The ATPase Asymmetry: Novel Computational Insight into Coupling Diverse F < sub > O < /sub > Motors with Tripartite F < sub > 1 < /sub >

This study investigates the coupling patterns between 8- and 9-fold FO motors and the constant 3-fold F1 motor using coarse-grained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We unveil that in the case of a 9-fold FO motor, a 3-3-3 motion is most likely to occur, while a 3-3-2 motion predominates with an 8-fold FO motor. Furthermore, our findings propose a revised model for the coupling method, elucidating that the pathways' energy usage is primarily influenced by F1 rotation and conformational changes hindered by the b-subunits. Our results present a crucial step towards comprehending the energy landscape and mechanisms governing ATP synthase operation.PMID:38459696 | DOI:10.1016/j.bpj.2024.03.013

Source: Biophysical Journal - March 9, 2024 Category: Physics Authors: Shintaroh Kubo Yasushi Okada Source Type: research