ATP5J2 is a mitochondrial membrane protein encoded by the ATP5J2 gene, serving as the subunit f of the Fo complex in mitochondrial ATP synthase . This subunit is integral to the proton channel (Fo) of the F1Fo-ATP synthase, which drives ATP synthesis during oxidative phosphorylation. Recombinant bovine ATP5J2 refers to the engineered production of this subunit in laboratory systems, typically via bacterial (e.g., E. coli) or eukaryotic hosts .
Proton Translocation: ATP5J2 contributes to the proton channel’s structural integrity, ensuring efficient energy coupling .
ATPase Activity: While not directly catalytic, ATP5J2 modulates ATP synthase activity by maintaining subunit assembly and proton flow .
| Related Protein | Shared Function | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| ATP5F1 | Transmembrane transporter activity | |
| ATP5C1 | ATPase activity |
Recombinant bovine ATP5J2 is synthesized using diverse expression systems:
| Host System | Purity | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| E. coli | ≥85% (SDS-PAGE) | Structural studies, enzyme assays |
| Yeast/Baculovirus | ≥85% | Functional interaction studies |
| Mammalian cells | ≥85% | Native-like post-translational modification |
Structural Biology: Used in cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography to resolve ATP synthase conformations .
Enzyme Activity Assays: Studied for ATP hydrolysis/synthesis coupling and proton conductivity .
Interaction Studies: Identified binding partners (e.g., MYC, VHL) via co-IP and pull-down assays .
Studies in HeLa cells demonstrate that ATP5J2 knockdown disrupts mitochondrial cristae organization, reducing crista junctions (CJs) and altering permeability transition pore (PTP) sensitivity :
| Parameter | Control | ATP5J2 KD | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| CJs per Mitochondrion | 8–12 | 3–7 | Reduced cristae density |
| PTP Swelling Rate | 100% | 50–60% | Decreased PTP opening |
ATP5J2 is critical for stabilizing ATP synthase dimers, as shown by blue native PAGE (BN-PAGE) in digitonin-treated mitochondria :
| Digitonin Concentration | Dimer Stability | Monomer Dominance |
|---|---|---|
| 1% (w/v) | High | Low |
| 2.5% (w/v) | Low | High |
While structurally conserved, human ATP5J2 knockouts show broader effects on subunit stoichiometry, unlike bovine models where enzymatic activity remains intact under partial knockdown .
ATP5J2 interacts with subunits e and g to regulate proton leakage. In purified bovine ATP synthase, Ca²⁺ dissipation of proton gradients is linked to ATP5J2-dependent pathways .
Recombinant ATP5J2 is pivotal for elucidating mitochondrial ATP synthase mechanics, PTP regulation, and cristae dynamics. Future studies may explore its therapeutic potential in mitochondrial disorders characterized by abnormal cristae morphology or PTP dysregulation .
ATP5J2 (subunit f) is a critical component of the Fo domain of mitochondrial ATP synthase (complex V), located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It contributes to the membrane sector of the ATP synthase complex, which harbors the proton-translocating pathway. The ATP synthase complex consists of two main functional domains: F1, situated in the mitochondrial matrix, and Fo, embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Subunit f appears to contribute its transmembrane segments to what has been proposed as a second, latent proton-translocating pathway in the Fo sector of animal mitochondria, along with other supernumerary subunits including e, g, A6L, and possibly the ADP/ATP carrier .
ATP5J2 plays a supportive role in the energy conversion mechanism of ATP synthase. The primary mechanism involves the F1Fo ATP synthase using energy created by the proton electrochemical gradient to phosphorylate ADP to ATP. Protons cross the inner mitochondrial membrane from the intermembrane space into the matrix through the Fo portion, establishing a proton-motive force with both pH differential and electrical membrane potential (Δψm) components. This energy drives the rotation of two rotary motors: the c-ring in Fo and subunits γ, δ, and ε in F1, resulting in conformational changes in the F1 catalytic sites that synthesize ATP . Subunit f likely contributes to the stability and assembly of this complex machinery, helping maintain optimal enzyme activity during energy production.
While both are subunits of the mitochondrial ATP synthase complex, ATP5J (also known as ATP synthase coupling factor 6 or subunit F6) and ATP5J2 (subunit f) serve distinct roles in the complex assembly and function. ATP5J is more extensively studied and has been implicated in mitochondrial dynamics, cellular stress responses, and inflammatory pathways . It participates in various pathological processes including cell proliferation, migration, and inflammation regulation. ATP5J2 (subunit f), in contrast, is part of the membrane sector of ATP synthase and contributes to the structural integrity of the complex. The nomenclature can sometimes cause confusion, as these subunits have been labeled differently across species and in different research contexts .
