title: Revisiting the structural flexibility of the complex p21(ras)-GTP: the catalytic conformation of the molecular switch II.
abstract: The hydrolysis of GTP in p21(ras) triggers conformational changes that regulate the ras/ERK signaling pathway. An important active site residue is Gln61, which has been found to be mutated in 30% of human tumors. The dynamics of the active site conformation is studied by using molecular dynamics simulation of two independent structures of the GTP-bound uncomplexed enzyme. Two distinct conformations of the enzyme are observed, in which the side-chain residue Gln61 is in different orientations. Essential dynamics analysis is used to describe the essential motions in the transition between the two conformations. Results are compared with earlier simulations of p21(ras) and its complex with GTPase activating protein p21-GAP.
authors.affiliation: Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, USA.
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Soares
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: T P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Straatsma
mesh_terms: D001665:Binding Sites; D003198:Computer Simulation; D020690:GTPase-Activating Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D006160:Guanosine Triphosphate / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009038:Motion; D011485:Protein Binding; D011487:Protein Conformation; D016283:Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D055672:Static Electricity
chemical_list: D020690:GTPase-Activating Proteins; D006160:Guanosine Triphosphate; C501009:HRAS protein, human; D016283:Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)