ATP synthase peripheral stalk subunit F6, mitochondrial

ATP synthase peripheral stalk subunit F6 (ATP5PF) is a component of the mitochondrial F₁Fₒ ATP synthase complex (Complex V), which catalyzes ATP synthesis coupled to the proton gradient generated by the electron transport chain (UniProt: P18859). The protein is part of the peripheral stalk structure that acts as a stator, holding the catalytic core stationary relative to rotating central stalk elements during the rotary mechanism of ATP production.

ATP5PF localizes to the mitochondrial membrane and participates in oxidative phosphorylation, the fundamental energy-generating pathway of the cell (UniProt: P18859). Given its role in ATP synthesis, dysregulation of this subunit may reflect broader mitochondrial dysfunction.

ATP5PF shows reduced abundance in Alzheimer's disease brain tissue compared to age-matched controls (Chaparral AD proteomics; ad:direction:down). The mean log₂ fold-change is −1.40 across the analyzed subcellular fractions from human post-mortem AD brain, indicating downregulation. This finding aligns with documented mitochondrial energy metabolism deficits in AD and suggests impaired ATP synthetic capacity may contribute to neurodegeneration.