Dynamic properties of the Ras switch I region and its importance for binding to effectors.

ABSTRACT: We have investigated the dynamic properties of the switch I region of the GTP-binding protein Ras by using mutants of Thr-35, an invariant residue necessary for the switch function. Here we show that these mutants, previously used as partial loss-of-function mutations in cell-based assays, have a reduced affinity to Ras effector proteins without Thr-35 being involved in any interaction. The structure of Ras(T35S)(.)GppNHp was determined by x-ray crystallography. Whereas the overall structure is very similar to wildtype, residues from switch I are completely invisible, indicating that the effector loop region is highly mobile. (31)P-NMR data had indicated an equilibrium between two rapidly interconverting conformations, one of which (state 2) corresponds to the structure found in the comple

SUBMITTER: Spoerner M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC33143 | biostudies-literature | 2001 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature