The structure-function analysis of Obg-like GTPase proteins along the evolutionary tree from bacteria to humans

Obg proteins belong to P-loop guanine triphosphatase (GTPase) that are conserved from bacteria to humans. Like other GTPases, Obg cycles between guanine triphosphate (GTP) bound "on" state and guanine diphosphate (GDP)-bound "off" state, thereby controlling various cellular processes. Different members of this group have unique structural characteristics; a conserved glycine-rich N-terminal domain known as obg fold, a central conserved nucleotide binding domain, and a less conserved C-terminal domain of other functions. Obg is a ribosome dependent GTPase helps in ribosome maturation by interacting with several proteins of the 50S subunit of the ribosome. Obg proteins have been widely considered as a regulator of cellular functions, helping in DNA replication, cell division. Apart from that, this protein also takes part in various stress adaptation pathways like a stringent response, sporulation, and general stress response. In this particular review, the structural features of ObgE have been highlighted and how the structure plays important role in interacting with regulators like GTP, ppGpp that are crucial for executing biological function has been orchestrated. In particular, we believe that Obg-like proteins can provide a link between different global pathways that are necessary for fine-tuning cellular processes to maintain the cellular energy status.