Single-molecule observation of rotation of F1-ATPase through microbeads

F(o)F(1)-ATP synthase catalyzes the synthesis of ATP using proton-motive force across a membrane. When isolated, the F1 sector, composed of five polypeptide chains with a stoichiometry of alpha(3)beta(3)gammadeltaepsilon, solely hydrolyzes ATP into ADP and phosphate, and is thus called F(1)-ATPase. Rotation of a shaft domain in F(o)F(1)-ATP synthase has been hypothesized by Paul Boyer, and ultimately was confirmed by direct observation as rotation of the gamma-subunit in an isolated alpha(3)beta(3)gamma subcomplex. Unitary turnover of ATP induces 120 degrees steps, consistent with the configuration of three catalytic sites arranged 120 degrees apart around gamma. We have shown the relationships between chemical and mechanical events by imaging individual F(1) molecules under an optical microscope. A new scheme emerges: as soon as a catalytic site binds ATP, the gamma-subunit always turns the same face (interaction surface) to the beta hosting that site; approximately 80 degrees rotation is driven by ATP binding; approximately 40 degrees rotation is induced by completion of hydrolysis [and/or phosphate release] in the site that bound ATP one step earlier.