Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator: The NBF1 + R (nucleotide-binding fold 1 and regulatory domain) segment acting alone catalyses a Co²⁺/Mn²⁺/Mg²⁺-ATPase activity markedly inhibited by both Cd²⁺ and the transition-state analogue orthovanadate

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator), a regulated anion channel and member of the ATP-binding-cassette transporter (ABC transporter) superfamily. Of CFTR's five domains, the first nucleotide-binding fold (NBF1) has been of greatest interest both because it is the major 'hotspot' for mutations that cause CF, and because it is connected to a unique regulatory domain (R). However, attempts have failed to obtain a catalytically active NBF1 + R protein in the absence of a fusion partner. Here, we report that such a protein can be obtained following its overexpression in bacteria. The pure NBF1 + R protein exhibits significant ATPase activity [catalytic-centre activity (turnover number) 6.7 min^-1] and an apparent affinity for ATP (K_m, 8.7 μM) higher than reported previously for CFTR or segments thereof. As predicted, the ATPase activity is inhibited by mutations in the Walker A motif. It is also inhibited by vanadate, a transition-state analogue. Surprisingly, however, the best divalent metal activator is Co²⁺, followed by Mn²⁺ and Mg²⁺. In contrast, Ca²⁺ is ineffective and Cd²⁺ is a potent inhibitor. These novel studies, while demonstrating clearly that CFTR's NBF1 + R segment can act independently as an active, vanadate-sensitive ATPase, also identify its unique cation activators and a new inhibitor, thus providing insight into the nature of its active site.