title: Self-assembly of ATP synthase subunit c rings.
abstract: Subunit c of the H(+) transporting ATP synthase is an essential part of its membrane domain that participates in transmembrane proton conduction. The annular architecture of the subunit c from different species has been previously reported. However, little is known about the type of interactions that affect the formation of c-rings in the ATPase complex. Here we report that subunit c over-expressed in Escherichia coli and purified in non-ionic detergent solutions self-assembles into annular structures in the absence of other subunits of the complex. The results suggest that the ability of subunit c to form rings is determined by its primary structure.
authors.affiliation: The Medical Research Council Dunn Human Nutrition Unit, Hills Road, CB2 2YK, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: Ignacio
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Arechaga
authors.forename: P Jonathan G
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Walker
mesh_terms: D025243:Bacterial Proton-Translocating ATPases / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003902:Detergents / Q000737:chemistry; D004123:Dimethylamines / Q000737:chemistry; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000737:chemistry / Q000201:enzymology*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011485:Protein Binding / Q000502:physiology; D021122:Protein Subunits; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014461:Ultracentrifugation / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D003902:Detergents; D004123:Dimethylamines; D021122:Protein Subunits; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C014518:dodecyldimethylamine oxide; D025243:Bacterial Proton-Translocating ATPases