Allosteric mechanisms of signal transduction.
Forty years ago, a simple model of allosteric mechanisms (indirect interactions between distinct sites), used initially to explain feedback-inhibited enzymes, was presented by Monod, Wyman, and Changeux. We review the MWC theory and its applications for the understanding of signal transduction in biology, and also identify remaining issues that deserve theoretical and experimental substantiation.
Changeux
Jean-Pierre
JP
Receptors and Cognition, Institut Pasteur, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France. changeux@pasteur.fr
Edelstein
Stuart J
SJ
D000494:Allosteric Regulation; D001665:Binding Sites; D004798:Enzymes / Q000378:metabolism; D008024:Ligands; D008954:Models, Biological; D011485:Protein Binding; D011487:Protein Conformation; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D004798:Enzymes; D008024:Ligands; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface