ATP6V0E1 encodes V-type proton ATPase subunit e 1 (81 amino acids, 9.2 kDa), a small dual-transmembrane protein that is a structural component of the V0 membrane-embedded domain of the vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase). The V0 complex contains the proton transport subunit a, a proteolipid c-ring, rotary subunit d, subunits e and f, and accessory subunits ATP6AP1 and ATP6AP2. Subunit e 1 has an N-terminal lumenal segment, two transmembrane helices, a short cytoplasmic loop, and a C-terminal lumenal tail bearing an N-linked glycan at Asn70 that contributes to V-ATPase assembly and stability. Humans have two paralogous e subunits: ATP6V0E1 (e1, ubiquitous) and ATP6V0E2 (e2, restricted to kidney and brain). Both isoforms can complement a yeast e subunit deletion, confirming that the e subunit is essential for proton pump function. ATP6V0E1 localizes to lysosomal and endosomal membranes as part of the assembled V-ATPase holoenzyme. As a V0 structural subunit, it contributes to the proton translocation function of the V-ATPase complex that acidifies lysosomes, endosomes, and other intracellular compartments.
| GO Term | Evidence | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
|
GO:1902600
proton transmembrane transport
|
IBA
GO_REF:0000033 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: IBA phylogenetic transfer; proton transmembrane transport is the core function of the V-ATPase, and subunit e1 is required for this activity.
Reason: Proton transmembrane transport is the fundamental process of the V-ATPase. Both e1 and e2 are essential for proton pump function as shown by yeast complementation (PMID:17350184).
|
|
GO:0000220
vacuolar proton-transporting V-type ATPase, V0 domain
|
IBA
GO_REF:0000033 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: IBA phylogenetic transfer; V0 domain membership is confirmed by cryo-EM structure (PMID:33065002).
Reason: ATP6V0E1 is a confirmed V0 domain component as shown by cryo-EM structures of the complete human V-ATPase (PMID:33065002).
Supporting Evidence:
file:human/ATP6V0E1/ATP6V0E1-uniprot.txt
The proton translocation complex V0 consists of the proton transport subunit a, a ring of proteolipid subunits c9c'', rotary subunit d, subunits e and f, and the accessory subunits ATP6AP1/Ac45 and ATP6AP2/PRR
|
|
GO:0016020
membrane
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000044 |
MODIFY |
Summary: IEA from UniProt keyword mapping; generic membrane term consistent with dual-transmembrane topology of e1 subunit.
Reason: Generic membrane is less informative than the more specific lysosomal and endosomal membrane annotations already present. The dual-TM topology and V0 domain membership place it specifically at vesicular membranes.
Proposed replacements:
lysosomal membrane
|
|
GO:0033179
proton-transporting V-type ATPase, V0 domain
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000002 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: IEA from InterPro; V0 domain membership is experimentally confirmed.
Reason: V0 domain membership is directly confirmed by cryo-EM structures (PMID:33065002).
|
|
GO:0046961
proton-transporting ATPase activity, rotational mechanism
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000002 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: IEA from InterPro; rotational mechanism ATPase activity is the complex-level activity to which e1 contributes.
Reason: The V-ATPase employs a rotational mechanism. Subunit e1 as a V0 structural component contributes to this activity. The annotation is appropriate with contributes_to semantics implied.
|
|
GO:1902600
proton transmembrane transport
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000002 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: IEA from InterPro; consistent with IBA and IGI evidence for proton transport role.
Reason: Proton transmembrane transport is the core function. Multiple lines of evidence support this annotation.
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:32296183 A reference map of the human binary protein interactome. |
MARK AS OVER ANNOTATED |
Summary: Generic protein binding from high-throughput binary interactome; uninformative.
Reason: High-throughput interactome data; protein binding does not capture the specific V0 structural role of e1.
|
|
GO:0005765
lysosomal membrane
|
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9639286 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Reactome TAS for lysosomal membrane localization; consistent with V0 component localization.
Reason: Lysosomal membrane is the primary functional localization of the assembled V-ATPase V0 domain.
|
|
GO:0005765
lysosomal membrane
|
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9640167 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Reactome TAS for lysosomal membrane; consistent.
Reason: Lysosomal membrane localization; consistent.
|
|
GO:0005765
lysosomal membrane
|
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9640168 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Reactome TAS for lysosomal membrane; consistent.
Reason: Lysosomal membrane localization; consistent.
|
|
GO:0005765
lysosomal membrane
|
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9640175 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Reactome TAS for lysosomal membrane; consistent.
Reason: Lysosomal membrane localization; consistent.
|
|
GO:0005765
lysosomal membrane
|
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9640195 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Reactome TAS for lysosomal membrane; consistent.
Reason: Lysosomal membrane localization; consistent.
|
|
GO:0005765
lysosomal membrane
|
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9645598 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Reactome TAS for lysosomal membrane; consistent.
Reason: Lysosomal membrane localization; consistent.
|
|
GO:0005765
lysosomal membrane
|
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9645608 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Reactome TAS for lysosomal membrane; consistent.
Reason: Lysosomal membrane localization; consistent.
|
|
GO:0005765
lysosomal membrane
|
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9646468 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Reactome TAS for lysosomal membrane; consistent.
Reason: Lysosomal membrane localization; consistent.
|
|
GO:0005765
lysosomal membrane
|
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9858941 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Reactome TAS for lysosomal membrane in MITF-dependent lysosome biogenesis context; consistent.
Reason: Lysosomal membrane localization consistent with V0 domain subunit function.
|
|
GO:0046961
proton-transporting ATPase activity, rotational mechanism
|
IGI
PMID:17350184 Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel form of th... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: IGI evidence from yeast complementation showing both e1 and e2 are essential for proton pump function; supports ATPase rotational mechanism activity.
Reason: Blake-Palmer et al. 2007 showed that either e1 or e2 can complement yeast lacking the e subunit ortholog, directly demonstrating the essential role of the e subunit in proton pump function. This is valid IGI evidence.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:17350184
complementation studies in a yeast strain deficient for the ortholog of this subunit, that either form of the e-subunit is essential for proper proton pump function
|
|
GO:1902600
proton transmembrane transport
|
IGI
PMID:17350184 Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel form of th... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: IGI evidence from yeast complementation; same rationale as GO:0046961 IGI above.
Reason: Yeast complementation study directly demonstrates the e subunit is essential for proton pump function (PMID:17350184). IGI annotation is well supported.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:17350184
complementation studies in a yeast strain deficient for the ortholog of this subunit, that either form of the e-subunit is essential for proper proton pump function
|
|
GO:0016241
regulation of macroautophagy
|
NAS
PMID:22982048 Lipofuscin is formed independently of macroautophagy and lys... |
MARK AS OVER ANNOTATED |
Summary: NAS annotation; cited paper uses V-ATPase disruption as a tool to impair lysosomal function. Does not specifically implicate e1 subunit in macroautophagy regulation.
Reason: The cited paper does not demonstrate that ATP6V0E1 specifically regulates macroautophagy; it uses generic V-ATPase disruption to block lysosomal activity. This is an over-annotation of a generic downstream consequence of V-ATPase disruption.
|
|
GO:0030670
phagocytic vesicle membrane
|
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-1222516 |
KEEP AS NON CORE |
Summary: Reactome TAS for phagocytic vesicle membrane (intraphagosomal pH lowering context); consistent with V0 domain at phagocytic vesicles in immune cells.
Reason: Phagocytic vesicle membrane localization is a non-core context for this ubiquitous V0 subunit. The primary core localizations are lysosomal and endosomal membranes.
|
|
GO:0010008
endosome membrane
|
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-5252133 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Reactome TAS for endosome membrane; consistent with V0 component at endosomal membranes where V-ATPase acidifies endosomes.
Reason: Endosomal membrane localization is a core location for the V-ATPase V0 domain; required for endosomal acidification and receptor recycling.
|
|
GO:0010008
endosome membrane
|
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-74723 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Reactome TAS for endosome membrane in endosome acidification context; consistent.
Reason: Endosome membrane localization; consistent with V-ATPase function.
|
|
GO:0010008
endosome membrane
|
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-917841 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Reactome TAS for endosome membrane in transferrin acidification context; consistent.
Reason: Endosome membrane localization in transferrin endocytosis context; consistent with V-ATPase function.
|
|
GO:0007035
vacuolar acidification
|
ISS
GO_REF:0000024 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: ISS manual ortholog transfer; vacuolar acidification is the core downstream function of V-ATPase activity.
