Cation Flux-Mediated Activation of P-Type ATPase in Helicobacter pylori

Cation Flux-Mediated Activation of P-Type ATPase in Helicobacter pylori

The production and cation flux-mediated activation of the P-type ATPase in Helicobacter pylori was investigated. Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the proton pump genotype of H. pylori was found to be positive for both F-type and P-type ATPases. Yet, their production in terms of enzyme specific activity varied substantially depending on H. pylori strains, ranging over 3-fold. Its main constituent appeared to be the P-type ATPase pool, in contrast to other common bacterial compositions. Interestingly, the F-type ATPase was observed only when intact H. pyloricells were exposed to pH 4.5 or above (37$^{\circ}C$ for 1 h). In contrast, significant amounts of the P-type ATPase still remained after 1 h of cell treatment even at pH below 4.5. By enriching the acidic medium with RPMI(pH 3.0), the P-type ATPase was stabilized, accompained by inactivation of the F-type ATPase. Using H. pylori membrane vesicles, it was found that ammionia-mediated cation flux increased the rate of ATP hydrolysis by the P-type ATPase. Accordingly, these data strongly suggest that the P-type ATPase is involved or functions as an effective regulator for the cation flux across the H. pylori membrane, thereby reducing the risk of excess proton influx.