Pyrophosphate-fueled Na+ and H+ Transport in Prokaryotes

Overview

Journal Microbiol Mol Biol Rev

Publisher American Society for Microbiology

Specialty Microbiology

Date 2013 May 24

PMID 23699258

Citations 38

Authors

Alexander A Baykov

Anssi M Malinen

Heidi H Luoto

Reijo Lahti

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

In its early history, life appeared to depend on pyrophosphate rather than ATP as the source of energy. Ancient membrane pyrophosphatases that couple pyrophosphate hydrolysis to active H(+) transport across biological membranes (H(+)-pyrophosphatases) have long been known in prokaryotes, plants, and protists. Recent studies have identified two evolutionarily related and widespread prokaryotic relics that can pump Na(+) (Na(+)-pyrophosphatase) or both Na(+) and H(+) (Na(+),H(+)-pyrophosphatase). Both these transporters require Na(+) for pyrophosphate hydrolysis and are further activated by K(+). The determination of the three-dimensional structures of H(+)- and Na(+)-pyrophosphatases has been another recent breakthrough in the studies of these cation pumps. Structural and functional studies have highlighted the major determinants of the cation specificities of membrane pyrophosphatases and their potential use in constructing transgenic stress-resistant organisms.

Citing Articles

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The inorganic pyrophosphatases of microorganisms: a structural and functional review.

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