Over-expression and refolding of beta-subunit from the chloroplast ATP synthase.

We established a bacterial system for high-level over-expression of the spinach chloroplast atpB gene which encodes the ATP synthase beta subunit. Upon induction, atpB was expressed as at least 50% to 70% of total cell protein. Although the over-expressed beta polypeptide formed insoluble inclusion bodies, more than fifty percent of it was restored to a functional form by solubilizing the inclusion bodies with 4 M urea and slowly removing the urea by stepwise dialysis. The resulting beta subunit exhibited specific and selective nucleotide binding properties identical to those of the native beta subunit.