For optimal expression of recombinant bovine ATP5J2, researchers should consider using:
E. coli Expression Systems: The BL21(DE3) strain with pET vectors containing a His-tag for easy purification is often effective for small membrane proteins like ATP5J2. Optimal induction conditions typically include 0.5-1.0 mM IPTG at 30°C for 4-6 hours, as higher temperatures may lead to inclusion body formation.
Yeast Expression Systems: S. cerevisiae or P. pastoris systems may provide better protein folding for mitochondrial proteins, with the advantage that yeast possesses mitochondria and therefore the cellular machinery for proper folding and post-translational modifications of mitochondrial proteins .
Mammalian Cell Lines: For studies requiring native-like post-translational modifications, HEK293 or CHO cells transfected with expression vectors containing strong promoters (CMV) can be used, though yields are typically lower than microbial systems.
Expression should be optimized by varying induction parameters, temperature, and medium composition. Adding specific chaperones may improve soluble protein yield. Verification of proper folding through activity assays is essential, especially for functional studies.
To preserve the native structure of ATP5J2 during purification:
Gentle Detergent Extraction: Use mild detergents like n-dodecyl β-D-maltoside (DDM) or digitonin at concentrations just above their critical micelle concentration.
Affinity Chromatography: Immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) with Ni-NTA or TALON resin for His-tagged proteins should be performed with imidazole gradient elution to reduce non-specific binding.
Size Exclusion Chromatography: As a polishing step, use buffers containing 0.05% detergent, 150 mM NaCl, and 20 mM HEPES or Tris (pH 7.5-8.0).
Stabilization Additives: Include glycerol (10%), mild reducing agents (1-5 mM DTT or 2-ME), and protease inhibitors throughout the purification process.
Temperature Control: Maintain samples at 4°C throughout purification to prevent degradation.
This strategy typically results in >95% purity while preserving the native conformation of ATP5J2, as verified by circular dichroism spectroscopy and functional assays .
Measuring ATP5J2's contribution requires a systematic approach combining reconstitution and activity assays:
Proteoliposome Reconstitution:
Prepare proteoliposomes with purified ATP synthase components, with and without ATP5J2
Use a mixture of phospholipids mimicking the mitochondrial inner membrane composition (typically 70% PC, 20% PE, 10% cardiolipin)
Create a proton gradient by either acid-base transition or using bacteriorhodopsin for light-driven proton pumping
Activity Measurements:
Quantify ATP synthesis rates using a luciferase-based assay system
Measure ATP hydrolysis by monitoring phosphate release with malachite green or NADH oxidation in a coupled enzyme system
Compare enzyme kinetics (Km, Vmax) between systems with and without ATP5J2
Proton Conductance Analysis:
Assess proton flux using pH-sensitive fluorescent dyes (ACMA or pyranine)
Measure membrane potential with voltage-sensitive dyes (Oxonol VI)
Data Analysis:
Calculate the coupling ratio (ATP synthesized/protons translocated)
Determine efficiency parameters under varying substrate concentrations
This methodology will reveal whether ATP5J2 affects catalytic efficiency, proton translocation, or the coupling mechanism in the ATP synthase complex .
To identify ATP5J2 interaction partners within the ATP synthase complex, researchers should employ multiple complementary techniques:
Chemical Cross-linking Coupled with Mass Spectrometry (XL-MS):
Use membrane-permeable cross-linkers like DSS or EDC
Analyze cross-linked peptides via LC-MS/MS
Map interaction sites with spatial constraints from cross-linker length
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) with Antibody Arrays:
Use anti-ATP5J2 antibodies to pull down the protein complex
Identify interacting partners via western blotting or mass spectrometry
Verify interactions using reciprocal Co-IP with antibodies against suspected partners
Proximity Labeling Techniques:
Employ BioID or APEX2 fusion proteins to biotinylate proximal proteins
Identify labeled proteins through streptavidin pulldown and mass spectrometry
Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET):
Create fluorescently tagged subunits to measure protein-protein distances
Analyze FRET efficiency to determine relative positioning
Cryo-EM and X-ray Crystallography:
Combine structural data with computational modeling
Generate interaction maps based on atomic proximity
Data from these approaches should be integrated to create a comprehensive interaction network, revealing both stable and transient interactions of ATP5J2 within the ATP synthase complex .
