Identification of a vanadate-sensitive, membrane-bound ATPase in the archaebacterium Methanococcus voltae

Membrane-bound ATPase activity was detected in the methanogen Methanococcus voltae. The ATPase was inhibited by vanadate, a characteristic inhibitor of E1E2 ATPases. The enzyme activity was also inhibited by diethylstilbestrol. However, it was insensitive to N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, ouabain, and oligomycin. The enzyme displayed a high preference for ATP as substrate, was dependent on Mg2+, and had a pH optimum of approximately 7.5. The enzyme was completely solubilized with 2% Triton X-100. The enzyme was insensitive to oxygen and was stabilized by ATP. There was no homology with the Escherichia coli F0F1 ATPase at the level of DNA and protein. The membrane-bound M. voltae ATPase showed properties similar to those of E1E2 ATPases.