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Abstract

We have produced and characterized two new copper-transporting ATPases, CtrA2 and CtrA3 from Aquifex aeolicus, that belong to the family of heavy metal ion-transporting P(IB)-type ATPases. CtrA2 has a CPC metal-binding sequence in TM6 and a CxxC metal-binding N-terminal domain, while CtrA3 has a CPH metal-binding motif in TM6 and a histidine-rich N-terminal metal-binding domain. We have cloned both copper pumps, expressed them in Escherichia coli and characterized them functionally. CtrA2 is activated by Ag(+) and Cu(+) and presumably transports reduced Cu(+), while CtrA3 is activated by, and presumably transports, the oxidized copper ion. Both CtrA2 and CtrA3 are thermophilic proteins with an activity maximum at 75 degrees C. Electron cryomicroscopy of two-dimensional crystals of CtrA3 yielded a projection map at approximately 7 A resolution with density peaks, indicating eight membrane-spanning alpha-helices per monomer. A fit of the Ca-ATPase structure to the projection map indicates that the arrangement of the six central helices surrounding the ion-binding site in the membrane is conserved, and suggests the position of the two additional N-terminal transmembrane helices that are characteristic of the heavy metal, eight-helix P(1B)-type ATPases.