Caught in the act of the switch-on

Article Abstract:

Cells have molecular switches in the form of proteins, and Ras is one such switch which is the subject of particular attention. Molecular switches cycle between a GTP-binding active on state and a GDP-binding inactive off state, becoming active with the release of protein-bound GDP. Ras is particularly important because of its position in the plasma membrane and its involvement in the mechanism for transmitting signals for growth. Boriack-Sjodin and colleagues have solved the three dimensional structure of the binary complex between Ras and Sos, using x-ray crystallography.

Cell research, Cytological research

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A lesson in sharing?

Article Abstract:

The TATA-binding protein (TBP) recognizes certain DNA sequences such as the TATA element in genes. There has been much discussion about how necessary the TBP-associated factors (TAFs) are for TBP to assemble and initiate transcription. Research papers now show a sub-group of TAF proteins may have a wider role in gene expression. In describing a transcriptional analysis of the yeast genome, TAF145 was found to be needed for transcription of approximately 16% of the genes. This implies TAFs are crucial for the expression of the majority of protein-coding genes.

Genetic transcription, Transcription (Genetics)

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