Atp6v0e2 (ATP6V0E2 in humans) is a protein-coding gene that encodes the e2 subunit of the V0 domain in vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase). V-ATPase functions as a multisubunit enzyme transporter that acidifies intracellular compartments in eukaryotic cells. The complex consists of two major functional domains: the V1 domain, which hydrolyzes ATP, and the V0 domain, which translocates protons across membranes. Specifically, the e2 subunit is a small, hydrophobic component of the V0 domain that interacts with other subunits including a1 and subunit f, providing structural support to the complex .
V-ATPase is ubiquitously expressed and found in various organelles including vacuoles, lysosomes, endosomes, clathrin-coated vesicles, and synaptic vesicles. In specialized cells, V-ATPase can also be found in plasma membranes where it contributes to processes like urinary acidification, bone resorption, and sperm maturation .
Atp6v0e2 is distinguished from other V-ATPase subunits in several ways:
Feature | Atp6v0e2 (e2 subunit) | Other V-ATPase Subunits |
---|---|---|
Domain location | V0 (membrane domain) | V1 (ATP-hydrolyzing) or V0 (membrane) |
Size | Small, hydrophobic protein | Varies (larger subunits in V1 domain) |
Function | Primarily structural | Catalytic (A,B), rotational (D,F,c-ring), stator (E,G,H,a) |
Detection difficulty | Often not detected due to hydrophobicity | Most other subunits more readily detected |
Paralogs | ATP6V0E1 is an important paralog | Varies by subunit |
Interactions | Interacts with subunit a1 and subunit f | Various inter-subunit interactions |
Unlike catalytic subunits that directly participate in ATP hydrolysis or proton translocation, the e2 subunit appears to play a primarily structural role. Recent high-resolution cryo-EM studies have revealed that subunit e2 interacts with specific residues including Arg77, Phe78, Leu79, and Glu81, which form important connections with subunit a1 and subunit f .
Purification of recombinant mouse Atp6v0e2 presents significant challenges due to its small size and hydrophobic nature. The most effective approach combines bacterial expression systems with specialized solubilization and purification techniques:
Expression system selection: E. coli BL21(DE3) with a pET expression system incorporating a fusion tag (His6, GST, or MBP) to enhance solubility and facilitate purification.
Induction conditions: Low-temperature induction (16-18°C) with reduced IPTG concentration (0.1-0.5 mM) over extended periods (16-20 hours) to minimize inclusion body formation.
Membrane protein solubilization:
Primary solubilization with detergents such as n-dodecyl-β-D-maltoside (DDM) or digitonin
Alternative approach using styrene-maleic acid (SMA) copolymers that extract proteins with their native lipid environment
Purification protocol:
Initial IMAC (immobilized metal affinity chromatography) for His-tagged proteins
Size exclusion chromatography to remove aggregates and purify properly folded protein
Optional tag removal using specific proteases, followed by a second IMAC step
For functional studies, reconstitution into liposomes or nanodiscs may be necessary to maintain the native conformation and activity of this membrane protein .
Detecting Atp6v0e2 in native tissue samples presents challenges due to its small size and hydrophobic nature. Recent high-resolution cryo-EM studies of V-ATPase in synaptic vesicles noted that the small and hydrophobic subunits e2 and f were not detected, highlighting this difficulty . Researchers should employ a combination of techniques to optimize detection:
Sample preparation:
Fresh tissue preservation with minimal processing time
Gentle membrane solubilization using mild detergents like digitonin (0.5-1%)
Avoiding harsh reducing conditions that may disrupt structural integrity
Western blotting optimization:
Transferring proteins to PVDF membranes (rather than nitrocellulose) for better retention of hydrophobic proteins
Extended transfer times (overnight at low voltage)
Using specialized antibodies with verified specificity for the e2 subunit
Enhanced chemiluminescence detection with prolonged exposure times
Mass spectrometry approaches:
Enrichment of membrane fractions before analysis
Cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) to capture interactions with partner proteins
Special consideration for hydrophobic peptides in data analysis
Immunohistochemistry considerations:
Antigen retrieval optimization specific for membrane proteins
Using a combination of antibodies against Atp6v0e2 and other V-ATPase subunits
Super-resolution microscopy techniques for improved visualization
When possible, validation using tissues from Atp6v0e2 knockout models as negative controls significantly enhances confidence in detection results .
