Structural highlights
Function
[RAB3A_RAT] Involved in exocytosis by regulating a late step in synaptic vesicle fusion. Could play a role in neurotransmitter release by regulating membrane flow in the nerve terminal (By similarity).
Evolutionary Conservation
Check, as determined by ConSurfDB. You may read the explanation of the method and the full data available from ConSurf.
Publication Abstract from PubMed
BACKGROUND: Rab proteins comprise a large family of GTPases that regulate vesicle trafficking. Despite conservation of critical residues involved in nucleotide binding and hydrolysis, Rab proteins exhibit low sequence identity with other GTPases, and the structural basis for Rab function remains poorly characterized. RESULTS: The 2. 0 A crystal structure of GppNHp-bound Rab3A reveals the structural determinants that stabilize the active conformation and regulate GTPase activity. The active conformation is stabilized by extensive hydrophobic contacts between the switch I and switch II regions. Serine residues in the phosphate-binding loop (P loop) and switch I region mediate unexpected interactions with the gamma phosphate of GTP that have not been observed in previous GTPase structures. Residues implicated in the interaction with effectors and regulatory factors map to a common face of the protein. The electrostatic potential at the surface of Rab3A indicates a non-uniform distribution of charged and nonpolar residues. CONCLUSIONS: The major structural determinants of the active conformation involve residues that are conserved throughout the Rab family, indicating a common mode of activation. Novel interactions with the gamma phosphate impose stereochemical constraints on the mechanism of GTP hydrolysis and provide a structural explanation for the large variation of GTPase activity within the Rab family. An asymmetric distribution of charged and nonpolar residues suggests a plausible orientation with respect to vesicle membranes, positioning predominantly hydrophobic surfaces for interaction with membrane-associated effectors and regulatory factors. Thus, the structure of Rab3A establishes a framework for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the function of Rab GTPases.
Structural basis of activation and GTP hydrolysis in Rab proteins.,Dumas JJ, Zhu Z, Connolly JL, Lambright DG Structure. 1999 Apr 15;7(4):413-23. PMID:10196122[1]
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
References
- ↑ Dumas JJ, Zhu Z, Connolly JL, Lambright DG. Structural basis of activation and GTP hydrolysis in Rab proteins. Structure. 1999 Apr 15;7(4):413-23. PMID:10196122
