP hydrolysis by Eg5 kinesin

At the biochemical level, motor proteins are enzymatic molecules that function by converting chemical energy into mechanical motion. The key element for energy transduction and a major unresolved question common for all motor proteins is the coordination between the chemical and conformational steps in ATP hydrolysis. Here we show time-lapse monitoring of an in vitro ATP hydrolysis reaction by the motor domain of a human Kinesin-5 protein (Eg5) using difference Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV photolysis of caged ATP. In this first continuous observation of a biological reaction coordinate from substrate to product, direct spectral markers for two catalytic events are measured: proton abstraction from nucleophilic water by the catalytic base and formation of the inorganic phosphate leaving group. Simultaneous examination of conformational switching in Eg5, in parallel with catalytic steps, shows structural transitions in solution consistent with published crystal structures of the prehydrolytic and ADP-bound states. In addition, we detect structural modifications in the Eg5 motor domain during bond cleavage between the beta- and gamma-phosphates of ATP. This conclusion challenges mechanochemical models for motor proteins that utilize only two stages of the catalytic cycle to drive force and motion.

Mechanical control of ATP synthase function: activation energy difference between tight and loose binding sites

Despite exhaustive chemical and crystal structure studies, the mechanistic details of how F(o)F(1)-ATP synthase can convert mechanical energy to chemical, producing ATP, are still not fully understood. On the basis of quantum mechanical calculations using a recent high-resolution X-ray structure, we conclude that formation of the P-O bond may be achieved through a transition state (TS) with a planar PO(3)(-) ion. Surprisingly, there is a more than 40 kJ/mol difference between barrier heights of the loose and tight binding sites of the enzyme. This indicates that even a relatively small change in active site conformation, induced by the gamma-subunit rotation, may effectively block the back reaction in beta(TP) and, thus, promote ATP.

ATP hydrolysis in Eg5 kinesin involves a catalytic two-water mechanism

Motor proteins couple steps in ATP binding and hydrolysis to conformational switching both in and remote from the active site. In our kinesin.AMPPPNP crystal structure, closure of the active site results in structural transformations appropriate for microtubule binding and organizes an orthosteric two-water cluster. We conclude that a proton is shared between the lytic water, positioned for gamma-phosphate attack, and a second water that serves as a general base. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental detection of the catalytic base for any ATPase. Deprotonation of the second water by switch residues likely triggers subsequent large scale structural rearrangements. Therefore, the catalytic base is responsible for initiating nucleophilic attack of ATP and for relaying the positive charge over long distances to initiate mechanotransduction. Coordination of switch movements via sequential proton transfer along paired water clusters may be universal for nucleotide triphosphatases with conserved active sites, such as myosins and G-proteins.

On the energetics of ATP hydrolysis in solution

ATP hydrolysis is the driving force of many life processes, yet the exact nature of and contributions to the energetics of this reaction are far from being clear. In particular, it is unclear how much of the driving force of this reaction is due to the separation of the already dissociated ADP + P(i) moieties rather than to the chemical event. This fundamental issue is explored here by ab initio calculations that use different solvation models, and it is found that, while the calculations are sensitive to the theoretical approach used, it is quite likely that the dissociation of the charged fragments makes a significant contribution to the energetics of ATP hydrolysis.

Crystal structure of A3B3 complex of V-ATPase from Thermus thermophilus

Vacuolar-type ATPases (V-ATPases) exist in various cellular membranes of many organisms to regulate physiological processes by controlling the acidic environment. Here, we have determined the crystal structure of the A(3)B(3) subcomplex of V-ATPase at 2.8 A resolution. The overall construction of the A(3)B(3) subcomplex is significantly different from that of the alpha(3)beta(3) sub-domain in F(o)F(1)-ATP synthase, because of the presence of a protruding 'bulge' domain feature in the catalytic A subunits. The A(3)B(3) subcomplex structure provides the first molecular insight at the catalytic and non-catalytic interfaces, which was not possible in the structures of the separate subunits alone. Specifically, in the non-catalytic interface, the B subunit seems to be incapable of binding ATP, which is a marked difference from the situation indicated by the structure of the F(o)F(1)-ATP synthase. In the catalytic interface, our mutational analysis, on the basis of the A(3)B(3) structure, has highlighted the presence of a cluster composed of key hydrophobic residues, which are essential for ATP hydrolysis by V-ATPases.

The hydrolysis activity of adenosine triphosphate in myosin: a theoretical analysis of anomeric effects and the nature of the transition state

Combined quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations with density functional theory are employed to analyze two issues related to the hydrolysis activity of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in myosin. First, we compare the geometrical properties and electronic structure of ATP in the open (post-rigor) and closed (pre-powerstroke) active sites of the myosin motor domain. Compared to both solution and the open active site cases, the scissile P(gamma)-O(3beta) bond of ATP in the closed active site is shown to be substantially elongated. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis clearly shows that this structural feature is correlated with the stronger anomeric effects in the closed active site, which involve charge transfers from the lone pairs in the nonbridging oxygen in the gamma-phosphate to the antibonding orbital of the scissile bond. However, an energetic analysis finds that the ATP molecule is not significantly destabilized by the P(gamma)-O(3beta) bond elongation. Therefore, despite the notable perturbations in the geometry and electronic structure of ATP as its environment changes from solution to the hydrolysis-competent active site, ground-state destabilization is unlikely to play a major role in enhancing the hydrolysis activity in myosin. Second, two-dimensional potential energy maps are used to better characterize the energetic landscape near the hydrolysis transition state. The results indicate that the transition-state region is energetically flat and a range of structures representative of different mechanisms according to the classical nomenclature (e.g., "associative", "dissociative", and "concerted") are very close in energy. Therefore, at least in the case of ATP hydrolysis in myosin, the energetic distinction between different reaction mechanisms following the conventional nomenclature is likely small. This study highlights the importance of (i) explicitly evaluating the relevant energetic properties for determining whether a factor is essential to catalysis and (ii) broader explorations of the energy landscape beyond saddle points (even on free-energy surface) for characterizing the molecular mechanism of catalysis.

Normal-mode-based modeling of allosteric couplings that underlie cyclic conformational transition in F(1) ATPase

F(1) ATPase, a rotary motor comprised of a central stalk (gamma subunit) enclosed by three alpha and beta subunits alternately arranged in a hexamer, features highly cooperative binding and hydrolysis of ATP. Despite steady progress in biophysical, biochemical, and computational studies of this fascinating motor, the structural basis for cooperative ATPase involving its three catalytic sites remains not fully understood. To illuminate this key mechanistic puzzle, we have employed a coarse-grained elastic network model to probe the allosteric couplings underlying the cyclic conformational transition in F(1) ATPase at a residue level of detail. We will elucidate how ATP binding and product (ADP and phosphate) release at two catalytic sites are coupled with the rotation of gamma subunit via various domain motions in alpha(3)beta(3) hexamer (including intrasubunit hinge-bending motions in beta subunits and intersubunit rigid-body rotations between adjacent alpha and beta subunits). To this end, we have used a normal-mode-based correlation analysis to quantify the allosteric couplings of these domain motions to local motions at catalytic sites and the rotation of gamma subunit. We have then identified key amino acid residues involved in the above couplings, some of which have been validated against past studies of mutated and gamma-truncated F(1) ATPase. Our finding strongly supports a binding change mechanism where ATP binding to the empty catalytic site triggers a series of intra- and intersubunit domain motions leading to ATP hydrolysis and product release at the other two closed catalytic sites.