ATP5J2 contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction in neurological disorders through several mechanisms:
Bioenergetic Failure:
Altered ATP5J2 expression or function compromises ATP production, particularly problematic in high-energy-demanding neurons
In neuronal models, ATP5J2 dysfunction leads to a 30-50% reduction in ATP levels, triggering energy stress responses
Neuroinflammation Regulation:
Similar to ATP5J, ATP5J2 dysfunction may influence microglial activation patterns
In brain injury models, ATP synthase subunit alterations correlate with increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6)
ATP5J2 appears to modulate mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming in immune cells, affecting their inflammatory responses
Mitochondrial Dynamics Impairment:
ATP5J2 dysfunction disrupts normal mitochondrial fission/fusion balance
This leads to abnormal mitochondrial distribution in neuronal processes, affecting synaptic function
ATP5J2 alterations correlate with changes in expression of key mitochondrial dynamics proteins (Drp1, Fis1, Mfn2)
Oxidative Stress Generation:
Dysfunctional ATP synthase with altered ATP5J2 increases electron leak from the respiratory chain
This results in 2-3 fold higher ROS production, overwhelming neuronal antioxidant defenses
Oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA accumulates, accelerating neurodegeneration
Cell Death Pathway Activation:
ATP5J2 dysfunction contributes to mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening
This triggers cytochrome c release and activation of apoptotic cascades
In neuronal cultures, ATP5J2 knockdown increases apoptotic markers by 25-40% under stress conditions
These findings suggest that targeting ATP5J2 function could represent a therapeutic approach for neurological disorders with mitochondrial dysfunction components .
For optimal site-directed mutagenesis of ATP5J2:
Target Selection Strategy:
Prioritize highly conserved residues identified through multiple sequence alignment across species
Focus on charged or polar residues that might participate in proton translocation or subunit interactions
Create a systematic alanine-scanning library of transmembrane segments
Mutagenesis Protocol Optimization:
Use Q5 or Phusion High-Fidelity DNA polymerase for lowest error rates (<10^-6 errors/bp)
Design primers with the following parameters:
Mutations centered in primers with 10-15 nucleotides of correct sequence on each side
GC content between 40-60%
Annealing temperatures between 65-72°C
Employ touchdown PCR cycling for difficult templates
Verification Methods:
Sequence the entire ATP5J2 coding region to confirm desired mutations and absence of secondary mutations
Verify expression levels by western blotting before functional analysis
Confirm proper mitochondrial targeting using fluorescence microscopy with tagged constructs
Functional Assessment:
Compare ATP hydrolysis and synthesis rates between wild-type and mutant proteins
Measure proton translocation efficiency using reconstituted proteoliposomes
Assess impact on ATP synthase assembly and stability
Structural Validation:
Use circular dichroism to confirm secondary structure preservation
Employ limited proteolysis to assess structural changes
When possible, perform hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to evaluate conformational alterations
This comprehensive approach enables robust structure-function analysis while minimizing artifacts from improper folding or expression .
For optimal incorporation of ATP5J2 into liposomes:
Lipid Composition Selection:
Use a biomimetic mixture: 40% POPC, 30% POPE, 20% cardiolipin, 10% cholesterol
For enhanced stability, include 1-5% PEG-ylated lipids
Prepare lipids in chloroform and create uniform thin films using rotary evaporation
Reconstitution Methods Comparison:
| Method | Protein:Lipid Ratio | Detergent | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detergent-mediated | 1:50-1:100 (w/w) | 0.5-1% DDM | High efficiency | Detergent removal critical |
| Direct incorporation | 1:200-1:500 (w/w) | None | No detergent removal | Lower efficiency |
| Fusion | 1:100-1:200 (w/w) | 0.1% digitonin | Gentle conditions | Variable orientation |
Optimized Detergent Removal:
Bio-Beads SM-2: Add 30-50 mg/ml in three stages over 12 hours at 4°C
Dialysis: Use 1000× volume exchange with 4-6 buffer changes (for milder detergents)
Verify complete detergent removal using colorimetric assays
Vesicle Size Control:
Extrude through polycarbonate membranes (100-200 nm) using at least 11 passes
Alternatively, sonicate using probe sonicator (3-5 cycles of 30s on/30s off)
Verify size distribution using dynamic light scattering
Orientation and Incorporation Assessment:
Determine protein orientation using protease protection assays
Quantify incorporation efficiency via SDS-PAGE with protein standards
Assess functional incorporation through ATP synthesis assays
This protocol typically achieves 60-80% incorporation efficiency with predominantly right-side-out orientation, ideal for functional studies of ATP5J2 in a lipid environment .
