Binding of nucleotides to the ATP-dependent protease La from Escherichia coli

A critical enzyme in protein breakdown in Escherichia coli is the ATP-hydrolyzing protease La, the lon gene product. In order to clarify the role of ATP in proteolysis, we studied ATP and ADP binding to this enzyme using rapid gel filtration to separate free from bound ligands. In the presence of Mg2+ or Mn2+ and 10 microM ATP, two molecules of ATP were bound to the tetrameric enzyme, while at 100 microM ATP (or higher), four ATP molecules were bound, both at 0 and 37 degrees C. Protease La thus has two high affinity sites (S0.5 less than 10(-7) M) for ATP and two lower affinity sites (S0.5 = 12-15 microM). Binding was reversible. In the absence of a divalent ion, ATP bound to only two sites. However, much lower Mg2+ concentrations (50 microM) were required for maximal ATPase binding than for maximal proteolytic and ATPase activity (2 mM). Decavanadate, which is a potent inhibitor of proteolysis, also blocked ATP binding, but orthovanadate had neither effect. Different ATP analogs bind to these sites in distinct ways. Adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate binds to only one high affinity site, while adenyl-5'-yl methylene monophosphonate binds to two. Nevertheless, both non-metabolizable analogs can activate oligopeptide hydrolysis as well as ATP. Although binding of a single nucleotide can activate peptide hydrolysis, occupancy of all four sites appears necessary for maximal protein breakdown. The ATP molecules on all four sites are hydrolyzed rapidly. The Pi is released, but ADP remains on the enzyme. ADP binds to the same four sites, but this process does not require divalent ions. Protease La shows higher affinity for ADP than for ATP. Therefore, in vivo, ADP should inhibit ATP binding and protease La function.