Large conformational changes in proteins: signaling and other functions

Guanine and adenine nucleotide triphosphatases, such as Ras proteins and protein kinases, undergo large conformational changes upon ligand binding in the course of their functions. New computer simulation methods have combined with experimental studies to deepen our understanding of these phenomena....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current opinion in structural biology 2010-04, Vol.20 (2), p.142-147
Main Authors: Grant, Barry J, Gorfe, Alemayehu A, McCammon, J Andrew
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Humans
Models, Molecular
Protein Conformation
Protein Kinases - chemistry
Protein Kinases - metabolism
Proteins - chemistry
Proteins - metabolism
ras GTPase-Activating Proteins - chemistry
ras GTPase-Activating Proteins - metabolism
Signal Transduction
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Summary:Guanine and adenine nucleotide triphosphatases, such as Ras proteins and protein kinases, undergo large conformational changes upon ligand binding in the course of their functions. New computer simulation methods have combined with experimental studies to deepen our understanding of these phenomena. In particular, a ‘conformational selection’ picture is emerging, where alterations in the relative populations of pre-existing conformations can best describe the conformational switching activity of these important proteins.
ISSN:0959-440X
1879-033X
DOI:10.1016/j.sbi.2009.12.004