Thiols in oxidative phosphorylation: inhibition and energy-potentiated uncoupling by monothiol and dithiol modifiers.

Three apparently different modifications of submitochondrial particles (SMP) or ATP synthase preparations (complex V) inhibit oxidative phosphorylation and ATP-32Pi exchange activities, all of which are reversible by addition of mono- or dithiols. (a) Triphenyltin chloride inhibits ATP synthesis and hydrolysis without uncoupling. The inhibition by triphenyltin chloride is reversible by addition of beta-mercaptoethanol, dithiothreitol, or dihydrolipoamide. (b) Factor B is a water-soluble protein of Mr (11-12) X 10(3), contains a vicinal dithiol, and is required for energy transfer to and from F1-ATPase when tested with SMP-rendered factor B deficient by extraction with ammonia-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (AE-SMP). Treatment of factor B with mono- and dithiol modifiers, such as p-(chloromercuri)benzenesulfonate (PCMPS), Cd2+, or diazenedicarboxylic acid bis(dimethylamide) (diamide), inhibits factor B. This inhibition is reversed by addition to modified factor B of appropriate mono- and dithiol compounds. Preparations of AE-SMP are partially F1 deficient and partially uncoupled. The uncoupling can be repaired completely by addition of factor B or low levels of oligomycin, or to a large extent by addition of F1-ATPase + oligomycin sensitivity conferring protein. (c) SMP, AE-SMP, and complex V can be completely uncoupled by treatment at 30 degrees C with phenylarsine oxide, Cd2+, diamide, PCMPS, monobromobimane, and mono- and bifunctional maleimides. The uncoupling by these reagents is potentiated by membrane energization. Uncoupling by diamide is greater than or equal to 80% reversed by dihydrolipoamide or beta-mercaptoethanol, the former being much more potent. Dithiothreitol and dithioerythritol are poorly effective.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)