Identification of the F1-binding surface on the delta-subunit of ATP synthase

The stator function in ATP synthase was studied by a combined mutagenesis and fluorescence approach. Specifically, binding of delta-subunit to delta-depleted F(1) was studied. A plausible binding surface on delta-subunit was identified from conservation of amino acid sequence and the high resolution NMR structure. Specific mutations aimed at modulating binding were introduced onto this surface. Affinity of binding of wild-type and mutant delta-subunits to delta-depleted F(1) was determined quantitatively using the fluorescence signals of natural delta-Trp-28, inserted delta-Trp-11, or inserted delta-Trp-79. The results demonstrate that helices 1 and 5 in the N-terminal domain of the delta-subunit provide the F(1)-binding surface of delta. Unexpectedly, mutations that impaired binding between F(1) and delta were found to not necessarily impair ATP synthase activity. Further investigation revealed that inclusion of the soluble cytoplasmic domain of the b subunit substantially enhanced affinity of binding of delta-subunit to F(1). The new data show that the stator is "overengineered" to resist rotor torque during catalysis.