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Perspective

Can a GDP-Liganded G-Protein Be Active?

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany (T.W.); and Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (M.C.M.)

The replacement of GDP bound to the -subunit of a G-protein by GTP is generally considered a crucial step in the activation of effectors by a G-protein. New data by Uur et al. (2005) (p. 720) raise the possibility that for the heterotrimeric G-protein G_s, GDP-liganded G_s is able to activate the effector adenylyl cyclase as potently and effectively as when G_s is in its GTP bound form. We summarize here the evidence that GTP is necessary for effector activation by G-proteins and discuss potential implications and limitations of data to the contrary.

Address correspondence to: Prof. Martin C. Michel, Dept. Pharmacol. and Pharmacother., Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands, E-mail: m.c.michel{at}amc.uva.nl