The interaction between ATP synthase inhibitor protein IF1 and systems with normal versus altered ATP5J2 presents several important differences:
Inhibition Kinetics:
In normal ATP5J2 systems, IF1 inhibition follows a two-step model with rate constants that increase with ATP concentration up to a certain point
Systems with altered ATP5J2 show modified inhibition kinetics, with changes in both association rate constants (k1) and the transition to the inhibitory locked state (k2)
The IF1 inhibition constant (Ki) is typically 3-4 fold higher in systems with ATP5J2 mutations or altered expression levels
pH Dependence:
Normal systems show IF1 inhibition predominantly active at pH values below 6.5, where ATP synthase can reverse to maintain membrane potential
ATP5J2-altered systems often display shifted pH profiles for IF1 inhibition, with some mutants showing effective inhibition even at more physiological pH values (6.8-7.2)
Molecular Mechanism Differences:
In normal systems, IF1 binds between the βDP and βTP subunits during catalytic turnover
ATP5J2 alterations can affect the conformational dynamics of F1, modifying the accessibility or stability of IF1 binding sites
Some ATP5J2 mutations impact the rotation of the γ subunit, which affects the engagement of IF1 with its locking site
Reversal of Inhibition:
IF1 inhibition in normal systems can be reversed by Δψm-dependent mechanisms
Systems with altered ATP5J2 often show modified reversal kinetics, with some mutations resulting in more persistent inhibition
The energy threshold required for IF1 release is typically higher in ATP5J2-altered systems
These differences suggest that ATP5J2 plays a role in the conformational coupling between the membrane domain and catalytic domain, indirectly affecting how IF1 regulates ATP synthase under stress conditions .
To effectively measure ATP5J2's impact on oligomycin sensitivity:
Dose-Response Analysis with Purified Enzymes:
Compare IC50 values between wild-type and ATP5J2-altered ATP synthase using:
ATP hydrolysis assays (measuring phosphate release or NADH oxidation)
ATP synthesis assays with reconstituted proteoliposomes
Generate complete inhibition curves (10^-9 to 10^-5 M oligomycin) to determine both potency (IC50) and efficacy (maximum inhibition)
Binding Studies:
Use tritium-labeled oligomycin ([³H]-oligomycin) for direct binding assays
Perform saturation binding experiments to determine Kd values
Conduct competition binding assays to assess potential binding site alterations
Real-time Monitoring in Mitochondria:
Employ simultaneous measurement of membrane potential (using safranin O or TMRM) and respiration (using oxygen electrodes)
Apply oligomycin titration during state 3 respiration
Calculate respiratory control ratios at different oligomycin concentrations
Structural Analysis:
Perform hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to identify regions with altered solvent accessibility in the presence of oligomycin
Use photoaffinity labeling with oligomycin derivatives to map binding sites
Compare cross-linking patterns before and after oligomycin binding
Comparative Analysis Framework:
| Experimental System | Parameter | WT ATP5J2 | Modified ATP5J2 | Analytical Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isolated enzyme | IC50 for ATP hydrolysis | 5-15 nM | Variable | NADH-coupled assay |
| Proteoliposomes | IC50 for ATP synthesis | 10-30 nM | Variable | Luciferase assay |
| Mitochondria | Respiratory inhibition | 70-90% | Variable | Respirometry |
| Binding kinetics | Kd | 1-5 nM | Variable | Radioligand binding |
| Binding sites | Number per complex | 1 | Variable | Scatchard analysis |
This multilevel approach provides comprehensive characterization of how ATP5J2 modifications affect oligomycin interaction with the ATP synthase complex, revealing insights about the drug binding pocket structure and the role of ATP5J2 in maintaining it .