Reason: Vacuolar acidification is the primary biological process driven by the V-ATPase. As a required V0 structural subunit, e1 is appropriately annotated to this process.
|
|
GO:0042625
ATPase-coupled ion transmembrane transporter activity
|
ISS
GO_REF:0000024 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: ISS manual ortholog transfer; ATPase-coupled ion transmembrane transporter activity is an appropriate broader molecular function term for the V-ATPase proton translocation activity.
Reason: ATPase-coupled ion transmembrane transporter activity describes the complex-level molecular function that e1 contributes to as a V0 structural component. Appropriate with contributes_to semantics.
|
|
GO:0046961
proton-transporting ATPase activity, rotational mechanism
|
TAS
PMID:9556572 Identification and characterization of a novel 9.2-kDa membr... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: TAS from Ludwig et al. 1998 original characterization of M9.2 (e1) protein in bovine V-ATPase; establishes e1 as a V-ATPase membrane sector component with rotational proton transport activity.
Reason: The original characterization paper identified M9.2 (e1) as a V-ATPase membrane sector component, supporting proton-transporting ATPase activity annotation. The e subunit is part of the V0 sector responsible for proton translocation.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:9556572
M9.2, a novel extremely hydrophobic 9.2-kDa protein comprising 80 amino acids, was detected in the membrane sector
|
|
GO:1902600
proton transmembrane transport
|
TAS
PMID:9556572 Identification and characterization of a novel 9.2-kDa membr... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: TAS from original M9.2 characterization; proton transmembrane transport is the core function.
Reason: The original characterization places e1 (M9.2) in the V-ATPase membrane sector responsible for proton transport.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:9556572
M9.2, a novel extremely hydrophobic 9.2-kDa protein comprising 80 amino acids, was detected in the membrane sector
|
Q: What is the precise structural function of the e subunit within the V0 complex β does it contribute to c-ring stability, the a subunit interface, or the assembly pathway of V0?
Suggested experts: Wang L, Rubinstein JL
Q: Does the N-linked glycan on Asn70 of e1 have a specific structural role (as part of the luminal glycan coat) in V-ATPase folding or targeting, and does loss of this glycosylation site affect V-ATPase function or localization?
Suggested experts: Wang L, Fu TM
Experiment: Generate ATP6V0E1 Asn70Gln (N70Q) glycosylation-null mutant by CRISPR/HDR and assess V-ATPase holoenzyme assembly, lysosomal membrane targeting, and lysosomal acidification function compared to wild-type cells.
Hypothesis: The N-linked glycan at Asn70 of ATP6V0E1 is required for efficient V-ATPase assembly or lysosomal targeting.
Type: CRISPR knock-in and V-ATPase assembly/acidification assay
Experiment: Using isoform-specific antibodies or endogenous tagging of each paralog in the same cell line, determine whether e1- and e2-containing V-ATPase complexes have distinct subcellular distributions (lysosomal vs endosomal vs plasma membrane) and whether V1/V0 assembly stoichiometry differs between the isoforms.
Hypothesis: ATP6V0E1 (e1) and ATP6V0E2 (e2) confer different targeting or functional properties to V-ATPase complexes in the same cell type.
Type: isoform-specific localization and V-ATPase complex stoichiometry
The research report should be a detailed narrative explaining the function, biological processes, and localization of the gene product. Citations should be given for all claims.
You should prioritize authoritative reviews and primary scientific literature when conducting research. You can supplement
this with annotations you find in gene/protein databases, but these can be outdated or inaccurate.
We are specifically interested in the primary function of the gene - for enzymes, what reaction is catalyzed, and what is the substrate specificity? For transporters, what is the substrate? For structural proteins or adapters, what is the broader structural role? For signaling molecules, what is the role in the pathway.
We are interested in where in or outside the cell the gene product carries out its function.
We are also interested in the signaling or biochemical pathways in which the gene functions. We are less interested in broad pleiotropic effects, except where these elucidate the precise role.
Include evidence where possible. We are interested in both experimental evidence as well as inference from structure, evolution, or bioinformatic analysis. Precise studies should be prioritized over high-throughput, where available.
ATP6V0E1 (UniProt: O15342) encodes the e1 subunit of the V-type proton ATPase (V-ATPase), a multi-subunit rotary proton pump essential for acidifying intracellular organelles in eukaryotic cells (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, wang2020structuresofa pages 3-5). As a structural component of the membrane-embedded Vo domain, ATP6V0E1 contributes to the proton-translocating machinery that couples ATP hydrolysis to the generation of acidic environments in lysosomes, endosomes, the trans-Golgi network, and synaptic vesicles (wang2020structuresofa pages 3-5, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5).
| Characteristic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Gene name | ATP6V0E1 (human gene encoding V-type proton ATPase subunit e1) (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, wang2020structuresofa pages 3-5) |
| UniProt ID | O15342 |
| Protein name | V-type proton ATPase subunit e1 / ATPase H+-transporting V0 subunit e1 (wang2020structuresofa pages 3-5, chen2024thedifferentroles pages 1-2) |
| Protein family | V-ATPase e1/e2 subunit family; the e subunit is a conserved component of the membrane-embedded V0/Vo sector (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5) |
| Complex membership | V-ATPase Vo domain; in the human complex, the Vo region comprises subunits a1, d1, e1, RNaseK (f), c, c'', ATP6AP1, ATP6AP2 (wang2020structuresofa pages 3-5) |
| Molecular function | Structural component of the proton-translocating Vo domain; subunit e is positioned adjacent to the C-terminal domain of subunit a and the c-ring, contributing to organization of the membrane proton channel rather than catalyzing ATP hydrolysis directly (wang2023structuralbasisof pages 1-2, wang2020structuresofa pages 5-7, seidel2022theplantvatpase pages 2-3) |
| Specific interaction/role | The membrane-embedded subunits e and f/RNaseK bind the C-terminal domain of subunit a, a key structural arrangement for Vo assembly and proton translocation (wang2023structuralbasisof pages 1-2, seidel2022theplantvatpase pages 2-3) |
| Post-translational modifications | N-glycosylation at N70 on the luminal side of human subunit e; this glycosylation is discussed as important for folding, trafficking, localization, and/or stability of the V-ATPase complex (wang2020structuresofa pages 7-9) |
| Stoichiometry in complex | 1 copy per V-ATPase complex; structural descriptions of mammalian/yeast Vo indicate a single e subunit within each assembled enzyme (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, wang2023structuralbasisof pages 1-2, seidel2022theplantvatpase pages 2-3) |
Table: This table summarizes core identity, structure, and functional annotations for human ATP6V0E1. It is useful as a compact reference linking the gene to its Vo-domain role, structural contacts, and known modification state.
The V-ATPase is a large (~830 kDa) multisubunit rotary enzyme comprising two functional domains: the cytosolic V1 domain responsible for ATP hydrolysis and the membrane-embedded Vo domain that translocates protons (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5). High-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures of human V-ATPase at 2.9-3.1 Γ resolution have elucidated the detailed organization of this complex (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, wang2020structuresofa pages 3-5).
The Vo domain, where ATP6V0E1 resides, consists of multiple subunits organized around a central c-ring composed of nine copies of subunit c plus one c'' subunit (wang2020structuresofa pages 3-5, wang2020structuresofa pages 7-9). The Vo complex includes subunits a1, d1, e1, RNaseK (equivalent to yeast subunit f), ATP6AP1, and ATP6AP2 in addition to the c-ring proteolipids (wang2020structuresofa pages 3-5, abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 1-2).
Subunit e1, encoded by ATP6V0E1, is a small membrane-associated protein positioned adjacent to the C-terminal domain (CTD) of subunit a and the c-ring (wang2020structuresofa pages 5-7, wang2020structuresofa pages 7-9, seidel2022theplantvatpase pages 2-3). Structural studies reveal that subunit e, along with RNaseK (subunit f), binds to the a-CTD and helps organize the Vo assembly around the c-ring (wang2020structuresofa pages 5-7, wang2020structuresofa pages 7-9). This positioning is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of the proton channel and enabling efficient proton translocation.
Subunit e1 undergoes N-linked glycosylation at asparagine 70 (N70) on its luminal side, a post-translational modification that appears important for proper protein folding, trafficking, localization, and stability of the V-ATPase complex (wang2020structuresofa pages 7-9). Glycosylation of Vo subunits, including e, forms part of a luminal glycan coat that protects the V-ATPase from degradation in the acidic environments it creates (wang2020structuresofa pages 7-9).
