ATP synthase of E. coli: F-ATPase activity is functionally decoupled from the proton-transporting complex (F) by tributyltin.

The F-type ATP synthase/ATPase (FF) is important for cellular bioenergetics in eukaryotes and bacteria. We recently showed that venturicidins, a class of macrolides that inhibit the proton transporting complex (F), can also induce time-dependent functional decoupling of F-ATPase from F on membranes from Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This dysregulated ATPase activity could deplete bacterial ATP levels and contribute to venturicidin's capacity to enhance the bactericidal action of aminoglycosides antibiotics. We now show that a distinct type of F inhibitor, tributyltin, also can decouple FF-ATPase activity of E. coli membranes. In contrast to the action of venturicidins, decoupling by tributyltin is not dependent on ATP, indicating mechanistic differences. Tributyltin disrupts the coupling role of the ε subunit of F but does not induce dissociation of the F-ATPase complex from membrane-embedded F. Understanding such decoupling mechanisms could support development of novel antibacterial compounds that target dysregulation of FF functions.