The assembly of ATP5J2 into the ATP synthase complex involves several coordinated steps and specific chaperones:
Early Assembly Events:
ATP5J2 is initially synthesized in the cytosol as a precursor with an N-terminal mitochondrial targeting sequence
Import into mitochondria occurs via the TOM complex (outer membrane) and TIM23 complex (inner membrane)
The targeting sequence is cleaved by mitochondrial processing peptidase (MPP) in the matrix
Membrane Insertion Process:
ATP5J2 is inserted into the inner membrane through the OXA1 machinery
Proper folding is assisted by the prohibitin complex (PHB1/PHB2), which acts as a membrane-bound chaperone
The TMEM70 protein appears to specifically facilitate incorporation of supernumerary subunits like ATP5J2
Incorporation into ATP Synthase:
Assembly follows two separate convergent pathways:
The F1/c-ring module is assembled first
ATP5J2 joins a membrane subcomplex containing ATP6 (a-subunit) and ATP8 (A6L)
These subcomplexes merge in later assembly stages
ATP5J2 appears to be added after the core Fo structure but before final complex maturation
Key Assembly Factors:
ATPAF1 and ATPAF2: Primarily assist F1 sector assembly
ATP12: Chaperone for F1 assembly
TMEM70: Essential for proper incorporation of membrane subunits
INAC (inner membrane assembly complex): Coordinates late-stage assembly
ATP23: Protease involved in ATP6 processing and assembly
Quality Control Mechanisms:
Misassembled complexes are recognized by the m-AAA protease
Proper assembly is monitored by specific sensing mechanisms that coordinate nuclear and mitochondrial gene expression
The assembly process includes checkpoint steps ensuring correct stoichiometry
This orchestrated process ensures proper integration of ATP5J2 into the functional ATP synthase complex, with multiple quality control steps to prevent accumulation of non-functional intermediates .
Mutations in ATP5J2 can have diverse effects on ATP synthase assembly and stability:
Assembly Defects:
Transmembrane domain mutations typically disrupt proper membrane insertion, preventing incorporation into the Fo subcomplex
Mutations at interaction interfaces impair association with other subunits, creating stalled assembly intermediates
Charged residue mutations in the matrix-exposed domains can affect interaction with assembly factors
Severe mutations can lead to complete absence of fully assembled complex, with accumulation of F1 subcomplexes (35-40% of total)
Stability Alterations:
Most ATP5J2 mutations reduce complex half-life by 30-60%
Blue Native PAGE analysis typically reveals increased subcomplex abundance
Pulse-chase experiments show accelerated turnover of labeled complex V
Thermal shift assays indicate reduced denaturation temperature (ΔTm of 3-8°C)
Structural Consequences:
Destabilized ATP synthase dimers and oligomers, quantifiable by crosslinking and BN-PAGE
Altered cristae morphology visible by electron microscopy
Reduced super-complex formation with other respiratory chain components
Changes in lateral mobility within the membrane, measurable by FRAP (fluorescence recovery after photobleaching)
Functional Impact:
Reduced ATP synthesis capacity (typically 20-80% depending on mutation severity)
Increased proton leak through incompletely assembled complexes
Compromised regulation by natural inhibitors
Higher susceptibility to stress-induced dysfunction
Compensatory Mechanisms:
Upregulation of mitochondrial proteases to clear defective subcomplexes
Increased expression of assembly factors
Altered expression of other ATP synthase subunits attempting to compensate
Activation of mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt)
These findings highlight ATP5J2's importance in maintaining the structural integrity and functional stability of the ATP synthase complex, with mutations potentially contributing to mitochondrial diseases through complex assembly defects .
ATP5J2 offers several promising avenues for mitochondrial-targeted therapeutic development:
Small Molecule Modulators:
Structure-based design of molecules that stabilize ATP5J2 interactions without inhibiting function
Development of compounds that enhance ATP5J2 incorporation into the complex, especially for assembly-deficient mutations
Screening for molecules that reduce excessive ATP hydrolysis under stress conditions by modulating ATP5J2-related conformational changes
Gene Therapy Approaches:
AAV-mediated delivery of wild-type ATP5J2 to affected tissues
Development of ATP5J2 variants with enhanced stability or assembly properties
CRISPR-based correction of ATP5J2 mutations in mitochondrial disease models
RNA-based therapeutics to modulate ATP5J2 expression levels
Peptide-Based Interventions:
Design of peptides mimicking critical ATP5J2 interaction domains
Development of cell-penetrating peptides that can stabilize ATP synthase assembly
Creation of mitochondria-targeting peptides conjugated to therapeutic molecules
Mitochondrial Delivery Systems:
Development of lipid nanoparticles with mitochondrial targeting ligands
Utilization of mitochondrial-penetrating peptides as delivery vehicles
Engineering of mitochondria-targeted hydrophobic cation carriers for ATP5J2-modulating compounds
Biomarker Development:
Use of ATP5J2 assembly status as a biomarker for mitochondrial dysfunction
Development of imaging probes targeting ATP5J2 incorporation
Metabolic signature identification based on ATP5J2 functionality
These approaches could benefit conditions involving mitochondrial dysfunction, including neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and aging-related pathologies where ATP synthase deficiency plays a role .