To express and characterize functional Atp6v0e2 in vitro, researchers should adopt a systematic approach:
Expression system selection:
Mammalian cell lines (HEK293, CHO) for proper post-translational modifications
Insect cell systems (Sf9, High Five) for higher yields of functional membrane proteins
Cell-free expression systems when rapid screening is needed
Vector design considerations:
Incorporate fluorescent tags (GFP, mCherry) for localization studies
Include epitope tags (FLAG, HA) positioned to minimize functional interference
Consider inducible expression systems to control expression levels
Functional characterization protocol:
Proton translocation assays using pH-sensitive fluorescent dyes (BCECF, pHrodo)
Bafilomycin A1 sensitivity assays to confirm V-ATPase-specific activity
Co-immunoprecipitation studies to verify incorporation into the V-ATPase complex
ATPase activity measurements in purified or enriched preparations
Reconstitution approaches:
Proteoliposome preparation with defined lipid composition
Nanodiscs for single-molecule studies
Co-expression with other V0 domain subunits for proper complex assembly
For characterizing the structural role of Atp6v0e2, researchers can employ site-directed mutagenesis targeting the interaction residues (e.g., Arg77, Phe78, Leu79, Glu81) identified in recent structural studies, followed by assembly assays to determine the impact on V-ATPase complex integrity .
Ensuring antibody specificity is critical for Atp6v0e2 research. A comprehensive validation approach should include:
Validation Method | Procedure | Expected Outcome |
---|---|---|
Genetic controls | Test antibody in Atp6v0e2 knockout/knockdown samples | No signal in knockout/knockdown samples |
Peptide competition | Pre-incubate antibody with immunizing peptide | Signal reduction/elimination |
Multiple antibodies | Use antibodies targeting different epitopes | Consistent detection pattern |
Recombinant protein | Test against purified recombinant Atp6v0e2 | Specific binding at expected MW |
Cross-reactivity assessment | Test against related proteins (e.g., Atp6v0e1) | No/minimal signal with related proteins |
Mass spectrometry validation | Immunoprecipitate and analyze by MS | MS confirmation of Atp6v0e2 identity |
Transfected cell lines | Overexpress tagged Atp6v0e2 | Co-localization of antibody and tag signals |
Additionally, researchers should document and report the catalog number, lot number, dilution used, and specific experimental conditions to enhance reproducibility. When using commercial antibodies, validation data provided by manufacturers should be critically evaluated and supplemented with laboratory-specific validation when possible .
Atp6v0e2 plays subtle but important roles in V-ATPase assembly and regulation that can vary across cellular contexts:
Structural contributions:
Recent structural studies reveal that Atp6v0e2 forms specific interactions with subunit a1 and subunit f, creating a network of interactions that stabilize the V0 domain architecture .
The protein's interactions with key residues (Arg482 and Glu492 from subunit a1; Pro55 and Tyr59 from subunit f) suggest it helps maintain proper alignment of the proton-conducting elements .
Tissue-specific regulation:
While Atp6v0e1 is ubiquitously expressed, Atp6v0e2 shows more tissue-restricted expression patterns, suggesting specialized functions in certain cell types.
In specialized epithelial cells, Atp6v0e2 may contribute to apical-basal polarity establishment and maintenance, as V-ATPase function has been shown crucial for epithelial organization during embryogenesis .
Assembly dynamics:
Atp6v0e2 is likely incorporated during the early stages of V0 domain assembly in the endoplasmic reticulum.
The assembly process involves step-wise incorporation of subunits, with Atp6v0e2 potentially playing a role in facilitating proper insertion of larger subunits like subunit a1.
Isoform-specific regulation:
The existence of multiple e subunit isoforms (e1 and e2) suggests differential regulation and potentially distinct functional properties in different cellular contexts.
These isoforms may influence V-ATPase assembly efficiency, subcellular localization, or interaction with regulatory proteins in a cell-type-specific manner.