The V-ATPase operates through a rotary mechanism in which ATP hydrolysis in the V1 domain drives rotation of a central rotor composed of subunits D, F, d, and the c-ring (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, wang2020structuresofa pages 3-5). This rotation causes conformational changes that enable proton translocation through hemi-channels formed by subunit a (wang2020structuresofa pages 3-5, seidel2022theplantvatpase pages 2-3).
In the human V-ATPase, the stoichiometry has been determined to be 3 ATP molecules hydrolyzed per 10 protons translocated (3 ATP:10 H+), reflecting the nine-membered c-ring structure (wang2020structuresofa pages 3-5, abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 1-2). Subunit e1, while not directly involved in ATP hydrolysis or forming the proton pathway, provides essential structural support that maintains the integrity and positioning of the proton channel formed by subunit a and the c-ring (wang2020structuresofa pages 5-7, wang2020structuresofa pages 7-9).
V-ATPases containing ATP6V0E1 localize to multiple intracellular compartments where they establish and maintain organelle-specific pH gradients (seidel2022theplantvatpase pages 1-2, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5, toshima2024transportmechanismsbetween pages 1-2). The specific localization of V-ATPase complexes is primarily determined by the a-subunit isoform, with four different a-subunit isoforms (a1-a4) directing V-ATPase to distinct cellular locations (abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 1-2, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5, chen2024thedifferentroles pages 1-2).
| Organelle/Compartment | pH range | Primary functions in that compartment | Specific mechanisms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lysosomes | 4.5-5.0 | Degradation of proteins, lipids, and other macromolecules; autophagy; lysosomal signaling | V-ATPase pumps H+ into the lysosomal lumen using ATP hydrolysis, generating the acidic environment required for lysosomal hydrolases; lysosomal acidification also supports autophagosome-lysosome fusion and amino-acid-dependent mTORC1 signaling at the lysosomal surface (song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5, sou2024golgiphhomeostasis pages 1-3) |
| Late endosomes | 5.0-6.0 | Endosomal maturation, cargo sorting, receptor-ligand dissociation, trafficking toward lysosomes | Progressive acidification by V-ATPase promotes maturation from earlier endocytic compartments, regulates Rab7-associated trafficking steps, and enables sorting of cargos en route to lysosomes (toshima2024transportmechanismsbetween pages 1-2, chen2024thedifferentroles pages 1-2) |
| Trans-Golgi Network / Early endosomes | 6.0-6.5 | Protein sorting, vesicular trafficking, glycosylation, secretory-pathway organization | V-ATPase establishes mildly acidic luminal pH needed for glycosyltransferase function, cargo sorting, and trafficking between Golgi and endosomal compartments; perturbation of Golgi pH disrupts glycosylation and organelle morphology (seidel2022theplantvatpase pages 1-2, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5, sou2024golgiphhomeostasis pages 1-3) |
| Synaptic vesicles | Acidic; sufficient to support transmitter uptake | Neurotransmitter loading and synaptic vesicle function | In neurons, V-ATPase-generated proton motive force across synaptic vesicle membranes energizes vesicular neurotransmitter transporters for transmitter accumulation before exocytosis (abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 1-2, abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 2-4) |
| Secretory vesicles / intracellular vesicles | Variable acidic lumen | Secretory cargo processing, vesicle maturation, compartment-specific transport | V-ATPase acidifies intracellular vesicles broadly across the secretory and endolysosomal systems, where proton gradients drive coupled transport and support vesicle-specific biochemical reactions (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5) |
| Plasma membrane in specialized cells | Extracellular acidification rather than organellar luminal pH | Bone resorption, renal acid secretion, sperm maturation, tissue-specific extracellular acidification | In selected specialized cell types, assembled V-ATPases at the plasma membrane export H+ to the extracellular space rather than into organelles; this is a property of some V-ATPase populations, though ATP6V0E1-specific localization here is not directly established (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5) |
Table: This table summarizes the main compartments where V-ATPase complexes relevant to ATP6V0E1 function operate, the characteristic pH of those compartments, and the compartment-specific processes supported by proton pumping. It is useful for linking ATP6V0E1 to endolysosomal acidification, trafficking, neurotransmission, and specialized acid-secretion contexts.
In lysosomes, V-ATPases maintain the highly acidic luminal pH (4.5-5.0) required for optimal activity of lysosomal hydrolases, which degrade proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates (song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5). This acidification is essential for autophagy, where autophagosomes fuse with lysosomes to form autolysosomes that digest cellular cargo (song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2). Lysosomal V-ATPases typically contain the a3 isoform, though subunit e1 can be present in various V-ATPase populations (chen2024thedifferentroles pages 1-2).
V-ATPases progressively acidify endosomal compartments as they mature from early endosomes (pH ~6.0) to late endosomes (pH ~5.5), enabling receptor-ligand dissociation, cargo sorting, and trafficking toward lysosomes (eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5, toshima2024transportmechanismsbetween pages 1-2, chen2024thedifferentroles pages 1-2). The a1 and a2 isoforms are enriched in early and late endosomes (abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 1-2, chen2024thedifferentroles pages 1-2). Studies in zebrafish microglia and mouse macrophages have demonstrated that the a1 subunit localizes primarily to early and late endosomes, where it regulates the transition from early to late endosomal compartments (chen2024thedifferentroles pages 1-2).
The trans-Golgi network (TGN) and Golgi apparatus maintain a mildly acidic pH (6.0-6.5) that is essential for the activity of glycosyltransferases and proper protein glycosylation (seidel2022theplantvatpase pages 1-2, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5, sou2024golgiphhomeostasis pages 1-3). The a2 subunit preferentially targets V-ATPase to the TGN (abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 1-2, sou2024golgiphhomeostasis pages 1-3). Disruption of Golgi pH homeostasis, such as through loss of the V-ATPase regulator GPHR, leads to abnormal protein N-glycosylation and impaired lysosomal membrane protein glycosylation, demonstrating the critical importance of proper pH control (sou2024golgiphhomeostasis pages 1-3).
In neurons, V-ATPases acidify synaptic vesicles, generating the proton electrochemical gradient that drives vesicular neurotransmitter transporters to load neurotransmitters into synaptic vesicles before exocytosis (abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 1-2, abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 2-4). Rat brain V-ATPases isolated from synaptic vesicles contain the a1 isoform along with other neuron-enriched subunit isoforms including B2, C1, E1, and G2 (abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 1-2, abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 2-4).
Beyond its canonical role in acidification, the V-ATPase participates in multiple signaling pathways and cellular processes, often serving dual roles as both a proton pump and a signaling scaffold (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5).
