The function of an ATP-dependent membrane protease FtsH was investigated using the enzyme from Thermus thermophilus HB8. An FtsH mutant with replacement of Glu-419 in the zinc-binding motif by Cys lost the activity to digest casein, a model unfolded protein, and the small ATPase activity of this mutant was no longer stimulated by casein. In the presence of ATP or ATPgammaS, but not ADP, a mutant FtsH-unfolded protein complex was isolated, indicating that ATP binding, but not ATP hydrolysis, is required for FtsH to form a stable complex with an unfolded protein. The FtsH without mutation at Glu-419 did not produce a stable complex with casein in the presence of any nucleotides tested and therefore it appears that blocking proteolysis also contributes to stabilization of the complex. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.