Molecular machines: regulation of the catalysis and rotation of the enzyme ATP synthase

本计画旨在阐明ATP合成酶的分子机制。ATP合成酶是一种在所有细胞中发挥关键作用的酶-ATP的合成，普遍的生物能量货币。已知该酶通过中心柄的旋转来操作，该中心柄由跨膜的氢离子梯度驱动。这种分子的构建体已经被设想用于设计未来的生物纳米马达。我们的工作将提供一个了解这种酶的调节与潜在的应用在控制纳米电机。

This project aims to elucidate the regulation of the molecular machine ATP synthase. ATP synthase is an enzyme that performs a critical role in all cells - the synthesis of ATP, the universal biological energy currency. It is known that the enzyme operates via rotation of a central stalk which is driven by a hydrogen ion gradient across a membrane. Constructs of this molecule have been envisaged in the design of future biological nano-motors. Our work will provide an understanding of the regulation of this enzyme with potential application in the control of nano-motors.