Research using targeted mutations in the interacting residues of Atp6v0e2 could further elucidate its precise role in V-ATPase assembly and function within specific cellular contexts .
Recent research has revealed intriguing connections between Atp6v0e2 expression and lysosomal function in disease states:
Cancer biology:
Transcriptome sequencing analysis in human colon cancer cells treated with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor anlotinib showed significant upregulation of ATP6V0E2 expression .
This upregulation coincided with enhanced lysosomal function and autophagy, suggesting ATP6V0E2 may be a key mediator of lysosomal activation in response to treatment .
Importantly, knockdown of ATP6V0E2 attenuated anlotinib-induced lysosomal activation, confirming its functional significance in this pathway .
Mechanistic pathways:
Anlotinib treatment inhibits mTOR signaling and activates TFEB (Transcription Factor EB), a master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis.
TFEB activation promotes its nuclear translocation and enhances transcriptional activity of lysosomal genes, including ATP6V0E2 .
This creates a regulatory circuit where mTOR inhibition → TFEB activation → ATP6V0E2 upregulation → enhanced lysosomal function.
Therapeutic implications:
Paradoxically, inhibition of lysosomal function enhanced anlotinib-induced cell death and tumor suppression, potentially due to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels .
This suggests a complex role where ATP6V0E2-mediated lysosomal activation may initially serve as a cellular survival mechanism against therapeutic stress.
Experimental Condition | Effect on ATP6V0E2 | Lysosomal Function | Cell Viability |
---|---|---|---|
Anlotinib treatment | Upregulation | Enhanced | Reduced (apoptosis) |
Anlotinib + ATP6V0E2 knockdown | Prevented upregulation | Attenuated activation | Further reduced |
Anlotinib + lysosomal inhibitors | Upregulation but function blocked | Inhibited | Dramatically reduced |
These findings suggest that ATP6V0E2 expression levels could serve as a potential biomarker for treatment response and that combinatorial approaches targeting both cancer cells and lysosomal function might enhance therapeutic efficacy .
While both Atp6v0e1 and Atp6v0e2 are e subunits of the V0 domain, they exhibit important differences in expression patterns, functional properties, and experimental characteristics:
Expression patterns:
Genetic redundancy:
Studies suggest incomplete redundancy between these paralogs.
While Atp6v0e1 knockout causes more severe phenotypes, Atp6v0e2 knockout may produce subtler, tissue-specific effects that become apparent under stress conditions.
Structural contributions:
High-resolution structural studies have begun to reveal specific interactions formed by Atp6v0e2 with other V-ATPase subunits, including important connections with subunit a1 and subunit f .
These interactions involve specific residues (Arg77, Phe78, Leu79, and Glu81) that may differ from the corresponding interactions formed by Atp6v0e1 .
Functional specialization:
Experimental detection:
Both paralogs present detection challenges due to their small size and hydrophobicity.
Development of paralog-specific antibodies requires careful design and validation to avoid cross-reactivity.
Researchers investigating these paralogs should consider employing paralog-specific knockout models, rescue experiments with the alternate paralog, and careful analysis of expression patterns across different tissues and experimental conditions to fully understand their distinct and overlapping functions .
Detection of Atp6v0e2 presents several technical challenges that researchers frequently encounter:
Researchers should document and report detailed methodological approaches, including specific buffer compositions, antibody validation data, and controls used, to enhance reproducibility across studies .
