Monitoring the real-time kinetics of the hydrolysis reaction of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins

Targeting oncogenic KRasG13C with nucleotide-based covalent inhibitors

Mutations within Ras proteins represent major drivers in human cancer. In this study, we report the structure-based design, synthesis, as well as biochemical and cellular evaluation of nucleotide-based covalent inhibitors for KRasG13C, an important oncogenic mutant of Ras that has not been successfully addressed in the past. Mass spectrometry experiments and kinetic studies reveal promising molecular properties of these covalent inhibitors, and X-ray crystallographic analysis has yielded the first reported crystal structures of KRasG13C covalently locked with these GDP analogues. Importantly, KRasG13C covalently modified with these inhibitors can no longer undergo SOS-catalysed nucleotide exchange. As a final proof-of-concept, we show that in contrast to KRasG13C, the covalently locked protein is unable to induce oncogenic signalling in cells, further highlighting the possibility of using nucleotide-based inhibitors with covalent warheads in KRasG13C-driven cancer.

In vitro reconstitution of small GTPase regulation

Small GTPases play essential roles in the organization of eukaryotic cells. In recent years, it has become clear that their intracellular functions result from intricate biochemical networks of the GTPase and their regulators that dynamically bind to a membrane surface. Due to the inherent complexities of their interactions, however, revealing the underlying mechanisms of action is often difficult to achieve from in vivo studies. This review summarizes in vitro reconstitution approaches developed to obtain a better mechanistic understanding of how small GTPase activities are regulated in space and time.

The RHO Family GTPases: Mechanisms of Regulation and Signaling

Much progress has been made toward deciphering RHO GTPase functions, and many studies have convincingly demonstrated that altered signal transduction through RHO GTPases is a recurring theme in the progression of human malignancies. It seems that 20 canonical RHO GTPases are likely regulated by three GDIs, 85 GEFs, and 66 GAPs, and eventually interact with >70 downstream effectors. A recurring theme is the challenge in understanding the molecular determinants of the specificity of these four classes of interacting proteins that, irrespective of their functions, bind to common sites on the surface of RHO GTPases. Identified and structurally verified hotspots as functional determinants specific to RHO GTPase regulation by GDIs, GEFs, and GAPs as well as signaling through effectors are presented, and challenges and future perspectives are discussed.

Methods to Monitor Ras Activation State

Various biochemical methods have been introduced to detect and characterize small GTPases and Ras. Luminescence-based techniques cover most of the currently used methods, utilizing single- or multi-luminophore-conjugated molecules and external probes. Here we describe methods enabling Ras activity and activation state monitoring in vitro. This chapter focuses mainly on luminescence-based techniques.

High-Throughput Assay for Profiling the Substrate Specificity of Rab GTPase-Activating Proteins

Measurement of intrinsic as well as GTPase-activating Protein (GAP) catalyzed GTP hydrolysis is central to understanding the molecular mechanism and function of GTPases in diverse cellular processes. For the Rab GTPase family, which comprises at least 60 distinct proteins in humans, putative GAPs have been identified from both eukaryotic organisms and pathogenic bacteria. A major obstacle has involved identification of target substrates and determination of the specificity for the Rab family. Here, we describe a sensitive, high-throughput method to quantitatively profile GAP activity for Rab GTPases in microplate format based on detection of inorganic phosphate released after GTP hydrolysis. The method takes advantage of a well-characterized fluorescent phosphate sensor, requires relatively low protein concentrations, and can, in principle, be applied to any GAP-GTPase system.

Quantitative GTPase Affinity Purification Identifies Rho Family Protein Interaction Partners

Although Rho GTPases are essential molecular switches involved in many cellular processes, an unbiased experimental comparison of their interaction partners was not yet performed. Here, we develop quantitative GTPase affinity purification (qGAP) to systematically identify interaction partners of six Rho GTPases (Cdc42, Rac1, RhoA, RhoB, RhoC, and RhoD), depending on their nucleotide loading state. The method works with cell line or tissue-derived protein lysates in combination with SILAC-based or label-free quantification, respectively. We demonstrate that qGAP identifies known and novel binding partners that can be validated in an independent assay. Our interaction network for six Rho GTPases contains many novel binding partners, reveals highly promiscuous interaction of several effectors, and mirrors evolutionary relationships among Rho GTPases.

