Ca²⁺ binding to F-ATP synthase β subunit triggers the mitochondrial permeability transition.

ABSTRACT: F-ATP synthases convert the electrochemical energy of the H⁺ gradient into the chemical energy of ATP with remarkable efficiency. Mitochondrial F-ATP synthases can also undergo a Ca²⁺-dependent transformation to form channels with properties matching those of the permeability transition pore (PTP), a key player in cell death. The Ca²⁺ binding site and the mechanism(s) through which Ca²⁺ can transform the energy-conserving enzyme into a dissipative structure promoting cell death remain unknown. Through in vitro, in vivo and in silico studies we (i) pinpoint the "Ca²⁺-trigger site" of the PTP to the catalytic site of the F-ATP synthase β subunit and (ii) define a conformational change that propagates from the catalyt

SUBMITTER: Giorgio V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5494526 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature