V-type ATPases are enzymes that use the energy from ATP hydrolysis to pump protons across membranes, creating a proton gradient. This gradient is essential for various cellular processes, including maintaining the pH balance inside cells and compartments like lysosomes and vacuoles. In bacteria, these enzymes can also contribute to ATP synthesis under certain conditions, although their primary role is proton pumping .
V-type ATPases consist of two main domains: the V1 domain, which is responsible for ATP hydrolysis, and the Vo domain, which translocates protons across the membrane. The V1 domain includes subunits A, B, C, D, E, G, and H, while the Vo domain contains subunits a, c, c', c'', and d . The alpha chain (atpA) is part of the V1 domain and plays a crucial role in the catalytic process.
The alpha chain is a catalytic subunit involved in ATP hydrolysis. It alternates with the beta subunit in the V1 domain to form a hexameric structure, which is essential for the enzyme's activity. The rotation of the central stalk, driven by ATP hydrolysis at the A/B interfaces, ultimately leads to proton translocation across the membrane .
Understanding the structure and function of the V-type ATP synthase alpha chain in Treponema denticola could have implications for developing new therapeutic strategies against periodontal diseases, where T. denticola plays a significant role. Future research should focus on characterizing the biochemical properties of this recombinant protein and exploring its potential as a drug target.
| Subunit | Function | Human Gene |
|---|---|---|
| A, B | Catalytic hexamer | ATP6V1A, ATP6V1B1, ATP6V1B2 |
| C | Assembly and regulation | ATP6V1C1, ATP6V1C2 |
| D | Central rotor stalk | ATP6V1D |
| E, G | Peripheral stators | ATP6V1E1, ATP6V1E2, ATP6V1G1, ATP6V1G2, ATP6V1G3 |
| F | Regulatory subunit | ATP6V1F |
| H | Inhibitor of free V1 subunits | ATP6V1H |
This table highlights the roles and human gene equivalents of the subunits in the V1 domain of V-type ATPases, which are relevant to understanding the alpha chain's function .
KEGG: tde:TDE1683
STRING: 243275.TDE1683