Deciphering the Molecular and Functional Basis of RHOGAP Family Proteins: A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TOWARD SELECTIVE INACTIVATION OF RHO FAMILY PROTEINS

RHO GTPase-activating proteins (RHOGAPs) are one of the major classes of regulators of the RHO-related protein family that are crucial in many cellular processes, motility, contractility, growth, differentiation, and development. Using database searches, we extracted 66 distinct human RHOGAPs, from which 57 have a common catalytic domain capable of terminating RHO protein signaling by stimulating the slow intrinsic GTP hydrolysis (GTPase) reaction. The specificity of the majority of the members of RHOGAP family is largely uncharacterized. Here, we comprehensively investigated the sequence-structure-function relationship between RHOGAPs and RHO proteins by combining our in vitro data with in silico data. The activity of 14 representatives of the RHOGAP family toward 12 RHO family proteins was determined in real time. We identified and structurally verified hot spots in the interface between RHOGAPs and RHO proteins as critical determinants for binding and catalysis. We have found that the RHOGAP domain itself is nonselective and in some cases rather inefficient under cell-free conditions. Thus, we propose that other domains of RHOGAPs confer substrate specificity and fine-tune their catalytic efficiency in cells.

High-throughput assay for profiling the substrate specificity of Rab GTPase-activating proteins

Measurement of intrinsic as well as GTPase-Activating Protein (GAP)-catalyzed GTP hydrolysis is central to understanding the molecular mechanism and function of GTPases in diverse cellular processes. For the Rab GTPase family, which comprises at least 60 distinct proteins in humans, putative GAPs have been identified from both eukaryotic organisms and pathogenic bacteria. A major obstacle has involved identification of target substrates and determination of the specificity for the Rab family. Here, we describe a sensitive, high-throughput method to quantitatively profile GAP activity for Rab GTPases in microplate format based on detection of inorganic phosphate released after GTP hydrolysis. The method takes advantage of a well-characterized fluorescent phosphate sensor, requires relatively low protein concentrations, and can in principle be applied to any GAP-GTPase system.

Functional cross-talk between ras and rho pathways: a Ras-specific GTPase-activating protein (p120RasGAP) competitively inhibits the RhoGAP activity of deleted in liver cancer (DLC) tumor suppressor by masking the catalytic arginine finger

The three deleted in liver cancer genes (DLC1-3) encode Rho-specific GTPase-activating proteins (RhoGAPs). Their expression is frequently silenced in a variety of cancers. The RhoGAP activity, which is required for full DLC-dependent tumor suppressor activity, can be inhibited by the Src homology 3 (SH3) domain of a Ras-specific GAP (p120RasGAP). Here, we comprehensively investigated the molecular mechanism underlying cross-talk between two distinct regulators of small GTP-binding proteins using structural and biochemical methods. We demonstrate that only the SH3 domain of p120 selectively inhibits the RhoGAP activity of all three DLC isoforms as compared with a large set of other representative SH3 or RhoGAP proteins. Structural and mutational analyses provide new insights into a putative interaction mode of the p120 SH3 domain with the DLC1 RhoGAP domain that is atypical and does not follow the classical PXXP-directed interaction. Hence, p120 associates with the DLC1 RhoGAP domain by targeting the catalytic arginine finger and thus by competitively and very potently inhibiting RhoGAP activity. The novel findings of this study shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the DLC inhibitory effects of p120 and suggest a functional cross-talk between Ras and Rho proteins at the level of regulatory proteins.

How not to do kinetics: examples involving GTPases and guanine nucleotide exchange factors

Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) are crucial regulators of the action of GTPases in signal transduction and cellular regulation. Although their basic mechanism of action has been apparent for almost 20 years, there are still misconceptions concerning their properties, and these are confounded by superficial or incorrect interpretation of experimental results in individual cases. Here, an example is described in which an incorrect mechanism was derived because of an inadequate analysis of kinetic results. In a second example, a case is discussed where certain GTP analogs were erroneously described as being able to function as low molecular mass GEFs. In both cases, a lack of distinction between rates, rate constants, and apparent rate constants, together with a disregard of relative signal amplitudes, led to the misinterpretations. In a final example, it is shown how the lack of an appropriate kinetic investigation led to the false conclusion that a secreted protein from Legionella pneumophila can act not only as a GEF towards eukaryotic Rab1 but also as a factor that is able to actively dissociate the stable complex between Rab1 and GDP dissociation inhibitor.

