RESEARCH: G-PROTEINS
FOLDING PROJECT #17251 PROFILE

G-proteins control important functions like vision and muscle movement. They switch between active and inactive states depending on whether they have GDP or GTP attached. This project looks at how G-proteins release GDP, which is a crucial step in activating them. Problems with this process can cause 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 involved in signal transduction.

G-proteins are a family of proteins that act as molecular switches within cells. They play a crucial role in transmitting signals from cell surface receptors to downstream effectors, ultimately influencing various cellular processes such as vision, taste, muscle contraction, and neurotransmission. G-proteins bind to guanine nucleotides (GDP or GTP) to regulate their activity. When bound to GDP, they are inactive, while binding to GTP activates them.

Signaling Pathways

Series of molecular events that transmit signals within or between cells.

Signaling pathways are intricate communication networks within and between cells. They involve a cascade of molecular interactions, starting from the reception of an extracellular signal by a cell surface receptor to the activation of specific downstream targets, ultimately leading to a cellular response. These pathways regulate diverse processes such as growth, differentiation, metabolism, and immune responses.

GDP

Guanosine diphosphate

GDP is a nucleotide molecule that plays a crucial role in cellular signaling. It serves as the inactive form of guanine nucleotides within G-proteins. When bound to G-proteins, GDP maintains them in an inactive state. GDP dissociation from G-proteins triggers their activation by allowing for GTP binding.

GTP

Guanosine triphosphate

GTP is a high-energy nucleotide molecule that plays a central role in cellular signaling. It serves as the active form of guanine nucleotides within G-proteins. When GTP binds to G-proteins, it activates them, initiating downstream signaling events.