What role do Ras GTPase-activating proteins (Ras GAPs) play in Ras protein function?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the specific function of Ras GTPase-activating proteins (Ras GAPs) in relation to Ras proteins, particularly focusing on how Ras GAPs influence the activation and inactivation of Ras proteins.
Answer
Ras GAPs accelerate GTP hydrolysis of Ras, inactivating it.
Ras GTPase-activating proteins (Ras GAPs) down-regulate the biological activity of Ras proteins by accelerating GTP hydrolysis, turning active Ras-GTP into inactive Ras-GDP. They act as tumor suppressors and their inactivation can lead to abnormal Ras activation.
Answer for screen readers
Ras GTPase-activating proteins (Ras GAPs) down-regulate the biological activity of Ras proteins by accelerating GTP hydrolysis, turning active Ras-GTP into inactive Ras-GDP. They act as tumor suppressors and their inactivation can lead to abnormal Ras activation.
More Information
Ras GAPs are crucial in controlling Ras protein activity by ensuring that the proteins are not perpetually active, which could result in uncontrolled cell growth or cancer.
Tips
A common misunderstanding is thinking that Ras GAPs activate Ras proteins. In reality, they promote the deactivation of Ras proteins by facilitating GTP hydrolysis.
Sources
- Ras-Specific GTPase-Activating Proteins—Structures, Mechanisms ... - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- The interaction of Ras with GTPase-activating proteins - ScienceDirect - sciencedirect.com
- Ras GTPase - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
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