Distinct structural features of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATP synthase revealed by cryo-electron microscopy

Abstract

F1Fo ATP synthase is the ubiquitous enzyme that synthesizes cellular ATP by coupling proton-motive force with rotational catalysis. Structural differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic ATP synthases offer potential targets for antimicrobial development. Here, we present the 2.0–2.4 Å resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures of the ATP synthase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic bacterial pathogen capable of causing serious infections in humans. Our structures identify two distinctive features of this species’ enzyme: a distinct binding site for the inhibitory ε subunit, and a coordinated metal ion capping the cytoplasmic proton channel. Lower-resolution maps of the enzy..