Stochastic proton pumping ATPases: From single molecules to diverse physiological roles.

We discuss the most recent reports on two proton pumps, F-ATPase (ATP synthase) and V-ATPase (endomembrane proton pump). They are formed from similar extrinsic (F 1 or V 1 ) and intrinsic (Fo or Vo) membrane sectors, and couple chemistry and proton transport through subunit rotation for apparently different physiological roles. Emphasis is placed on the stochastic rotational catalysis of F-ATPase and isoforms of V-ATPase. iubmb Life , 58: 318–322, 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]