| Pathway name | Role of V-ATPase/ATP6V0E1 | Mechanism | Key biological outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autophagy-lysosomal pathway | Core acidification machinery of lysosomes and autolysosomes; ATP6V0E1 contributes as a Vo-domain structural subunit within the proton-translocating sector | ATP hydrolysis in V1 drives proton translocation through Vo, acidifying lysosomal lumen; acidic pH activates hydrolases and supports autophagosome-lysosome fusion and cargo degradation (song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5) | Proteolysis of intracellular cargo, autophagic flux, organelle turnover, prevention of aggregate accumulation; dysfunction contributes to neurodegeneration and lysosomal stress (song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5) |
| mTORC1 nutrient sensing | Functions as part of the lysosomal signaling platform that couples amino acid availability to mTORC1 activation | Beyond proton pumping, V-ATPase acts as a scaffold at lysosomal membranes for amino-acid-dependent signaling to mTORC1 via associated regulators; lysosomal acidification and membrane-localized complex assembly are linked to signaling competence (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5) | Regulation of cell growth, anabolic metabolism, nutrient sensing, and adaptation to starvation/refeeding states (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5) |
| Endocytic pathway | Drives progressive acidification of endosomes and late endosomes; ATP6V0E1 supports this through its role in the Vo membrane sector | Proton pumping lowers luminal pH along the endocytic route, enabling receptor-ligand dissociation, cargo sorting, maturation from early to late compartments, and delivery to lysosomes; V-ATPase also interfaces with Rab-dependent trafficking responses (song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2, toshima2024transportmechanismsbetween pages 1-2, chen2024thedifferentroles pages 1-2) | Endosomal maturation, receptor recycling or degradation, trafficking fidelity, proteostasis, and efficient phagosome/endosome progression (toshima2024transportmechanismsbetween pages 1-2, chen2024thedifferentroles pages 1-2) |
| Wnt signaling | Participates indirectly as an endolysosomal/signaling hub required for pathway function | V-ATPase has been shown to associate with and regulate Wnt-related signaling processes, with endosomal/lysosomal acidification and V-ATPase-associated membrane complexes contributing to pathway activation and receptor processing (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 1-2, indrawinata2023structuralandfunctional pages 1-2) | Control of development, stem-cell behavior, and cell fate programs; dysregulation can contribute to disease states (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 1-2) |
| Notch signaling | Supports signaling through acidification-dependent endomembrane processing | V-ATPase-dependent acidification of intracellular vesicles contributes to receptor trafficking and processing steps needed for Notch pathway activity (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, indrawinata2023structuralandfunctional pages 1-2) | Regulation of cell differentiation, developmental patterning, and tissue homeostasis (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, indrawinata2023structuralandfunctional pages 1-2) |
| Neurotransmitter loading | Generates the proton motive force across synaptic vesicle membranes required for vesicular transmitter uptake | In neurons, V-ATPase pumps protons into synaptic vesicles; vesicular neurotransmitter transporters then use the proton electrochemical gradient to load neurotransmitters before exocytosis (abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 1-2, abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 2-4) | Synaptic vesicle filling, neurotransmission efficiency, and neural circuit function (abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 1-2, abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 2-4) |
| pH homeostasis | Principal ATP-dependent proton pump maintaining acidity of intracellular organelles and, in some cells, extracellular acidification | V-ATPase transports H+ from cytosol into organelle lumens or across the plasma membrane in specialized cells; compartment-specific localization enables pH control in lysosomes, endosomes, Golgi/TGN, and certain secretory or plasma membranes (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5, sou2024golgiphhomeostasis pages 1-3) | Maintenance of organelle identity, enzyme activity, membrane trafficking, glycosylation, cytosolic buffering, and specialized acid secretion such as bone resorption or renal acid handling (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5, sou2024golgiphhomeostasis pages 1-3) |
Table: This table summarizes the major signaling and biochemical pathways supported by V-ATPase complexes containing the Vo sector, including the likely contribution of ATP6V0E1 as a structural Vo subunit. It is useful for linking ATP6V0E1 to both canonical proton-pumping functions and broader signaling roles.
V-ATPase-mediated lysosomal acidification is absolutely required for autophagic flux (song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5). Acidification activates lysosomal hydrolases and supports the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes (song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2). Dysfunction of V-ATPase activity, whether through pharmacological inhibition (e.g., with bafilomycin or concanamycin) or genetic disruption, causes accumulation of autophagosomes and impairs degradation of autophagic cargo (song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5). This is particularly relevant in neurodegenerative diseases, where impaired lysosomal acidification contributes to the accumulation of protein aggregates in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2).
The V-ATPase functions as a critical component of the lysosomal nutrient-sensing machinery that regulates mTORC1, a master regulator of cell growth and metabolism (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5). Beyond its proton-pumping activity, the V-ATPase serves as a scaffold for amino acid-dependent activation of mTORC1 on the lysosomal surface through interactions with the Ragulator complex and Rag GTPases (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5). This non-canonical signaling function highlights the V-ATPase as a central hub integrating metabolic information with cell growth signals (eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5).
Progressive endosomal acidification by V-ATPase enables receptor-ligand dissociation, facilitates cargo sorting, and regulates the transition between endosomal compartments (song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2, toshima2024transportmechanismsbetween pages 1-2, chen2024thedifferentroles pages 1-2). Studies have shown that V-ATPase activity influences Rab7 activation and late endosomal trafficking, with pH neutralization leading to hyper-activation of Rab7 and disruption of tubulation and mannose-6-phosphate receptor recycling on late endosomes (toshima2024transportmechanismsbetween pages 1-2). This demonstrates the intricate coupling between V-ATPase-mediated pH control and membrane trafficking machinery.
V-ATPase activity has been implicated in Wnt and Notch signaling pathways, which are critical for development, stem cell maintenance, and tissue homeostasis (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 1-2, indrawinata2023structuralandfunctional pages 1-2). Endosomal acidification by V-ATPase is required for proper receptor processing and signaling in both pathways (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, indrawinata2023structuralandfunctional pages 1-2). Additionally, ATP6AP2 (prorenin receptor), another component of the Vo complex, has been shown to participate in Wnt signaling independent of its role in V-ATPase assembly (abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 1-2).
Impaired V-ATPase function and consequent lysosomal dysfunction are increasingly recognized as central features of multiple neurodegenerative diseases (song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2). Inadequate lysosomal acidification impairs the degradation of protein aggregates characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (amyloid-Ξ² and tau), Parkinson's disease (Ξ±-synuclein), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (TDP-43 and other proteins) (song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2). The emerging role of V-ATPases in neurodegenerative diseases has made them attractive therapeutic targets for enhancing lysosomal function (song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2).
Mutations in V-ATPase subunits, particularly the a1 subunit encoded by ATP6V0A1, cause severe neurodevelopmental disorders including developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) and progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME) (indrawinata2023structuralandfunctional pages 1-2). These mutations impair lysosomal acidification and autophagic function, leading to neuronal cell death (indrawinata2023structuralandfunctional pages 1-2). While specific disease-causing mutations in ATP6V0E1 have not been prominently reported, the essential nature of the V-ATPase complex suggests that disruption of subunit e1 would similarly impair enzyme function.
Many cancer cells upregulate V-ATPase expression and relocate V-ATPases to the plasma membrane, where they acidify the extracellular tumor microenvironment (eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5). This acidification promotes tumor invasion, metastasis, and evasion of immune surveillance (eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5). Additionally, cancer cells often exhibit increased dependence on autophagy for survival, making V-ATPase activity crucial for tumor cell metabolism and growth (eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5). Consequently, V-ATPase inhibition has been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment (eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5).
V-ATPase dysfunction is associated with various other diseases depending on the affected subunit isoform and tissue distribution. Mutations in the a3 subunit cause osteopetrosis due to impaired osteoclast-mediated bone resorption (abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 1-2, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5), while a4 subunit mutations lead to distal renal tubular acidosis due to defective acid secretion in kidney intercalated cells (eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5). Mutations in ATP6AP1 cause immunodeficiency with hepatopathy and cognitive impairment, demonstrating the complex's broad physiological importance (wang2020structuresofa pages 7-9).
The assembly of the Vo complex occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and requires specialized assembly factors including Vma12p, Vma21p, and Vma22p in yeast (homologous to TMEM199, VMA21, and CCDC115 in mammals) (wang2023structuralbasisof pages 1-2, wang2023structuralbasisof pages 2-3). These factors facilitate the stepwise assembly of Vo subunits around the c-ring and prevent premature binding of the V1 complex to incomplete Vo assemblies, thereby ensuring that proton pumping does not acidify the ER (wang2023structuralbasisof pages 1-2, wang2023structuralbasisof pages 2-3).
Structural studies show that the assembly factor complex Vma12-22p binds partially assembled Vo lacking subunits a, e, and f, and recruits these subunits to the c-ring while blocking V1 binding (wang2023structuralbasisof pages 1-2, wang2023structuralbasisof pages 2-3). Subunit e1, as a late-assembling component, is incorporated along with subunit a during this maturation process (wang2023structuralbasisof pages 1-2).
V-ATPases undergo reversible dissociation into V1 and Vo subcomplexes as a regulatory mechanism in response to glucose deprivation and other stress conditions in yeast and potentially in mammalian cells (eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5, klossel2024yeasttldcdomain pages 1-2). During disassembly, V1 detaches from Vo, causing both subcomplexes to adopt inactive conformations (klossel2024yeasttldcdomain pages 1-2). The RAVE complex (regulator of ATPase of vacuoles and endosomes) facilitates reassembly when conditions improve (wang2023structuralbasisof pages 1-2). Recent work has identified TLDc domain-containing proteins, such as Oxr1p in yeast, as regulators that promote V-ATPase disassembly, counteracting RAVE activity (klossel2024yeasttldcdomain pages 1-2).
