The recombinant protein is manufactured under controlled conditions to ensure high purity and stability:
Subunit c is integral to the F₁F₀ ATP synthase, which operates reversibly:
ATP Synthesis: In energy-replete conditions, proton gradient-driven rotation of the F₀ subunits (including subunit c) drives ATP production via F₁ subunits .
Proton Translocation: Subunit c facilitates proton movement across the membrane, critical for maintaining membrane potential .
In Salmonella, the ATP synthase is regulated by virulence factors like MgtC, which binds the a subunit of F₀ to inhibit proton translocation and ATP synthesis. This modulation:
Maintains Cytoplasmic pH: Prevents acidification during phagocytosis by macrophages .
Reduces ATP Levels: Low ATP suppresses cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP), a secondary messenger that promotes biofilm formation (e.g., cellulose synthesis) .
The recombinant atpE protein is used to study ATP synthase inhibition by MgtC. Mutations in mgtC or atpB (encoding subunit a) disrupt ATP levels and intracellular pH, impairing Salmonella survival in macrophages .
ELISA Kits: Recombinant atpE is utilized in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to detect anti-atpE antibodies, aiding in serological studies .
Vaccine Platforms: While not directly linked to atpE, Salmonella gallinarum strains modified to express heterologous antigens (e.g., APEC type I fimbriae) are explored as vaccine vectors, leveraging their avirulence and immunogenicity .
KEGG: seg:SG3563