A GTP affinity probe for proteomics highlights flexibility in purine nucleotide selectivity

GTP affinity probes are important tools for the study of GTP-binding proteins, and proteomic profiling is a powerful methodology well suited for the study of such a diverse class of proteins. Here, we synthesize and characterize a photoreactive GTP affinity probe that covalently photocross-links to protein targets and has an alkyne handle for click chemistry conjugation to reporter tags. The GTP-BP-yne probe facilitated identification of a variety of GTP-binding proteins by mass spectrometry, such as small GTPases and members of the GTP1/OBG family. Several ATP-binding proteins were also identified, highlighting variability in purine nucleotide selectivity of some proteins, and the probe was used to elucidate targets' relative nucleotide selectivities. The GTP-BP-yne probe will be a useful tool for the study of GTP-binding proteins, especially when targets of interest are not known a priori.

Probing the GTPase cycle with real-time NMR: GAP and GEF activities in cell extracts

The Ras superfamily of small GTPases is a large family of switch-like proteins that control diverse cellular functions, and their deregulation is associated with multiple disease processes. When bound to GTP they adopt a conformation that interacts with effector proteins, whereas the GDP-bound state is generally biologically inactive. GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) promote hydrolysis of GTP, thus impeding the biological activity of GTPases, whereas guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) promote exchange of GDP for GTP and activate GTPase proteins. A number of methods have been developed to assay GTPase nucleotide hydrolysis and exchange, as well as the activity of GAPs and GEFs. The kinetics of these reactions are often studied with purified proteins and fluorescent nucleotide analogs, which have been shown to non-specifically impact hydrolysis and exchange. Most GAPs and GEFs are large multidomain proteins subject to complex regulation that is challenging to reconstitute in vitro. In cells, the activities of full-length GAPs or GEFs are typically assayed indirectly on the basis of nucleotide loading of the cognate GTPase, or by exploiting their interaction with effector proteins. Here, we describe a recently developed real-time NMR method to assay kinetics of nucleotide exchange and hydrolysis reactions by direct monitoring of nucleotide-dependent structural changes in an isotopically labeled GTPase. The unambiguous readout of this method makes it possible to precisely measure GAP and GEF activities from extracts of mammalian cells, enabling studies of their catalytic and regulatory mechanisms. We present examples of NMR-based assays of full-length GAPs and GEFs overexpressed in mammalian cells.

Biochemical assays to characterize Rho GTPases

Rho GTPases act as tightly regulated molecular switches governing a large variety of critical cellular functions. Their activity is controlled by two different biochemical reactions, the GDP/GTP exchange and the GTP hydrolysis. These very slow reactions require catalysis in cells by two kinds of regulatory proteins. While the guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) activate small GTPases by stimulating the exchange of bound GDP for the cellular abundant GTP, GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) accelerate the intrinsic rate of GTP hydrolysis by several orders of magnitude, leading to their inactivation. There are a number of methods that can be used to characterize the specificity and activity of such regulators to understand the effect of binding on the protein structure and, ultimately, to gain insights into their biological functions. This chapter describes (1) detailed protocols for the expression and purification of Rho GTPases, of -effector-binding domains, and catalytic domains of GEFs and GAPs; (2) the preparation of nucleotide-free and fluorescent nucleotide-bound Rho GTPases; and (3) methods for monitoring the intrinsic and GEF-catalyzed nucleotide exchange, the intrinsic and GAP-stimulated GTP hydrolysis, and the effector interaction with active GTPase (three alternative approaches).

Homogeneous single-label biochemical Ras activation assay using time-resolved luminescence

Mutations of the small GTP-binding protein Ras have been commonly found in tumors, and Ras oncogenes have been established to be involved in the early steps of cancerogenesis. The detection of Ras activity is critical in the determination of the cell signaling events controlling cell growth and differentiation. Therefore, development of improved methods for primary screening of novel potential drugs that target small GTPase or their regulators and their signaling pathways is important. Several assays have been developed for small GTPases studies, but all these methods have limitations for a high-throughput screening (HTS) use. Multiple steps including separation, use of radioactive labels or time-consuming immunoblotting, and a need of large quantities of purified proteins are decreasing the user-friendliness of these methods. Here, we have developed a homogeneous H-Ras activity assay based on a single-label utilizing the homogeneous quenching resonance energy transfer technique (QRET). In the QRET method, the binding of a terbium-labeled GTP (Tb-GTP) to small GTPase protein H-Ras protects the signal of the label from quenching, whereas the signal of the nonbound fraction of Tb-GTP is quenched by a soluble quencher. This enables a rapid determination of the changes in the activity status of Ras. The assay optimization showed that only 60 nM concentration of purified H-Ras protein was needed. The functionality of the assay was proved by detecting the effect of H-Ras guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Son of Sevenless. The signal-to-background ratio up to 7.7 was achieved with an average assay coefficient of variation of 9.1%. The use of a low concentration of purified protein is desirable and the signal-to-background ratio of 3.4 was achieved in the assay at a concentration of 60 nM for H-Ras and SOS proteins. The need of only one labeled molecule and the ability to decrease the quantities of purified proteins used in the experiments are valuable qualities in HTS showing the potential of the QRET method.

A fluorescent GTP analog as a specific, high-precision label of microtubules

Fluorescent imaging of cytoskeletal structures permits studies of both organization within the cell and dynamic reorganization of the cytoskeleton itself. Traditional fluorescent labels of microtubules, part of the cytoskeleton, have been used to study microtubule localization, structure, and dynamics, both in vivo and in vitro. However, shortcomings of existing labels make imaging of microtubules with high precision light microscopy difficult. In this paper, we report a new fluorescent labeling technique for microtubules, which involves a GTP analog modified with a bright, organic fluorophore (TAMRA, Cy3, or Cy5). This fluorescent GTP binds to a specific site, the exchangeable site, on tubulin in solution with a dissociation constant of 1.0±0.4 µM. Furthermore, the label becomes permanently incorporated into the microtubule lattice once tubulin polymerizes. We show that this label is usable as a single molecule fluorescence probe with nanometer precision and expect it to be useful for modern subdiffraction optical microscopy of microtubules and the cytoskeleton.

The unique plant RhoGAPs are dimeric and contain a CRIB motif required for affinity and specificity towards cognate small G proteins

Plant Rho proteins (ROPs) are inactivated by specific GTPase activating proteins, called RopGAPs. Many of these comprise the exclusive combination of a classic, catalytic Arg-containing RhoGAP domain, and a Cdc42/ Rac interactive binding (CRIB) motif which in animal and fungi has been identified in effectors for Cdc42 and Rac1, but never in any GAP protein. Both elements are required for an efficient RopGAP activity. Here, we analyzed the effect of the CRIB motif on the complex formation and the binding reaction with plant and human Rho proteins by using kinetic and equilibrium methods. We show that RopGAP2 from Arabidopsis thaliana dimerizes via its GAP domain and forms a 2:2 complex with ROP. The CRIB effector motif mediates high affinity and specificity in binding. The catalytic Arg in the context of the CRIB motif is inhibitory for binding. The unusually slow association and dissociation reactions suggest a major conformational change whereby the CRIB motif functions as a lid for binding and/or release of ROP. We propose a two-site interaction model where ROP binds to the CRIB motif as described for the human CRIB effectors and to the catalytic GAP domain as described for animal RhoGAPs.

Dimeric plant RhoGAPs are regulated by its CRIB effector motif to stimulate a sequential GTP hydrolysis

RopGAPs are GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) for plant Rho proteins (ROPs). The largest RopGAP family is characterized by the plant-specific combination of a classical RhoGAP domain and a Cdc42/Rac interactive binding (CRIB) motif, which, in animal and fungi, has never been found in GAPs but in effectors for Cdc42 and Rac1. Very little is known about the molecular mechanism of the RopGAP activity including the regulatory role of the CRIB motif. Previously, we have shown that they are dimeric and form a 2:2 complex with ROPs. Here, we analyze the kinetics of the GAP-mediated GTP hydrolysis of ROPs using wild-type and mutant RopGAP2 from Arabidopsis thaliana. For an efficient GAP activity, RopGAP2 requires both the catalytic Arg159 in its GAP domain indicating a similar catalytic machinery as in animal RhoGAPs and the CRIB motif, which mediates high affinity and specificity in binding. The dimeric RopGAP2 is unique in that it stimulates ROP·GTP hydrolysis in a sequential manner with a 10-fold difference between the hydrolysis rates of the two active sites. Using particular CRIB point and deletion mutants lead us to conclude that the sequential mechanism is likely due to steric hindrance induced by the Arg fingers and/or the CRIB motifs after binding of two ROP molecules.