High-resolution structural determination of V-ATPases has been achieved through advances in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The structure of human V-ATPase at 2.9-3.1 Γ resolution revealed the detailed architecture of both V1 and Vo domains, enabling construction of atomic models for nearly all subunits (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, wang2020structuresofa pages 3-5). These structures captured V-ATPase in three different rotational states corresponding to steps in the catalytic cycle, providing insights into the mechanism of ATP-driven proton translocation (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, wang2020structuresofa pages 3-5).
Mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the subunit composition of purified V-ATPases and identified post-translational modifications, including the N-glycosylation sites on subunits e, a, and ATP6AP1 (wang2020structuresofa pages 3-5, wang2020structuresofa pages 7-9). Native mass spectrometry demonstrated that the V1 region has a mass consistent with A3B23C1DE13FG23 stoichiometry in SidK-bound preparations from rat brain (abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 1-2).
Functional characterization of V-ATPase has been facilitated by pharmacological inhibitors such as bafilomycin and concanamycin, which specifically block Vo-mediated proton translocation (song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5). Genetic approaches, including knockout and knockdown studies of individual subunits, have elucidated subunit-specific functions. For example, studies in zebrafish and mouse models have distinguished the roles of different a-subunit isoforms in endosomal maturation versus lysosomal function (chen2024thedifferentroles pages 1-2).
Cross-linking mass spectrometry on isolated yeast vacuoles has identified novel protein-protein interactions involving V-ATPase subunits, including interactions with regulatory proteins like Rtc5 and Oxr1 (klossel2024yeasttldcdomain pages 1-2). These approaches continue to reveal new aspects of V-ATPase regulation and integration with cellular signaling networks.
Recent research has expanded our understanding of V-ATPase beyond its role as a simple proton pump to appreciate its functions as a signaling hub and regulatory nexus (eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5). Key areas of active investigation include:
Isoform-specific functions: Understanding how different subunit isoforms, including e1 versus e2, confer compartment-specific properties and regulatory mechanisms (eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5, chen2024thedifferentroles pages 1-2).
Non-canonical signaling roles: Elucidating the mechanisms by which V-ATPase scaffolds signaling complexes and participates in pathways beyond acidification (wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5).
Therapeutic targeting: Developing strategies to modulate V-ATPase activity for therapeutic benefit in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and other conditions (song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2, eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5).
Assembly and quality control: Understanding the mechanisms that ensure proper V-ATPase assembly and prevent premature or aberrant complex formation (wang2023structuralbasisof pages 1-2, wang2023structuralbasisof pages 2-3, klossel2024yeasttldcdomain pages 1-2).
Lipid interactions: Characterizing how phosphatidylinositol phosphates and other lipids regulate V-ATPase localization, assembly, and activity (eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5).
ATP6V0E1 encodes a structurally important subunit of the V-ATPase Vo domain that contributes to the proton-translocating machinery essential for acidifying intracellular organelles. As a component of one of the most fundamental and highly conserved enzyme complexes in eukaryotic cells, subunit e1 plays an indirect but critical role in numerous cellular processes including autophagy, endocytic trafficking, protein glycosylation, neurotransmitter loading, and cellular signaling. The V-ATPase's involvement in multiple disease states, from neurodegeneration to cancer, underscores the importance of continued research into this complex and its individual subunits. Understanding the specific contributions of ATP6V0E1 to V-ATPase function, regulation, and pathology will provide insights into fundamental cell biology and may reveal new therapeutic opportunities.
This report draws on recent high-resolution structural studies of mammalian V-ATPases (Wang et al. 2020, Abbas et al. 2020), assembly mechanism investigations (Wang et al. 2023), comprehensive reviews of V-ATPase function in health and disease (Eaton et al. 2021, Song et al. 2020, Chen et al. 2022), compartment-specific studies (Seidel 2022, Chen et al. 2024), regulatory mechanism research (KlΓΆssel et al. 2024), and pH homeostasis investigations (Sou et al. 2024, Kopp et al. 2024), primarily from the 2020-2024 literature.
References
(wang2020structuresofa pages 1-3): Longfei Wang, Di Wu, Carol V. Robinson, Hao Wu, and Tian-Min Fu. Structures of a complete human v-atpase reveal mechanisms of its assembly. Molecular Cell, 80:501-511.e3, Nov 2020. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcel.2020.09.029, doi:10.1016/j.molcel.2020.09.029. This article has 184 citations and is from a highest quality peer-reviewed journal.
(wang2020structuresofa pages 3-5): Longfei Wang, Di Wu, Carol V. Robinson, Hao Wu, and Tian-Min Fu. Structures of a complete human v-atpase reveal mechanisms of its assembly. Molecular Cell, 80:501-511.e3, Nov 2020. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcel.2020.09.029, doi:10.1016/j.molcel.2020.09.029. This article has 184 citations and is from a highest quality peer-reviewed journal.
(eaton2021theh+atpase(vatpase) pages 1-5): Amity F. Eaton, Maria Merkulova, and Dennis Brown. The h+-atpase (v-atpase): from proton pump to signaling complex in health and disease. Mar 2021. URL: https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00442.2020, doi:10.1152/ajpcell.00442.2020. This article has 188 citations.
(chen2024thedifferentroles pages 1-2): Qi Chen, Hanjing Kou, Doris Lou Demy, Wei Liu, Jianchao Li, Zilong Wen, Philippe Herbomel, Zhibin Huang, Wenqing Zhang, and Jin Xu. The different roles of v-atpase a subunits in phagocytosis/endocytosis and autophagy. Autophagy, 20:2297-2313, Jun 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/15548627.2024.2366748, doi:10.1080/15548627.2024.2366748. This article has 27 citations and is from a domain leading peer-reviewed journal.
(wang2023structuralbasisof pages 1-2): Hanlin Wang, Stephanie A. Bueler, and John L. Rubinstein. Structural basis of v-atpase v o region assembly by vma12p, 21p, and 22p. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Feb 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2217181120, doi:10.1073/pnas.2217181120. This article has 18 citations and is from a highest quality peer-reviewed journal.
(wang2020structuresofa pages 5-7): Longfei Wang, Di Wu, Carol V. Robinson, Hao Wu, and Tian-Min Fu. Structures of a complete human v-atpase reveal mechanisms of its assembly. Molecular Cell, 80:501-511.e3, Nov 2020. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcel.2020.09.029, doi:10.1016/j.molcel.2020.09.029. This article has 184 citations and is from a highest quality peer-reviewed journal.
(seidel2022theplantvatpase pages 2-3): Thorsten Seidel. The plant v-atpase. Frontiers in Plant Science, Jun 2022. URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.931777, doi:10.3389/fpls.2022.931777. This article has 60 citations.
(wang2020structuresofa pages 7-9): Longfei Wang, Di Wu, Carol V. Robinson, Hao Wu, and Tian-Min Fu. Structures of a complete human v-atpase reveal mechanisms of its assembly. Molecular Cell, 80:501-511.e3, Nov 2020. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcel.2020.09.029, doi:10.1016/j.molcel.2020.09.029. This article has 184 citations and is from a highest quality peer-reviewed journal.
(abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 1-2): Yazan M. Abbas, Di Wu, Stephanie A. Bueler, Carol V. Robinson, and John L. Rubinstein. Structure of v-atpase from the mammalian brain. Mar 2020. URL: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaz2924, doi:10.1126/science.aaz2924. This article has 278 citations and is from a highest quality peer-reviewed journal.
(seidel2022theplantvatpase pages 1-2): Thorsten Seidel. The plant v-atpase. Frontiers in Plant Science, Jun 2022. URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.931777, doi:10.3389/fpls.2022.931777. This article has 60 citations.
(toshima2024transportmechanismsbetween pages 1-2): Junko Y. Toshima and Jiro Toshima. Transport mechanisms between the endocytic, recycling, and biosynthetic pathways via endosomes and the trans-golgi network. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, Sep 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2024.1464337, doi:10.3389/fcell.2024.1464337. This article has 16 citations.
(song2020theemergingroles pages 1-2): Qiaoyun Song, Bo Meng, Haidong Xu, and Zixu Mao. The emerging roles of vacuolar-type atpase-dependent lysosomal acidification in neurodegenerative diseases. Translational Neurodegeneration, May 2020. URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40035-020-00196-0, doi:10.1186/s40035-020-00196-0. This article has 255 citations and is from a domain leading peer-reviewed journal.
