Article,

Organelle-specific isoenzymes of plant V-ATPase as revealed by in vivo-FRET analysis

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BMC CELL BIOLOGY, (May 2008)

Abstract

Background: The V-ATPase ( VHA) is a protein complex of 13 different VHA-subunits. It functions as an ATP driven rotary-motor that electrogenically translocates H+ into endomembrane compartments. In Arabidopsis thaliana V-ATPase is encoded by 23 genes posing the question of specific versus redundant function of multigene encoded isoforms. Results: The transmembrane topology and stoichiometry of the proteolipid VHA-c'' as well as the stoichiometry of the membrane integral subunit VHA-e within the V-ATPase complex were investigated by in vivo fluorescence resonance energy transfer ( FRET). VHA-c'', VHA-e1 and VHA-e2, VHA-a, VHA-c3, truncated variants of VHA-c3 and a chimeric VHA-c/VHA-c'' hybrid were fused to cyan ( CFP) and yellow fluorescent protein ( YFP), respectively. The constructs were employed for transfection experiments with Arabidopsis thaliana mesophyll protoplasts. Subcellular localization and FRET analysis by confocal laser scanning microscopy ( CLSM) demonstrated that (i.) the N- and C-termini of VHA-c'' are localised in the vacuolar lumen, ( ii.) one copy of VHA-c'' is present within the VHA-complex, and ( iii.) VHA-c'' is localised at the ER and associated Golgi bodies. ( iv.) A similar localisation was observed for VHA-e2, whereas ( v.) the subcellular localisation of VHA-e1 indicated the trans Golgi network ( TGN)-specifity of this subunit. Conclusion: The plant proteolipid ring is a highly flexible protein subcomplex, tolerating the incorporation of truncated and hybrid proteolipid subunits, respectively. Whereas the membrane integral subunit VHA-e is present in two copies within the complex, the proteolipid subunit VHA-c'' takes part in complex formation with only one copy. However, neither VHA-c'' isoform 1 nor any of the two VHA-e isoforms were identified at the tonoplast. This suggest a function in endomembrane specific VHA-assembly or targeting rather than proton transport.

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