Protein interaction studies involving recombinant Atp6v0e2 require careful experimental design to preserve native interactions and detect potentially transient associations:
Bait protein preparation approaches:
Fusion tags: Use smaller tags (FLAG, HA) positioned at termini least likely to disrupt interactions based on structural data
Expression systems: Mammalian (HEK293T) or insect cells (Sf9) provide proper post-translational modifications
Solubilization conditions: Mild detergents (0.5-1% digitonin or 0.1-0.5% DDM) to preserve protein-protein interactions
Interaction detection methods:
Co-immunoprecipitation: Optimized for membrane proteins with appropriate detergents
Proximity labeling: BioID or APEX2 fusion proteins to capture transient interactions
FRET/BRET assays: For monitoring interactions in living cells
Mammalian two-hybrid: For detecting interactions in a cellular context
Crosslinking strategies:
Chemical crosslinkers (DSS, BS3) at low concentrations (0.5-2 mM)
Photo-crosslinking with incorporated photo-activatable amino acids
Crosslinking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) to identify specific interaction sites
Validation approaches:
Reversed co-IP experiments with suspected interaction partners as bait
Competition experiments with excess untagged protein
Mutagenesis of predicted interaction interfaces based on structural data
In vitro binding assays with purified components
Data analysis considerations:
Use appropriate negative controls (unrelated membrane proteins)
Validate hits with alternative interaction methods
Consider the stoichiometry of the V-ATPase complex when interpreting results
Recent structural studies have identified specific residues involved in Atp6v0e2 interactions (Arg77, Phe78, Leu79, Glu81) that can serve as targets for site-directed mutagenesis to validate and characterize specific protein-protein interactions within the V-ATPase complex .
Distinguishing the specific functions of Atp6v0e2 from other V-ATPase subunits requires sophisticated experimental approaches:
Genetic manipulation strategies:
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated conditional knockout models specific for Atp6v0e2
Inducible shRNA or siRNA systems for temporal control of knockdown
Paralog-specific targeting to avoid affecting Atp6v0e1
Rescue experiments with wild-type versus mutant versions to identify critical functional domains
Domain-specific functional analysis:
High-resolution imaging approaches:
Super-resolution microscopy (STORM, PALM) to visualize subunit-specific localization
Live-cell imaging with fluorescently tagged subunits to monitor dynamics
Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) for structural context
FRET-based sensors to detect conformational changes in V-ATPase complexes
Biochemical fractionation techniques:
Gradient centrifugation to separate assembled complexes from free subunits
Blue native PAGE to preserve and analyze intact complexes
Selective solubilization protocols to distinguish membrane-associated from fully integrated subunits
Pulse-chase experiments to monitor assembly kinetics
Omics-based approaches:
Proteomics analysis of Atp6v0e2 interactome compared to other subunits
Transcriptomics to identify gene expression changes specific to Atp6v0e2 manipulation
Metabolomics to detect changes in lysosomal function indicators
Recent research utilizing transcriptome sequencing revealed that ATP6V0E2 is specifically upregulated in response to anlotinib treatment in cancer cells, suggesting distinct regulatory mechanisms and functions compared to other V-ATPase subunits . This type of differential response to experimental conditions provides valuable opportunities to distinguish subunit-specific roles .
While specific studies on Atp6v0e2 dysfunction in disease models are still emerging, research on V-ATPase components broadly suggests several pathogenic mechanisms:
Future research employing tissue-specific conditional knockout models for Atp6v0e2 will be valuable in elucidating its specific contributions to disease pathogenesis across different organ systems .
Recent research has uncovered significant connections between ATP6V0E2 and cancer biology, particularly in the context of therapeutic response:
Transcriptional regulation in cancer treatment:
Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that ATP6V0E2 is significantly upregulated in human colon cancer cells treated with anlotinib, a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor .
This transcriptional response appears to be specific, as ATP6V0E2 was identified among a select group of differentially expressed genes following treatment .
Lysosomal function modulation:
Mechanistic pathway identification:
Anlotinib treatment inhibits mTOR signaling, leading to TFEB activation and nuclear translocation .
TFEB serves as a master transcriptional regulator of lysosomal genes, including ATP6V0E2 .
Knockdown of either TFEB or ATP6V0E2 attenuated anlotinib-induced lysosomal activation, confirming this regulatory pathway .
Therapeutic implications:
Paradoxically, inhibition of lysosomal function using bafilomycin A1 (a V-ATPase inhibitor) enhanced anlotinib-induced cell death and tumor suppression .
This suggests a dual role for ATP6V0E2 in cancer:
Initially upregulated as a protective response to therapy
Potentially contributing to treatment resistance through enhanced lysosomal function
Becoming a vulnerability when targeted alongside primary anticancer agents
These findings suggest that ATP6V0E2 status could serve as a potential biomarker for treatment response and that targeting V-ATPase function in combination with existing therapies might represent a promising strategy for enhancing cancer treatment efficacy .