(sou2024golgiphhomeostasis pages 1-3): Yu-shin Sou, Junji Yamaguchi, Keisuke Masuda, Yasuo Uchiyama, Yusuke Maeda, and Masato Koike. Golgi ph homeostasis stabilizes the lysosomal membrane through n-glycosylation of membrane proteins. Life Science Alliance, 7:e202402677, Jul 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.26508/lsa.202402677, doi:10.26508/lsa.202402677. This article has 6 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(abbas2020structureofvatpase pages 2-4): Yazan M. Abbas, Di Wu, Stephanie A. Bueler, Carol V. Robinson, and John L. Rubinstein. Structure of v-atpase from the mammalian brain. Mar 2020. URL: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaz2924, doi:10.1126/science.aaz2924. This article has 278 citations and is from a highest quality peer-reviewed journal.
(indrawinata2023structuralandfunctional pages 1-2): Karen Indrawinata, Peter Argiropoulos, and Shuzo Sugita. Structural and functional understanding of disease-associated mutations in v-atpase subunit a1 and other isoforms. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, Jul 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2023.1135015, doi:10.3389/fnmol.2023.1135015. This article has 16 citations.
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(klossel2024yeasttldcdomain pages 1-2): Samira KlΓΆssel, Ying Zhu, LucΓa Amado, Daniel D. Bisinski, Julia Ruta, Fan Liu, and AyelΓ©n GonzΓ‘lez Montoro. Yeast tldc domain proteins regulate assembly state and subcellular localization of the v-atpase. The EMBO Journal, 43:1870-1897, Apr 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44318-024-00097-2, doi:10.1038/s44318-024-00097-2. This article has 12 citations.
ATP6V0E1 (UniProt O15342) encodes V-type proton ATPase subunit e 1 (81 amino acids, 9.2 kDa), a small dual-transmembrane protein that is a component of the V0 membrane-embedded domain of the vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase). The protein is also known as M9.2, V-ATPase 9.2 kDa membrane accessory protein.
The protein has a short lumenal N-terminus (residues 1-7), two transmembrane helices (residues 8-28 and 36-56), a short cytoplasmic loop (residues 29-35), and a C-terminal lumenal domain (residues 57-81) that carries an N-linked glycan at Asn70.
UniProt and cryo-EM data confirm: "The proton translocation complex V0 consists of the proton transport subunit a, a ring of proteolipid subunits c9c'', rotary subunit d, subunits e and f, and the accessory subunits ATP6AP1/Ac45 and ATP6AP2/PRR" [file:human/ATP6V0E1/ATP6V0E1-uniprot.txt "The proton translocation complex V0 consists of the proton transport subunit a, a ring of proteolipid subunits c9c'', rotary subunit d, subunits e and f, and the accessory subunits ATP6AP1/Ac45 and ATP6AP2/PRR"]
ATP6V0E1 was first described as the M9.2 protein isolated from bovine chromaffin granule V-ATPase. The paper showed it was a novel extremely hydrophobic protein with sequence similarity to Vma21p (yeast).
PMID:9556572
Note: the similarity to Vma21p in the original paper may have been incorrect nomenclature β Vma21p in yeast is actually an assembly factor (different from the subunit e), whereas the M9.2 protein is the e subunit itself. The human e1/e2 subunits are distinct from the Vma21p assembly factor.
Humans have two e subunit paralogs. ATP6V0E1 (e1) is ubiquitously expressed; ATP6V0E2 (e2) is expressed predominantly in kidney and brain.
PMID:17350184
This establishes: (1) e1 is ubiquitous, (2) both e1 and e2 are essential for V-ATPase function, confirmed by yeast complementation.
ATP6V0E1 was directly identified and visualized in the complete human V-ATPase cryo-EM structures. The N-linked glycan at Asn70 is experimentally confirmed.
[PMID:33065002 - directly identifies subunit e1 in V0 complex by mass spectrometry and structural modeling]
GO:0046961 (proton-transporting ATPase activity, rotational mechanism) and GO:1902600 (proton transmembrane transport) are annotated with IGI evidence from PMID:17350184. This is appropriate β the yeast complementation study shows either e1 or e2 is essential for proton pump function, demonstrating the requirement for an e subunit in V-ATPase activity.
From high-throughput interactome screen; uninformative over-annotation as per project guidelines.
ISS annotation from ortholog transfer; consistent with e1 function as V0 component required for V-ATPase activity.
ISS annotation from ortholog transfer; appropriate as the V0 domain translocates protons as ions using ATP hydrolysis energy.
Over-annotation β the paper uses V-ATPase disruption as a tool. Does not specifically implicate e1 in macroautophagy regulation.
ATP6V0E1 is a small dual-transmembrane V0 subunit whose primary function is structural: it is a required component of the V0 proton-translocating domain. The N-glycan at Asn70 (experimentally confirmed by cryo-EM) contributes to V-ATPase assembly, localization, and stability (consistent with the glycan coat described in PMID:33065002). The protein is ubiquitously expressed and localizes to lysosomal and endosomal membranes as part of the assembled V-ATPase.
Falcon deep research has now completed (file:human/ATP6V0E1/ATP6V0E1-deep-research-falcon.md,
27 citations). It corroborates the e1-subunit biology documented above and adds a
few structural specifics; it does not change any annotation call.
Net: no change to calls β e1 is a small, ubiquitous, essential structural subunit
of the V0 proton-translocation domain mediating organellar acidification.
*-deep-research*.md file found in this gene directory.Autophagy-Lysosome Pathway two rows β β¦|mTORC1 pathway, upstream|Nutrient sensing|V0 lysosomal v-ATPase proton pump component and β¦|Lysosomal catabolism|Regulation of lysosomal environment|Lysosomal acidification|V0 β¦component ; PN-node mapping: subtypeβGO:0046610 (lysosomal V0 domain, mapped/ok); subtypeβGO:0033179 (V0 domain, mapped/ok); typeβGO:0007042 (lysosomal lumen acidification, mapped/ok).This file is generated from the current PROTEOSTASIS phase-1 dossier and local gene-review artifacts. Edit the source review, PN mapping, or dossier rather than this generated note when correcting the underlying curation.
id: O15342
gene_symbol: ATP6V0E1
product_type: PROTEIN
status: COMPLETE
taxon:
id: NCBITaxon:9606
label: Homo sapiens
description: >-
ATP6V0E1 encodes V-type proton ATPase subunit e 1 (81 amino acids, 9.2 kDa),
a small dual-transmembrane protein that is a structural component of the V0
membrane-embedded domain of the vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase). The
V0 complex contains the proton transport subunit a, a proteolipid c-ring,
rotary subunit d, subunits e and f, and accessory subunits ATP6AP1 and
ATP6AP2. Subunit e 1 has an N-terminal lumenal segment, two transmembrane
helices, a short cytoplasmic loop, and a C-terminal lumenal tail bearing an
N-linked glycan at Asn70 that contributes to V-ATPase assembly and stability.
Humans have two paralogous e subunits: ATP6V0E1 (e1, ubiquitous) and
ATP6V0E2 (e2, restricted to kidney and brain). Both isoforms can complement
a yeast e subunit deletion, confirming that the e subunit is essential for
proton pump function. ATP6V0E1 localizes to lysosomal and endosomal
membranes as part of the assembled V-ATPase holoenzyme. As a V0 structural
subunit, it contributes to the proton translocation function of the V-ATPase
complex that acidifies lysosomes, endosomes, and other intracellular
compartments.
existing_annotations:
- term:
id: GO:1902600
label: proton transmembrane transport
evidence_type: IBA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000033
qualifier: involved_in
review:
summary: IBA phylogenetic transfer; proton transmembrane transport is the core
function of the V-ATPase, and subunit e1 is required for this activity.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Proton transmembrane transport is the fundamental process of the V-ATPase.
Both e1 and e2 are essential for proton pump function as shown by yeast
complementation (PMID:17350184).
