Primary Citation of Related Structures:   1AGP, 821P
PubMed Abstract: 
The three-dimensional structures and biochemical properties of two mutants of the G-domain (residues 1-166) of p21H-ras, p21 (G12D) and p21 (G12P), have been determined in the triphosphate-bound form using guanosine 5'-(beta,gamma-imido)triphosphate (GppNHp) ...
The three-dimensional structures and biochemical properties of two mutants of the G-domain (residues 1-166) of p21H-ras, p21 (G12D) and p21 (G12P), have been determined in the triphosphate-bound form using guanosine 5'-(beta,gamma-imido)triphosphate (GppNHp). They correspond to the most frequent oncogenic and the only nononcogenic mutation of Gly-12, respectively. The G12D mutation is the only mutant analyzed so far that crystallizes in a space group different from wild type, and the atomic model of the protein shows the most drastic changes of structure around the active site as compared to wild-type p21. This is due to the interactions of the aspartic acid side chain with Tyr-32, Gln-61, and the gamma-phosphate, which result in reduced mobility of these structural elements. The interaction between the carboxylate group of Asp-12 and the gamma-phosphate is mediated by a shared proton, which we show by 31P NMR measurements to exist in solution as well. The structure of p21 (G12P) is remarkably similar to that of wild-type p21 in the active site, including the position of the nucleophilic water. The pyrrolidine ring of Pro-12 points outward and seems to be responsible for the weaker affinity toward GAP (GTPase-activating protein) and the failure of GAP to stimulate GTP hydrolysis.
Related Citations: 
Three-Dimensional Structures of H-Ras P21 Mutants: Molecular Basis for Their Inability to Function as Signal Switch Molecules Krengel, U., Schlichting, I., Scherer, A., Schumann, R., Frech, M., John, J., Kabsch, W., Pai, E.F., Wittinghofer, A. (1990) Cell 62: 539
Refined Crystal Structure of the Triphosphate Conformation of H-Ras P21 at 1.35 Angstroms Resolution: Implications for the Mechanism of GTP Hydrolysis Pai, E.F., Krengel, U., Petsko, G.A., Goody, R.S., Kabsch, W., Wittinghofer, A. (1990) EMBO J 9: 2351
Organizational Affiliation: 
Abteilung Biophysik, Max-Planck-Institut für Medizinische Forschung, Heidelberg, Germany.