Assembly-Dependent Translation: Mutations in ATP9 disrupt ATP synthase assembly, triggering feedback loops to regulate translation rates of mtDNA-encoded subunits (e.g., ATP6, ATP8) .
Viability Studies: Deletion of ATP9 in K. lactis (via mtDNA rearrangement) is non-lethal, suggesting functional redundancy or compensation by nuclear genes .
Nuclear Relocation: Successful transfer of ATP9 to the nucleus in Saccharomyces cerevisiae demonstrated feasibility but revealed challenges in proper targeting and assembly .
ATP9’s decameric ring in F₀ facilitates proton translocation across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Rotation of this ring induces conformational changes in the F₁ domain, enabling ATP synthesis .
Dual Genetic Origin: ATP9 (mtDNA) and ATP6 (mtDNA) are synthesized in mitochondria, while most ATP synthase subunits are nuclear-encoded. Feedback mechanisms ensure balanced production .
Feedback Loops: Assembly intermediates interact with ATP9 and ATP6 to regulate translation, preventing excess subunits that could dissipate membrane potential .
Δatp9 Strains: Loss of ATP9 disrupts ATP synthase assembly and growth on non-fermentable substrates (e.g., glycerol). Suppression via mutations in F₁-ATPase (e.g., atp2.1) restores viability by altering ATP hydrolysis rates .
mtDNA Heteroplasmy: In Candida glabrata, mtDNA loss (e.g., Δatp6) is mitigated by nuclear ATP6 homologs, highlighting genetic plasticity in ATP synthase subunits .
KEGG: kla:KllafMp01