- term:
id: GO:0000220
label: vacuolar proton-transporting V-type ATPase, V0 domain
evidence_type: IBA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000033
qualifier: part_of
review:
summary: IBA phylogenetic transfer; V0 domain membership is confirmed by cryo-EM
structure (PMID:33065002).
action: ACCEPT
reason: ATP6V0E1 is a confirmed V0 domain component as shown by cryo-EM structures
of the complete human V-ATPase (PMID:33065002).
supported_by:
- reference_id: file:human/ATP6V0E1/ATP6V0E1-uniprot.txt
supporting_text: The proton translocation complex V0 consists of the proton
transport subunit a, a ring of proteolipid subunits c9c'', rotary subunit d,
subunits e and f, and the accessory subunits ATP6AP1/Ac45 and ATP6AP2/PRR
- term:
id: GO:0016020
label: membrane
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000044
qualifier: located_in
review:
summary: IEA from UniProt keyword mapping; generic membrane term consistent with
dual-transmembrane topology of e1 subunit.
action: MODIFY
reason: Generic membrane is less informative than the more specific lysosomal
and endosomal membrane annotations already present. The dual-TM topology and
V0 domain membership place it specifically at vesicular membranes.
proposed_replacement_terms:
- id: GO:0005765
label: lysosomal membrane
- term:
id: GO:0033179
label: proton-transporting V-type ATPase, V0 domain
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000002
qualifier: part_of
review:
summary: IEA from InterPro; V0 domain membership is experimentally confirmed.
action: ACCEPT
reason: V0 domain membership is directly confirmed by cryo-EM structures
(PMID:33065002).
- term:
id: GO:0046961
label: proton-transporting ATPase activity, rotational mechanism
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000002
qualifier: enables
review:
summary: IEA from InterPro; rotational mechanism ATPase activity is the
complex-level activity to which e1 contributes.
action: ACCEPT
reason: The V-ATPase employs a rotational mechanism. Subunit e1 as a V0 structural
component contributes to this activity. The annotation is appropriate with
contributes_to semantics implied.
- term:
id: GO:1902600
label: proton transmembrane transport
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000002
qualifier: involved_in
review:
summary: IEA from InterPro; consistent with IBA and IGI evidence for proton
transport role.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Proton transmembrane transport is the core function. Multiple lines of
evidence support this annotation.
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:32296183
qualifier: enables
review:
summary: Generic protein binding from high-throughput binary interactome; uninformative.
action: MARK_AS_OVER_ANNOTATED
reason: High-throughput interactome data; protein binding does not capture the
specific V0 structural role of e1.
- term:
id: GO:0005765
label: lysosomal membrane
evidence_type: TAS
original_reference_id: Reactome:R-HSA-9639286
qualifier: located_in
review:
summary: Reactome TAS for lysosomal membrane localization; consistent with V0
component localization.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Lysosomal membrane is the primary functional localization of the assembled
V-ATPase V0 domain.
- term:
id: GO:0005765
label: lysosomal membrane
evidence_type: TAS
original_reference_id: Reactome:R-HSA-9640167
qualifier: located_in
review:
summary: Reactome TAS for lysosomal membrane; consistent.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Lysosomal membrane localization; consistent.
- term:
id: GO:0005765
label: lysosomal membrane
evidence_type: TAS
original_reference_id: Reactome:R-HSA-9640168
qualifier: located_in
review:
summary: Reactome TAS for lysosomal membrane; consistent.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Lysosomal membrane localization; consistent.
- term:
id: GO:0005765
label: lysosomal membrane
evidence_type: TAS
original_reference_id: Reactome:R-HSA-9640175
qualifier: located_in
review:
summary: Reactome TAS for lysosomal membrane; consistent.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Lysosomal membrane localization; consistent.
- term:
id: GO:0005765
label: lysosomal membrane
evidence_type: TAS
original_reference_id: Reactome:R-HSA-9640195
qualifier: located_in
review:
summary: Reactome TAS for lysosomal membrane; consistent.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Lysosomal membrane localization; consistent.
- term:
id: GO:0005765
label: lysosomal membrane
evidence_type: TAS
original_reference_id: Reactome:R-HSA-9645598
qualifier: located_in
review:
summary: Reactome TAS for lysosomal membrane; consistent.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Lysosomal membrane localization; consistent.
- term:
id: GO:0005765
label: lysosomal membrane
evidence_type: TAS
original_reference_id: Reactome:R-HSA-9645608
qualifier: located_in
review:
summary: Reactome TAS for lysosomal membrane; consistent.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Lysosomal membrane localization; consistent.
- term:
id: GO:0005765
label: lysosomal membrane
evidence_type: TAS
original_reference_id: Reactome:R-HSA-9646468
qualifier: located_in
review:
summary: Reactome TAS for lysosomal membrane; consistent.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Lysosomal membrane localization; consistent.
- term:
id: GO:0005765
label: lysosomal membrane
evidence_type: TAS
original_reference_id: Reactome:R-HSA-9858941
qualifier: located_in
review:
summary: Reactome TAS for lysosomal membrane in MITF-dependent lysosome biogenesis
context; consistent.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Lysosomal membrane localization consistent with V0 domain subunit function.
- term:
id: GO:0046961
label: proton-transporting ATPase activity, rotational mechanism
evidence_type: IGI
original_reference_id: PMID:17350184
qualifier: enables
review:
summary: IGI evidence from yeast complementation showing both e1 and e2 are
essential for proton pump function; supports ATPase rotational mechanism activity.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Blake-Palmer et al. 2007 showed that either e1 or e2 can complement
yeast lacking the e subunit ortholog, directly demonstrating the essential
role of the e subunit in proton pump function. This is valid IGI evidence.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:17350184
supporting_text: complementation studies in a yeast strain deficient for the
ortholog of this subunit, that either form of the e-subunit is essential for
proper proton pump function
- term:
id: GO:1902600
label: proton transmembrane transport
evidence_type: IGI
original_reference_id: PMID:17350184
qualifier: involved_in
review:
summary: IGI evidence from yeast complementation; same rationale as GO:0046961
IGI above.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Yeast complementation study directly demonstrates the e subunit is
essential for proton pump function (PMID:17350184). IGI annotation is well
supported.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:17350184
supporting_text: complementation studies in a yeast strain deficient for the
ortholog of this subunit, that either form of the e-subunit is essential for
proper proton pump function
- term:
id: GO:0016241
label: regulation of macroautophagy
evidence_type: NAS
original_reference_id: PMID:22982048
qualifier: involved_in
review:
summary: NAS annotation; cited paper uses V-ATPase disruption as a tool to
impair lysosomal function. Does not specifically implicate e1 subunit in
macroautophagy regulation.
action: MARK_AS_OVER_ANNOTATED
reason: The cited paper does not demonstrate that ATP6V0E1 specifically regulates
macroautophagy; it uses generic V-ATPase disruption to block lysosomal
activity. This is an over-annotation of a generic downstream consequence of
V-ATPase disruption.
- term:
id: GO:0030670
label: phagocytic vesicle membrane
evidence_type: TAS
original_reference_id: Reactome:R-HSA-1222516
qualifier: located_in
review:
summary: Reactome TAS for phagocytic vesicle membrane (intraphagosomal pH
lowering context); consistent with V0 domain at phagocytic vesicles in
immune cells.
action: KEEP_AS_NON_CORE
reason: Phagocytic vesicle membrane localization is a non-core context for this
ubiquitous V0 subunit. The primary core localizations are lysosomal and
endosomal membranes.
- term:
id: GO:0010008
label: endosome membrane
evidence_type: TAS
original_reference_id: Reactome:R-HSA-5252133
qualifier: located_in
review:
summary: Reactome TAS for endosome membrane; consistent with V0 component at
endosomal membranes where V-ATPase acidifies endosomes.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Endosomal membrane localization is a core location for the V-ATPase V0
domain; required for endosomal acidification and receptor recycling.
- term:
id: GO:0010008
label: endosome membrane
evidence_type: TAS
original_reference_id: Reactome:R-HSA-74723
qualifier: located_in
review:
summary: Reactome TAS for endosome membrane in endosome acidification context;
consistent.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Endosome membrane localization; consistent with V-ATPase function.
- term:
id: GO:0010008
label: endosome membrane
evidence_type: TAS
original_reference_id: Reactome:R-HSA-917841
qualifier: located_in
review:
summary: Reactome TAS for endosome membrane in transferrin acidification context;
consistent.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Endosome membrane localization in transferrin endocytosis context;
consistent with V-ATPase function.
- term:
id: GO:0007035
label: vacuolar acidification
evidence_type: ISS
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000024
qualifier: involved_in
review:
summary: ISS manual ortholog transfer; vacuolar acidification is the core
downstream function of V-ATPase activity.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Vacuolar acidification is the primary biological process driven by
the V-ATPase. As a required V0 structural subunit, e1 is appropriately
annotated to this process.
