Mitochondrial membrane potential is dependent on the oligomeric state of F1F0-ATP synthase supracomplexes

J Biol Chem. 2006 May 19;281(20):13990-8. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M512334200. Epub 2006 Mar 21.

Abstract

The F1F0-ATP synthase in mitochondria, in addition to its function in energy transduction, has a structural role in determining cristae morphology. This depends on its ability to form dimeric and higher oligomeric supracomplexes. Here we show that mutants of the dimer-specific subunits e and g, which destabilize dimeric and oligomeric F1F0-ATP synthase supracomplexes, have a decreased mitochondrial membrane potential delta psi. The degree of destabilization correlated with the reduction of the membrane potential. The enzymatic activities of F1F0-ATP synthase and cytochrome c oxidase, maximal respiration rate, coupling of oxidative phosphorylation, and tubular mitochondrial morphology were not affected or only to a minor extent. In mutants lacking one or two coiled-coil domains of subunit e, the reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential was not due to loss of mitochondrial DNA, a reduced capacity of oxidative phosphorylation, or to altered cristae morphology. We propose a role for the supracomplexes of the F1F0-ATP synthase in organizing microdomains within the inner membrane, ensuring optimal bioenergetic competence of mitochondria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cytochromes / metabolism
  • DNA / chemistry
  • Dimerization
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Mitochondrial Membranes / metabolism*
  • Mitochondrial Proton-Translocating ATPases / chemistry*
  • Oxygen / metabolism
  • Phenotype
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / chemistry

Substances

  • Cytochromes
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • DNA
  • F1F0-ATP synthase
  • Mitochondrial Proton-Translocating ATPases
  • Oxygen