The α-subunit (encoded by atpA) is a core component of the F1 sector of ATP synthase, responsible for catalytic activity. It binds nucleotides and works cooperatively with the β-subunit to drive ATP synthesis via rotational catalysis . In T. roseum, this enzyme operates under extreme thermophilic conditions (70–75°C), necessitating structural stability .
The T. roseum genome (DSM 5159) was fully sequenced, revealing its placement within the Chloroflexi phylum . Key genomic features related to atpA include:
The atpA gene is hypothesized to be part of a conserved operon interrupted by auxiliary genes like phenazine biosynthesis proteins .
atpA sequences provide higher phylogenetic resolution than 16S rRNA, differentiating closely related species with >89% sequence similarity .
In T. roseum, atpA phylogeny supports its classification within Chloroflexi, resolving past ambiguities from rRNA-based trees .
Thermostable Enzymes: Partial atpA fragments could be used to engineer heat-stable ATP synthases for industrial biocatalysis .
Metabolic Engineering: ATP synthase modifications might enhance ATP yield in biofuel-producing strains .
KEGG: tro:trd_1230
STRING: 309801.trd_1230