- term:
id: GO:0042625
label: ATPase-coupled ion transmembrane transporter activity
evidence_type: ISS
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000024
qualifier: enables
review:
summary: ISS manual ortholog transfer; ATPase-coupled ion transmembrane
transporter activity is an appropriate broader molecular function term for
the V-ATPase proton translocation activity.
action: ACCEPT
reason: ATPase-coupled ion transmembrane transporter activity describes the
complex-level molecular function that e1 contributes to as a V0 structural
component. Appropriate with contributes_to semantics.
- term:
id: GO:0046961
label: proton-transporting ATPase activity, rotational mechanism
evidence_type: TAS
original_reference_id: PMID:9556572
qualifier: enables
review:
summary: TAS from Ludwig et al. 1998 original characterization of M9.2 (e1)
protein in bovine V-ATPase; establishes e1 as a V-ATPase membrane sector
component with rotational proton transport activity.
action: ACCEPT
reason: The original characterization paper identified M9.2 (e1) as a V-ATPase
membrane sector component, supporting proton-transporting ATPase activity
annotation. The e subunit is part of the V0 sector responsible for proton
translocation.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:9556572
supporting_text: M9.2, a novel extremely hydrophobic 9.2-kDa protein comprising
80 amino acids, was detected in the membrane sector
- term:
id: GO:1902600
label: proton transmembrane transport
evidence_type: TAS
original_reference_id: PMID:9556572
qualifier: involved_in
review:
summary: TAS from original M9.2 characterization; proton transmembrane transport
is the core function.
action: ACCEPT
reason: The original characterization places e1 (M9.2) in the V-ATPase membrane
sector responsible for proton transport.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:9556572
supporting_text: M9.2, a novel extremely hydrophobic 9.2-kDa protein comprising
80 amino acids, was detected in the membrane sector
references:
- id: GO_REF:0000002
title: Gene Ontology annotation through association of InterPro records with GO terms
findings: []
- id: GO_REF:0000024
title: Manual transfer of experimentally-verified manual GO annotation data to orthologs
by curator judgment of sequence similarity
findings: []
- id: GO_REF:0000033
title: Annotation inferences using phylogenetic trees
findings: []
- id: GO_REF:0000044
title: Gene Ontology annotation based on UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot Subcellular Location
vocabulary mapping, accompanied by conservative changes to GO terms applied by
UniProt
findings: []
- id: PMID:17350184
title: 'Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel form of the human vacuolar
H+-ATPase e-subunit: an essential proton pump component.'
findings:
- statement: e1 subunit is ubiquitously expressed; e2 is restricted to kidney/brain;
either isoform complements yeast e subunit deletion confirming essential role
in proton pump function.
- id: PMID:22982048
title: Lipofuscin is formed independently of macroautophagy and lysosomal activity
in stress-induced prematurely senescent human fibroblasts.
findings:
- statement: V-ATPase disruption used as tool to impair lysosomal activity; does
not specifically implicate e1 subunit in macroautophagy regulation.
- id: PMID:32296183
title: A reference map of the human binary protein interactome.
findings: []
- id: PMID:33065002
title: Structures of a Complete Human V-ATPase Reveal Mechanisms of Its Assembly.
findings:
- statement: >-
Cryo-EM structure directly identifies subunit e1 in V0 complex; N-linked
glycan at Asn70 experimentally confirmed; V0 contains subunit a, c9c'',
d, e, f, and accessory subunits ATP6AP1, ATP6AP2.
- id: PMID:9556572
title: Identification and characterization of a novel 9.2-kDa membrane sector-associated
protein of vacuolar proton-ATPase from chromaffin granules.
findings:
- statement: M9.2 (e1 subunit) identified in V-ATPase membrane sector from bovine
chromaffin granules; extremely hydrophobic dual-TM protein; 9.2 kDa, 80 amino
acids.
- id: Reactome:R-HSA-1222516
title: Intraphagosomal pH is lowered to 5 by V-ATPase
findings: []
- id: Reactome:R-HSA-5252133
title: ATP6AP1 binds V-ATPase
findings: []
- id: Reactome:R-HSA-74723
title: Endosome acidification
findings: []
- id: Reactome:R-HSA-917841
title: Acidification of Tf:TfR1 containing endosome
findings: []
- id: Reactome:R-HSA-9639286
title: RRAGC,D exchanges GTP for GDP
findings: []
- id: Reactome:R-HSA-9640167
title: RRAGA,B exchanges GDP for GTP
findings: []
- id: Reactome:R-HSA-9640168
title: >-
v-ATPase:Ragulator:RRAGA,B:GTP:RRAGC,D:GDP:SLC38A9:Arginine dissociates yielding
v-ATPase:Ragulator:RRAGA,B:GTP:RRAGC,D:GDP and SLC38A9:Arginine
findings: []
- id: Reactome:R-HSA-9640175
title: v-ATPase:Ragulator:RagA,B:GDP:RagC,D:GDP binds SLC38A9:Arginine
findings: []
- id: Reactome:R-HSA-9640195
title: RRAGA,B hydrolyzes GTP
findings: []
- id: Reactome:R-HSA-9645598
title: RRAGC,D hydrolyzes GTP
findings: []
- id: Reactome:R-HSA-9645608
title: v-ATPase:Ragulator:RRAGA,B:GTP:RRAGC,D:GDP binds mTORC1
findings: []
- id: Reactome:R-HSA-9646468
title: mTORC1 binds RHEB:GTP
findings: []
- id: Reactome:R-HSA-9858941
title: MITF-M-dependent ATP6V0E1 gene expression
findings: []
core_functions:
- description: >-
ATP6V0E1 is a structural dual-transmembrane subunit of the V0 proton-translocation
domain of the V-ATPase. The e1 subunit is required for proper proton pump
function and is part of the V0 complex at lysosomal and endosomal membranes.
Its N-linked glycan at Asn70 contributes to V-ATPase assembly and stability.
The e subunit is essential for V-ATPase activity, as demonstrated by yeast
complementation studies.
contributes_to_molecular_function:
id: GO:0046961
label: proton-transporting ATPase activity, rotational mechanism
molecular_function:
id: GO:0005198
label: structural molecule activity
directly_involved_in:
- id: GO:1902600
label: proton transmembrane transport
- id: GO:0007035
label: vacuolar acidification
locations:
- id: GO:0005765
label: lysosomal membrane
- id: GO:0010008
label: endosome membrane
supported_by:
- reference_id: file:human/ATP6V0E1/ATP6V0E1-uniprot.txt
supporting_text: The proton translocation complex V0 consists of the proton transport
subunit a, a ring of proteolipid subunits c9c'', rotary subunit d, subunits e
and f, and the accessory subunits ATP6AP1/Ac45 and ATP6AP2/PRR
- reference_id: PMID:17350184
supporting_text: complementation studies in a yeast strain deficient for the
ortholog of this subunit, that either form of the e-subunit is essential for
proper proton pump function
suggested_questions:
- question: What is the precise structural function of the e subunit within the V0
complex β does it contribute to c-ring stability, the a subunit interface, or
the assembly pathway of V0?
experts:
- Wang L
- Rubinstein JL
- question: Does the N-linked glycan on Asn70 of e1 have a specific structural
role (as part of the luminal glycan coat) in V-ATPase folding or targeting, and
does loss of this glycosylation site affect V-ATPase function or localization?
experts:
- Wang L
- Fu TM
suggested_experiments:
- hypothesis: The N-linked glycan at Asn70 of ATP6V0E1 is required for efficient
V-ATPase assembly or lysosomal targeting.
description: >-
Generate ATP6V0E1 Asn70Gln (N70Q) glycosylation-null mutant by CRISPR/HDR
and assess V-ATPase holoenzyme assembly, lysosomal membrane targeting,
and lysosomal acidification function compared to wild-type cells.
experiment_type: CRISPR knock-in and V-ATPase assembly/acidification assay
- hypothesis: ATP6V0E1 (e1) and ATP6V0E2 (e2) confer different targeting or
functional properties to V-ATPase complexes in the same cell type.
description: >-
Using isoform-specific antibodies or endogenous tagging of each paralog in the
same cell line, determine whether e1- and e2-containing V-ATPase complexes
have distinct subcellular distributions (lysosomal vs endosomal vs plasma
membrane) and whether V1/V0 assembly stoichiometry differs between the
isoforms.
experiment_type: isoform-specific localization and V-ATPase complex stoichiometry