Designing experiments to explore Atp6v0e2 as a therapeutic target requires a systematic approach spanning from basic mechanistic studies to preclinical evaluations:
Target validation studies:
Gene expression manipulation: Employ CRISPR/Cas9, shRNA, or siRNA approaches to modulate Atp6v0e2 levels in disease models.
Rescue experiments: Reintroduce wild-type or mutant Atp6v0e2 to determine which domains/functions are critical.
Tissue-specific conditional knockout models: Generate models that allow temporal and spatial control of Atp6v0e2 deletion.
High-throughput screening approaches:
Small molecule library screening: Develop cell-based assays that report on Atp6v0e2 function or V-ATPase activity.
Assay design considerations:
pH-sensitive fluorescent reporters to measure lysosomal acidification
Reporter cell lines expressing Atp6v0e2-fluorescent protein fusions
Phenotypic screens measuring endpoints like autophagy flux or lysosomal enzyme activity
Specificity counter-screens: Include assays to distinguish Atp6v0e2-specific from general V-ATPase effects.
Combination therapy evaluations:
Based on findings that lysosomal inhibition enhances anlotinib efficacy in colon cancer , design experiments testing:
V-ATPase inhibitors (bafilomycin A1, concanamycin A) in combination with standard therapeutics
Specific Atp6v0e2 inhibition (when tools become available) versus pan-V-ATPase inhibition
Sequence and timing optimization for combination approaches
Biomarker development studies:
Expression correlation analysis: Determine if Atp6v0e2 expression levels correlate with clinical outcomes.
Post-translational modification mapping: Identify regulatory modifications that might serve as measurable biomarkers.
Liquid biopsy approaches: Explore detection of Atp6v0e2 or its modifications in circulating tumor cells or exosomes.
Preclinical model testing:
Cancer xenograft models: Test the impact of Atp6v0e2 modulation on tumor growth and response to therapy.
Patient-derived organoids: Evaluate effects in more physiologically relevant models.
Efficacy and toxicity assessment: Determine therapeutic window by comparing effects in disease versus normal tissues.
The research showing that ATP6V0E2 upregulation occurs in response to anlotinib treatment, and that inhibiting lysosomal function enhances therapeutic efficacy, provides a strong rationale for developing combination approaches targeting V-ATPase function alongside existing cancer therapies .
Understanding the structure-function relationship of Atp6v0e2 requires integrating cutting-edge structural biology techniques with functional studies:
Advanced structural biology approaches:
Cryo-electron microscopy: Recent advances have enabled visualization of V-ATPase complexes at near-atomic resolution, revealing specific interactions involving subunit e2 .
Integrative structural biology: Combining cryo-EM with cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) and molecular dynamics simulations to reveal dynamic aspects of Atp6v0e2 function.
Time-resolved structural studies: Capturing structural changes during the V-ATPase catalytic cycle to understand how Atp6v0e2 may contribute to conformational changes.
Structure-guided mutagenesis:
Interaction interface targeting: Create mutations in the specific residues identified as forming interactions with other subunits (Arg77, Phe78, Leu79, Glu81) .
Systematic alanine scanning: Identify additional functionally important residues throughout the protein.
Domain swapping experiments: Create chimeric constructs between Atp6v0e2 and its paralog Atp6v0e1 to identify functional domains.
Single-molecule approaches:
FRET-based sensors: Develop constructs with strategically placed fluorophores to monitor conformational changes during V-ATPase operation.
Optical tweezers or magnetic tweezers: Measure mechanical forces and energy transduction in reconstituted systems.
High-speed AFM: Visualize structural dynamics of V-ATPase complexes containing Atp6v0e2.
In silico molecular dynamics:
Molecular dynamics simulations: Model the behavior of Atp6v0e2 within the V-ATPase complex in a lipid bilayer environment.
Free energy calculations: Quantify the energetic contribution of specific interactions involving Atp6v0e2.
Virtual screening: Identify potential small-molecule binding sites that could modulate Atp6v0e2 function.
Functional correlation studies:
Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis: Correlate structural changes from mutagenesis with functional outcomes measured through proton pumping assays.
Protein stability assessment: Determine how mutations affect the assembly and stability of the V-ATPase complex.