Germline KRAS mutations cause aberrant biochemical and physical properties leading to developmental disorders

The KRAS gene is the most common locus for somatic gain-of-function mutations in human cancer. Germline KRAS mutations were shown recently to be associated with developmental disorders, including Noonan syndrome (NS), cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFCS), and Costello syndrome (CS). The molecular basis of this broad phenotypic variability has in part remained elusive so far. Here, we comprehensively analyzed the biochemical and structural features of ten germline KRAS mutations using physical and cellular biochemistry. According to their distinct biochemical and structural alterations, the mutants can be grouped into five distinct classes, four of which markedly differ from RAS oncoproteins. Investigated functional alterations comprise the enhancement of intrinsic and guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) catalyzed nucleotide exchange, which is alternatively accompanied by an impaired GTPase-activating protein (GAP) stimulated GTP hydrolysis, an overall loss of functional properties, and a deficiency in effector interaction. In conclusion, our data underscore the important role of RAS in the pathogenesis of the group of related disorders including NS, CFCS, and CS, and provide clues to the high phenotypic variability of patients with germline KRAS mutations.

Real-time NMR study of three small GTPases reveals that fluorescent 2'(3')-O-(N-methylanthraniloyl)-tagged nucleotides alter hydrolysis and exchange kinetics

The Ras family of small GTPases control diverse signaling pathways through a conserved "switch" mechanism, which is turned on by binding of GTP and turned off by GTP hydrolysis to GDP. Full understanding of GTPase switch functions requires reliable, quantitative assays for nucleotide binding and hydrolysis. Fluorescently labeled guanine nucleotides, such as 2'(3')-O-(N-methylanthraniloyl) (mant)-substituted GTP and GDP analogs, have been widely used to investigate the molecular properties of small GTPases, including Ras and Rho. Using a recently developed NMR method, we show that the kinetics of nucleotide hydrolysis and exchange by three small GTPases, alone and in the presence of their cognate GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) and guanine nucleotide exchange factors, are affected by the presence of the fluorescent mant moiety. Intrinsic hydrolysis of mantGTP by Ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb) is approximately 10 times faster than that of GTP, whereas it is 3.4 times slower with RhoA. On the other hand, the mant tag inhibits TSC2GAP-catalyzed GTP hydrolysis by Rheb but promotes p120 RasGAP-catalyzed GTP hydrolysis by H-Ras. Guanine nucleotide exchange factor-catalyzed nucleotide exchange for both H-Ras and RhoA was inhibited by mant-substituted nucleotides, and the degree of inhibition depends highly on the GTPase and whether the assay measures association of mantGTP with, or dissociation of mantGDP from the GTPase. These results indicate that the mant moiety has significant and unpredictable effects on GTPase reaction kinetics and underscore the importance of validating its use in each assay.

In vitro GEF and GAP assays

Small GTPases act as tightly regulated molecular switches governing a large variety of critical cellular functions. Their activity is controlled by two different biochemical reactions, GDP/GTP exchange and GTP hydrolysis. These very slow reactions require catalysis in cells by two kinds of regulatory proteins. While the guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) activate small GTPases by stimulating the slow exchange of bound GDP for the cellularly abundant GTP, GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) accelerate the slow intrinsic rate of GTP hydrolysis by several orders of magnitude, leading to inactivation. There are a number of methods that can be used to characterize the specificity and activity of such regulators, to understand the effect of binding on the protein structure, and, ultimately, to obtain insights into their biological functions. This unit describes (1) detailed protocols for the expression and the purification of small GTPases and the catalytic domains of GEFs and GAPs; (2) preparation of nucleotide-free and fluorescent nucleotide-bound small GTPases; and (3) methods for monitoring of the intrinsic and GEF-catalyzed nucleotide exchange as well as intrinsic and GAP-stimulated GTP hydrolysis.

Characterization of the intrinsic and TSC2-GAP-regulated GTPase activity of Rheb by real-time NMR

Tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2), whose gene is frequently mutated in tuberous sclerosis, increases the guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activity of the small heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein (G protein) Rheb, thus resulting in the decreased activity of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), the master regulator of cell growth. Here, we describe the development of a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based, quantitative, real-time assay to explore the molecular mechanism of the intrinsic and TSC2-catalyzed GTPase activity of Rheb. We confirmed that TSC2 accelerated GTP hydrolysis by Rheb 50-fold through an "asparagine-thumb" mechanism to substitute for the nonfunctional "catalytic" glutamine of Rheb and we determined that catalysis was enthalpy driven. Most, but not all, of the disease-associated GTPase-activating protein (GAP) domain mutants of TSC2 that we examined affected its enzymatic activity. This method can now be applied to study the function and regulation of other GTPases.

