F1·Fo ATP Synthase/ATPase: Contemporary View on Unidirectional Catalysis

Abstract

F1·Fo-ATP synthases/ATPases (F1·Fo) are molecular machines that couple either ATP synthesis from ADP and phosphate or ATP hydrolysis to the consumption or production of a transmembrane electrochemical gradient of protons. Currently, in view of the spread of drug-resistant disease-causing strains, there is an increasing interest in F1·Fo as new targets for antimicrobial drugs, in particular, anti-tuberculosis drugs, and inhibitors of these membrane proteins are being considered in this capacity. However, the specific drug search is hampered by the complex mechanism of regulation of F1·Fo in bacteria, in particular, in mycobacteria: the enzyme efficiently synthesizes ATP, but is not capable of ATP hydrolysis. In this review, we consider the current state of the problem of “unidirectional” F1·Fo catalysis found in a wide range of bacterial F1·Fo and enzymes from other organisms, the understanding of which will be useful for developing a strategy for the search for new drugs that selectively disrupt the energy production of bacterial cells.

Why are spontaneous bio photons observed only in living organisms? The key role of the proton current in ultra-weak photon emission

“…This is particularly interesting in relation to biological systems in the context of biophotonics, as the proton current flowing through protonic p-n junction in proteins may induce emission of light 2 . As expected, in this case the light is generated mainly at the molecular, sub-cellular level in structures with well defined proton flow, such as mitochondria 23, 25 , leading to experimentally observed ultra-low photon emission (UPE) called bio photons. The emission is particularly intense (though still “ultra-weak” on a macroscopic scale) from structures with intense proton current, e.g.…”

“…The same way, the complex protonic systems with an advanced functionality are created, e.g. the molecular motor C-ring of ATP synthase [9][10][11][12][13]23 (Fig. 3b,c).…”

“…At this point, the essential role of water in the functioning of the F 0 motor unit should be emphasized. Water is necessary for formation the proton conduction channels 23,27,28 , protonic p-n junctions [4][5][6][7] and the light emission (Fig. 5) 2,3 .…”

“…Our finding explains why UPE ('bio photons') is only observed in living systems (organisms, tissues and cells) 21 . This is due to the constant flow of protons in the active ATP synthase/ATPase 23 and in the mitochondria in general [25][26][27][28] , which is necessary both for life and for the emission of light (bio photons). In this context, a very specific flow of protons in the biological system of protonic p-n junctions (possible to be detected separately with NMR) generates bio photons (UPE), and both phenomena appear as the most fundamental biophysical markers of life at cellular and sub cellular levels.…”

“…2) allows the use of protonic H + LED as a new broadband light source, ideally suited to mitochondria-oriented low-intensity light therapy 37 .Our results explain why spontaneous biophotons (UPE) are observed only in living organisms, tissues and cells 21 . This is due to the constant flow of protons in the active ATP synthase/ATPase 23 and in the mitochondria in general 25-28 , which is necessary both for life and for the emission of light (observed as bio photons).…”