In vivo rescue experiments: Test the ability of structure-guided mutants to rescue phenotypes in Atp6v0e2-deficient models.
Recent high-resolution structural studies have begun to reveal the specific interactions formed by subunit e2 with other V-ATPase components, providing a foundation for detailed structure-function investigations .
Emerging technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to elucidate Atp6v0e2 biology:
Spatial transcriptomics and proteomics:
Single-cell spatial transcriptomics: Map Atp6v0e2 expression patterns with subcellular resolution across tissues.
Proximity proteomics: Techniques like BioID, APEX, or TurboID can identify proteins in close proximity to Atp6v0e2 in different subcellular compartments.
Spatial proteomics: CODEX or imaging mass cytometry to visualize Atp6v0e2 distribution alongside other markers.
Advanced genome editing approaches:
Base editing and prime editing: Create precise point mutations in endogenous Atp6v0e2 without double-strand breaks.
CRISPRi/CRISPRa systems: Modulate Atp6v0e2 expression without altering the genomic sequence.
Knock-in reporter systems: Tag endogenous Atp6v0e2 with fluorescent proteins or epitope tags using precise editing.
Live-cell imaging innovations:
Lattice light-sheet microscopy: Capture Atp6v0e2 dynamics with high spatiotemporal resolution and minimal phototoxicity.
Super-resolution microscopy: Techniques like STORM, PALM, or MINFLUX to visualize Atp6v0e2 localization beyond the diffraction limit.
Fluorescent biosensors: Develop sensors for V-ATPase activity or conformational changes to monitor function in real-time.
Artificial intelligence and computational approaches:
Deep learning for image analysis: Enhance detection of subtle phenotypes in Atp6v0e2 manipulation experiments.
AlphaFold2 and RoseTTAFold: Predict structures of Atp6v0e2 variants or complexes not yet solved experimentally.
Network analysis: Integrate multi-omics data to place Atp6v0e2 in broader cellular regulatory networks.
Organoid and microphysiological systems:
Tissue-specific organoids: Study Atp6v0e2 function in physiologically relevant 3D culture systems.
Organ-on-chip platforms: Examine Atp6v0e2 roles in complex tissue microenvironments with controlled parameters.
Patient-derived models: Correlate Atp6v0e2 function with patient-specific disease phenotypes.
Recent research has employed transcriptome sequencing to identify ATP6V0E2 as a key gene upregulated in response to anlotinib treatment, demonstrating how -omics approaches can reveal unexpected regulatory relationships . Integration of these technologies promises to provide a comprehensive understanding of Atp6v0e2 regulation and function in both normal physiology and disease states.
Despite recent advances, several critical questions about Atp6v0e2 remain unanswered and represent important areas for future research:
Evolutionary and paralog-specific functions:
Why have two e subunit paralogs (e1 and e2) been maintained throughout evolution?
What are the specific functional differences between Atp6v0e1 and Atp6v0e2?
Are there tissue-specific or condition-specific requirements for Atp6v0e2 versus Atp6v0e1?
Regulatory mechanisms:
How is Atp6v0e2 expression regulated at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels?
What signaling pathways beyond TFEB-mediated transcription control Atp6v0e2 expression?
Does Atp6v0e2 undergo post-translational modifications that regulate its function?
Structural contributions:
How does Atp6v0e2 contribute to the stability and/or assembly of the V-ATPase complex?
Does Atp6v0e2 play a role in the reversible dissociation of V1 and V0 domains used for regulation?
Could Atp6v0e2 influence the coupling efficiency between ATP hydrolysis and proton pumping?
Disease relevance:
Are there human diseases specifically associated with ATP6V0E2 mutations or dysregulation?
How does ATP6V0E2 expression correlate with cancer progression or treatment resistance?
Could tissue-specific functions of ATP6V0E2 explain differential sensitivity of tissues to V-ATPase inhibitors?
Therapeutic targeting:
Is it possible to develop inhibitors specific to ATP6V0E2 versus other V-ATPase subunits?
Would ATP6V0E2-specific targeting provide advantages over general V-ATPase inhibition?
Could ATP6V0E2 status serve as a biomarker for predicting response to therapies targeting lysosomal function?