For optimal prediction of ATP5J2 mutation impacts:
Structural Modeling Pipeline:
Begin with homology modeling based on bovine ATP synthase structures
Refine models using molecular dynamics simulations in membrane environments
Perform in silico mutagenesis followed by extended simulations (>100 ns)
Calculate free energy changes (ΔΔG) using methods like FoldX or Rosetta
Analyze hydrogen bond networks and electrostatic interactions before and after mutation
Molecular Dynamics Analysis:
Examine protein flexibility changes using root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) analysis
Calculate solvent accessible surface area (SASA) differences
Monitor water molecule penetration into the proton channel
Assess lipid-protein interactions through radial distribution functions
Quantify conformational ensemble changes using principal component analysis
Network-Based Approaches:
Construct residue interaction networks from MD trajectories
Identify critical nodes through centrality analysis
Perform perturbation analysis to predict mutation impact propagation
Use machine learning to identify patterns in network disruption
Integration with Experimental Data:
Develop supervised learning models trained on known mutations
Create a mutation impact prediction score combining:
Structural stability changes (40%)
Conservation scores (25%)
Network centrality measures (20%)
Physicochemical property changes (15%)
Validate predictions against biochemical assay results
Ensemble Methods Performance Comparison:
| Method | Accuracy | Sensitivity | Specificity | Computational Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD-based stability | 75-85% | 70-80% | 80-90% | Very high |
| Conservation analysis | 65-75% | 60-70% | 70-80% | Low |
| Machine learning ensemble | 80-90% | 75-85% | 85-95% | Moderate |
| Network perturbation | 70-80% | 65-75% | 75-85% | Moderate |
| Combined approach | 85-95% | 80-90% | 90-95% | High |
This multifaceted computational approach achieves high predictive accuracy for ATP5J2 mutations, providing valuable guidance for experimental design and potential therapeutic development for ATP synthase dysfunction .
The most promising research directions for exploring ATP5J2's tissue-specific roles include:
Tissue-Specific Expression Profiling:
Single-cell transcriptomics to map ATP5J2 expression across different cell types within tissues
Proteomic analysis of ATP5J2 post-translational modifications in different tissues
Investigation of tissue-specific isoforms or splice variants and their functional significance
Correlation of expression levels with tissue-specific mitochondrial function parameters
Conditional Knockout Models:
Development of tissue-specific ATP5J2 knockout mice using Cre-loxP systems
Comparative phenotyping across different tissues (brain, heart, muscle, liver)
Metabolic flux analysis in tissue-specific knockout models
Investigation of compensatory mechanisms in different tissues
Interaction Network Mapping:
Tissue-specific interactome analysis using proximity labeling methods
Identification of tissue-restricted interaction partners
Investigation of how tissue-specific factors modify ATP5J2 function
Mapping tissue-specific regulatory networks controlling ATP5J2 expression
Disease Model Applications:
Study ATP5J2 function in tissue-specific disease models (e.g., neurodegeneration, cardiomyopathy)
Investigate ATP5J2's role in tissue-specific responses to metabolic stress
Explore the contribution of ATP5J2 to tissue-specific aging phenotypes
Development of tissue-targeted interventions based on ATP5J2 biology
Advanced Imaging Approaches:
In vivo monitoring of ATP5J2 incorporation using fluorescent protein tags
Super-resolution microscopy to study tissue-specific differences in ATP synthase organization
Correlative light and electron microscopy to link ATP5J2 distribution to mitochondrial ultrastructure
Live-cell imaging to track dynamic changes in ATP5J2 localization during physiological changes
These research directions would significantly advance our understanding of how ATP5J2 contributes to tissue-specific mitochondrial adaptations and potentially reveal new therapeutic targets for tissue-specific mitochondrial disorders .
ATP5J2 provides a valuable lens for studying mitochondrial evolution:
This evolutionary perspective on ATP5J2 would enhance our understanding of how mitochondrial energy production has adapted across species and environments, potentially inspiring biomimetic approaches for energy conversion technologies and providing insights into human mitochondrial disorders .