F-ATP synthases convert the electrochemical energy of the H+ gradient into the chemical energy of ATP with remarkable efficiency. Mitochondrial F-ATP synthases can also undergo a Ca2+-dependent transformation to form channels with properties matching those of the permeability transition pore (PTP), a key player in cell death. The Ca2+ binding site and the mechanism(s) through which Ca2+ can transform the energy-conserving enzyme into a dissipative structure promoting cell death remain unknown. Through in vitro, in vivo and in silico studies we (i) pinpoint the “Ca2+-trigger site” of the PTP to the catalytic site of the F-ATP synthase β subunit and (ii) define a conformational change that propagates from the catalytic site through OSCP and the lateral stalk to the inner membrane. T163S mutants of the β subunit, which show a selective decrease in Ca2+-ATP hydrolysis, confer resistance to Ca2+-induced, PTP-dependent death in cells and developing zebrafish embryos. These findings are a major advance in the molecular definition of the transition of F-ATP synthase to a channel and of its role in cell death.

Ca2+ binding to F-ATP synthase β subunit triggers the mitochondrial permeability transition

Schiavone M.
Investigation
;
2017-01-01

Abstract

F-ATP synthases convert the electrochemical energy of the H+ gradient into the chemical energy of ATP with remarkable efficiency. Mitochondrial F-ATP synthases can also undergo a Ca2+-dependent transformation to form channels with properties matching those of the permeability transition pore (PTP), a key player in cell death. The Ca2+ binding site and the mechanism(s) through which Ca2+ can transform the energy-conserving enzyme into a dissipative structure promoting cell death remain unknown. Through in vitro, in vivo and in silico studies we (i) pinpoint the “Ca2+-trigger site” of the PTP to the catalytic site of the F-ATP synthase β subunit and (ii) define a conformational change that propagates from the catalytic site through OSCP and the lateral stalk to the inner membrane. T163S mutants of the β subunit, which show a selective decrease in Ca2+-ATP hydrolysis, confer resistance to Ca2+-induced, PTP-dependent death in cells and developing zebrafish embryos. These findings are a major advance in the molecular definition of the transition of F-ATP synthase to a channel and of its role in cell death.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11379/529749
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