Structure and conformational plasticity of the intact Thermus thermophilus V/A-type ATPase

V (vacuolar)/A (archaeal)-type adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases), found in archaeaand eubacteria, couple ATP hydrolysis or synthesis to proton translocation across theplasma membrane using the rotary-catalysis mechanism. They belong to the V-typeATPase family, which differs from the mitochondrial/chloroplast F-type ATP synthasesin overall architecture. We solved cryo–electron microscopy structures of the intactThermus thermophilusV/A-ATPase, reconstituted into lipid nanodiscs, in three rotationalstates and two substates. These structures indicate substantial flexibility betweenV1and Voin a working enzyme, which results from mechanical competition between centralshaft rotation and resistance from the peripheral stalks. We also describedetails of adenosine diphosphate inhibition release, V1-Votorque transmission, andproton translocation, which are relevant for the entire V-type ATPase family.