Abstract
Despite many advances in understanding the structure and function of GTP-binding proteins the mechanism by which these molecules switch from the GTP-bound on-state to the GDP-bound off-state is still poorly understood. Theoretical studies suggest that the activation of the nucleophilic water which hydrolyzes GTP needs a general base. Such a base could not be located in any of the many GTP-binding proteins. Here we present a unique type of linear free energy relationships that not only supports a mechanism for p21ras in which the substrate GTP itself acts as the catalytic base driving the GTPase reaction but can also help to explain why certain mutants of p21ras are oncogenic and others are not.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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Binding Sites
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Catalysis
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Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism
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Computer Simulation
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Crystallography, X-Ray
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GTP-Binding Proteins / chemistry
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GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
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GTPase-Activating Proteins
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Glutamine
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Guanosine Triphosphate / metabolism*
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Hydrolysis
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Insecta
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Kinetics
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Models, Molecular
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
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Protein Binding
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Protein Conformation*
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Proteins / physiology
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / chemistry
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / metabolism*
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
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Structure-Activity Relationship
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Thermodynamics
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Water / metabolism
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ras GTPase-Activating Proteins
Substances
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GTPase-Activating Proteins
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Proteins
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins
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ras GTPase-Activating Proteins
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Water
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Glutamine
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Guanosine Triphosphate
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GTP-Binding Proteins
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)