A matrix ATP requirement for presequence translocation across the inner membrane of mitochondria.

The mitochondrial presequence initiates protein translocation across the inner membrane of mitochondria in a delta psi-dependent step. We have investigated the role of matrix ATP in this process. When matrix ATP was reduced to interfere with the function of mitochondrial heat shock protein 70, presequence translocation across the inner membrane was strongly inhibited. This was accompanied by the accumulation of an import intermediate that was unprocessed and accessible to protease added to the intact mitochondria. Both delta psi and matrix ATP were required for further translocation of this intermediate into the matrix. When ATP levels are insufficient to support protein import, it appears that the presequence becomes translocated across the inner membrane, but delta psi does not maintain it in the matrix. Presequence translocation across the inner membrane is thus a reversible reaction, and a step dependent on matrix ATP is required to make it unidirectional. Based on these observations, a model on the role of delta psi, mthsp70, and matrix ATP in presequence translocation across the inner membrane is presented.