RESEARCH: G-PROTEINS
FOLDING PROJECT #17221 PROFILE

G-proteins control lots of important body functions like vision and muscle movement. They switch between 'on' and 'off' states based on a molecule called GTP. The project relates to how G-proteins turn 'off' by releasing a molecule called GDP, which is key for them to work properly. Problems with this process can lead to diseases.

G-proteins play central role in various signalling pathways involved in vision, taste, oflaction, muscle contraction and neurotransmission.

G-proteins regulate these signalling pathways by switching between 'active' and 'inactive' states, dictated by the type nucleotide bound to their active site.

When bound to gaunosine dinucleotide (GDP), G-proteins adopt inactive state.

Dissociation of GDP and subsequent binding of gaunosine trinucleotide (GTP) activates G-proteins, which in turn activate downstream signalling pathways.

GDP dissociation is the rate limiting step in activation of G-proteins and misregulation of this process can often lead to disease conditions.

in this project, we are studying the mechanism of GDP dissociation process.

G-proteins

Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins

G-proteins are a family of proteins that play a crucial role in transmitting signals within cells. They act as molecular switches, cycling between active and inactive states depending on the binding of guanine nucleotides (GDP or GTP). This switching regulates various cellular processes, including vision, taste, olfaction, muscle contraction, and neurotransmission.

Signaling Pathways

A series of molecular events that transmit signals from outside a cell to inside the cell.

Signaling pathways are essential for cellular communication and coordination. They involve a cascade of molecular interactions, starting with the binding of a signal molecule (ligand) to a receptor on the cell surface. This binding triggers a series of events within the cell, ultimately leading to a specific response, such as changes in gene expression, protein synthesis, or cell behavior.

GDP

Guanosine diphosphate

GDP is a nucleotide molecule that plays a crucial role in cellular signaling. It acts as the inactive form of guanine nucleotides, binding to G-proteins and maintaining them in an inactive state.

GTP

Guanosine triphosphate

GTP is a nucleotide molecule that plays a crucial role in cellular signaling. It activates G-proteins by binding to their active site, triggering downstream signaling events.