Resolution and reconstitution of H+ -ATPase complex from beef heart mitochondria

Sm-like protein Hfq: Composition of the native complex, modifications, and interactions

The bacterial Sm-like protein Hfq has been linked functionally to reactions that involve RNA; however, its explicit role and primary cellular localization remain elusive. We carried out a detailed biochemical characterization of native Escherichia coli Hfq obtained through methods that preserve its posttranslational modifications. ESI-MS analyses indicate modifications in 2-3 subunits/hexamer with a molecular mass matching that of an oxidized C:18 lipid. We show that the majority of cellular Hfq cannot be extracted without detergents and that purified Hfq can be retained on hydrophobic matrices. Analyses of purified Hfq and the native Hfq complexes observed in whole-cell E. coli extracts indicate the existence of dodecameric assemblies likely stabilized by interlocking C-terminal polypeptides originating from separate Hfq hexamers and/or accessory nucleic acid. We demonstrate that cellular Hfq is redistributed between transcription complexes and an insoluble fraction that includes protein complexes harboring polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNP). This distribution pattern is consistent with a function at the interface of the apparatuses responsible for synthesis and degradation of RNA. Taken together with the results of prior studies, these results suggest that Hfq could function as an anchor/coupling factor responsible for de-solubilization of RNA and its tethering to the degradosome complex.

Purification of ATP synthase from beef heart mitochondria (F0F1) and co-reconstitution with monomeric bacteriorhodopsin into liposomes capable of light-driven ATP synthesis

ATP synthase was isolated from beef heart mitochondria by extraction with N,N-bis-(3-D-gluconamidopropyl)deoxycholamide or by traditional cholate extraction. The enzyme was purified subsequently by ion-exchange and gel-permeation chromatographies in the presence of glycerol and the protease inhibitor diisopropylfluorophosphate. The ATP synthase consisted of 12-14 subunits and contained three tightly bound nucleotides. The co-reconstitution of crude or purified ATP synthase with monomeric bacteriorhodopsin by the method of detergent incubation of liposomes yielded proteoliposomes capable of light-driven ATP synthesis, as detected with a luciferase system for at least 30 min. The reaction was suppressed by the inhibitors oligomycin (> 90%) and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (85%) and by the uncoupler carbonylcyanide-p-trifluormethoxyphenylhydrazone (> 95%). The purified ATP synthase was apparently free of cytochrome impurities and of adenylate kinase activity, i.e. the enzyme exhibited light-driven ATP synthesis without the dark reaction. For the first time, this is demonstrated with purified ATP synthase from beef heart mitochondria.

Amino-terminal amino acid sequence of beef heart mitochondrial coupling factor B

Bovine heart mitochondrial coupling factor B was isolated and purified to homogeneity in its active form. The amino-terminal amino acid sequence of the alkylated protein was determined. Two chains with exactly the same sequence except for the presence of an additional Phe at the amino-terminus on one of them were obtained. The 55 amino acid sequence appears to be largely hydrophilic with several charged amino acid residues. This sequence showed no homology with the E. coli unc operon, oligomycin sensitivity conferring protein, or coupling factor 6 or any protein in the data base.

Mitochondrial F0F1 H+-ATP synthase. Characterization of F0 components involved in H+ translocation

The membrane F0 sector of mitochondrial ATP synthase complex was rapidly isolated by direct extraction with CHAPS from F1-depleted submitochondrial particles. The preparation thus obtained is stable and can be reconstituted in artificial phospholipid membranes to result in oligomycin-sensitive proton conduction, or recombined with purified F1 to give the oligomycin-sensitive F0F1-ATPase complex. The F0 preparation and constituent polypeptides were characterized by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analysis. The functional role of F0 polypeptides was examined by means of trypsin digestion and reconstitution studies. It is shown that, in addition to the 8 kDa DCCD-binding protein, the nuclear encoded protein [(1987) J. Mol. Biol. 197, 89-100], characterized as an intrinsic component of F0 (F0I, PVP protein [(1988) FEBS Lett. 237,9-14]) [corrected] is involved in H+ translocation and the sensitivity of this process to the F0 inhibitors, DCCD and oligomycin.