Ring assembly of c subunits of F0 F1 -ATP synthase in Propionigenium modestum requires YidC and UncI following MPIase-dependent membrane insertion.

The c subunits of F0 F1 -ATP synthase (F0 c) assemble into a ring structure, following membrane insertion that is dependent on both glycolipid MPIase and protein YidC. We analyzed the insertion and assembly processes of Propionigenium modestum F0 c (Pm-F0 c), of which the ring structure is resistant to SDS. Ring assembly of Pm-F0 c requires P. modestum UncI (Pm-UncI). Ring assembly of in vitro synthesized Pm-F0 c was observed when both YidC and Pm-UncI were reconstituted into liposomes of Escherichia coli phospholipids. Under the physiological conditions where spontaneous insertion had been blocked by diacylglycerol, MPIase was necessary for Pm-F0 c insertion allowing the subsequent YidC/Pm-UncI-dependent ring assembly. Thus, we have succeeded in the complete reconstitution of membrane insertion and subsequent ring assembly of Pm-F0 c.