Translational GTPases

Protein biosynthesis is a core process in all living§organisms. Assembly of the protein chain from§aminoacids is catalysed by the ribosome, an ancient§and extremely complex macromolecular machine. Several§different classes of accessory molecules are involved§in translation, and one set of them, called§translational GTPases (trGTPases) is the focus of§this work. These proteins oscillate between their§GTP- and GDP-bound states via regulated cycles of GTP§hydrolysis and exchange of GDP for GTP. The exchange§of GDP for GTP is accelerated by the GDP/GTP Exchange§Factor (GEF), while hydrolase activity of the GTPase§is stimulated by the GTPase-Activating Protein (GAP).§The conformation of the GTPase in complex with GTP§usually differs from that in complex with GDP, and§these structural changes serve as a signal for a§partner molecule, inducing changes in its conformation. §§This book provides a comprehensive overview of the§state of the art in trGTPase research, touching upon§structural, biochemical and thermodynamical aspects§and would be a useful reference for anybody§interested in the mechanisms and regulation of§protein biosynthesis.