Voa1p functions in V-ATPase assembly in the yeast endoplasmic reticulum.

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) is a multisubunit complex divided into two sectors: the V(1) sector catalyzes ATP hydrolysis and the V(0) sector translocates protons, resulting in acidification of its resident organelle. Four protein factors participate in V(0) assembly. We have discovered a fifth V(0) assembly factor, Voa1p (YGR106C); an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized integral membrane glycoprotein. The role of Voa1p in V(0) assembly was revealed in cells expressing an ER retrieval-deficient form of the V-ATPase assembly factor Vma21p (Vma21pQQ). Loss of Voa1p in vma21QQ yeast cells resulted in loss of V-ATPase function; cells were unable to acidify their vacuoles and exhibited growth defects typical of cells lacking V-ATPase. V(0) assembly was severely compromised in voa1 vma21QQ double mutants. Isolation of V(0)-Vma21p complexes indicated that Voa1p associates most strongly with Vma21p and the core proteolipid ring of V(0) subunits c, c', and c''. On assembly of the remaining three V(0) subunits (a, d, and e) into the V(0) complex, Voa1p dissociates from the now fully assembled V(0)-Vma21p complex. Our results suggest Voa1p functions with Vma21p early in V(0) assembly in the ER, but then it dissociates before exit of the V(0)-Vma21p complex from the ER for transport to the Golgi compartment.