The beta subunit of the Drosophila melanogaster ATP synthase: cDNA cloning, amino acid analysis and identification of the protein in adult flies

Abstract

The cDNA encoding the Drosophila melanogaster beta subunit of H+ ATP synthase has been cloned and sequenced. The predicted mature protein is highly homologous to the equivalent beta subunits of other organisms and is preceded by a signal peptide of 31 amino acids, that although not conserved at primary sequence level has the characteristics of leader peptides present in other mitochondrial proteins. We have raised polyclonal antibodies that specifically recognize the beta H+ ATP synthase subunit present in Drosophila melanogaster protein extracts. This is the first time that a gene of the ATP synthase complex has been characterized in the invertebrate phyla.