PMID: 8208289

Authors:

Lambright DG, Noel JP, Hamm HE, Sigler PB

Title:

Structural determinants for activation of the alpha-subunit of a heterotrimeric G protein.

Journal:

Nature. 1994 Jun 23;369(6482):621-8.

Abstract:

The 1.8 A crystal structure of transducin alpha.GDP, when compared to that of the activated complex with GTP-gamma S, reveals the nature of the conformational changes that occur on activation of a heterotrimeric G-protein alpha-subunit. Structural changes initiated by direct contacts with the terminal phosphate of GTP propagate to regions that have been implicated in effector activation. The changes are distinct from those observed in other members of the GTPase superfamily.