A BAR domain-mediated autoinhibitory mechanism for RhoGAPs of the GRAF family

The BAR (Bin/amphiphysin/Rvs) domain defines an emerging superfamily of proteins implicated in fundamental biological processes by sensing and inducing membrane curvature. We identified a novel autoregulatory function for the BAR domain of two related GAPs' (GTPase-activating proteins) of the GRAF (GTPase regulator associated with focal adhesion kinase) subfamily. We demonstrate that the N-terminal fragment of these GAPs including the BAR domain interacts directly with the GAP domain and inhibits its activity. Analysis of various BAR and GAP domains revealed that the BAR domain-mediated inhibition of these GAPs' function is highly specific. These GAPs, in their autoinhibited state, are able to bind and tubulate liposomes in vitro, and to generate lipid tubules in cells. Taken together, we identified BAR domains as cis-acting inhibitory elements that very likely mask the active sites of the GAP domains and thus prevent down-regulation of Rho proteins. Most remarkably, these BAR proteins represent a dual-site system with separate membrane-tubulation and GAP-inhibitory functions that operate simultaneously.

Structure of the Roc-COR domain tandem of C. tepidum, a prokaryotic homologue of the human LRRK2 Parkinson kinase

Ras of complex proteins (Roc) belongs to the superfamily of Ras-related small G-proteins that always occurs in tandem with the C-terminal of Roc (COR) domain. This Roc-COR tandem is found in the bacterial and eukaryotic world. Its most prominent member is the leucine-rich repeat kinase LRRK2, which is mutated and activated in Parkinson patients. Here, we investigated biochemically and structurally the Roco protein from Chlorobium tepidum. We show that Roc is highly homologous to Ras, whereas the COR domain is a dimerisation device. The juxtaposition of the G-domains and mutational analysis suggest that the Roc GTPase reaction is stimulated and/or regulated by dimerisation in a nucleotide-dependent manner. The region most conserved between bacteria and man is the interface between Roc and COR, where single-point Parkinson mutations of the Roc and COR domains are in close proximity. The analogous mutations in C. tepidum Roc-COR decrease the GTPase reaction rate, most likely due to a modification of the interaction between the Roc and COR domains.

The C2 domain of SynGAP is essential for stimulation of the Rap GTPase reaction

The brain-specific synaptic guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase)-activating protein (SynGAP) is important in synaptic plasticity. It shows dual specificity for the small guanine nucleotide-binding proteins Rap and Ras. Here, we show that RapGAP activity of SynGAP requires its C2 domain. In contrast to the isolated GAP domain, which does not show any detectable RapGAP activity, a fragment comprising the C2 and GAP domains (C2-GAP) stimulates the intrinsic GTPase reaction of Rap by approximately 1 x 10(4). The C2-GAP crystal structure, complemented by modelling and biochemical analyses, favours a concerted movement of the C2 domain towards the switch II region of Rap to assist in GTPase stimulation. Our data support a catalytic mechanism similar to that of canonical RasGAPs and distinct from the canonical RapGAPs. SynGAP presents the first example, to our knowledge, of a GAP that uses a second domain for catalytic activity, thus pointing to a new function of C2 domains.

p190-RhoGAP as an integral component of the Tiam1/Rac1-induced downregulation of Rho

The Rho family of small GTPases plays a central role in intracellular signal transduction, particularly in reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Rho activity induces cell contractility, whereas Rac promotes cellular protrusion, which counteracts Rho signaling. In this regard, the reciprocal balance between these GTPases determines cell morphology and migratory behavior. Here we demonstrate that Tiam1/Rac1 signaling is able to antagonize Rho activity directly at the GTPase level in COS-7 cells. p190-RhoGAP plays a central regulatory role in this signaling pathway. Interfering with its activation by Src-kinase-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation or its recruitment to the membrane through interaction with the SH2 domains of p120-RasGAP blocks the Tiam1-mediated rapid downregulation of Rho. This process is mediated by Rac1, but not by Rac2 or Rac3 isoforms. Our data provide evidence for a biochemical pathway of the reciprocal regulation of two related small GTPases, which are key elements in cell migration.