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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Functional Characterization of Endogenously Expressed Human RYR1 Variants
Published on: June 9, 2021
How Functional Variants Reconfigure the Rac2 Conformational Landscape
Nurit Haspel1, Hyunbum Jang2, Ruth Nussinov2,3
1Department of Computer Science, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts02125, United States.
Mutations in Rac2 GTPase, D57N (loss-of-function) and E62K (gain-of-function), disrupt immune function through distinct mechanisms. Rac2D57N remains inactive, while Rac2E62K is constitutively active, both hindering p50-RhoGAP regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Signaling
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Rac2 GTPase regulates critical cellular processes.
- Pathogenic Rac2 mutations D57N and E62K are linked to oncogenesis and immunodeficiency.
- These mutations exhibit opposing functional effects: loss-of-function (D57N) and gain-of-function (E62K).
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the structural basis for altered Rac2 variant functions.
- To investigate how Rac2 variants rearrange conformational ensembles.
- To determine the impact of these variants on cellular signaling networks.
Main Methods:
- Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed.
- Conformational dynamics of Rac2 variants (GDP- and GTP-bound) were characterized.
- Interactions with the regulator p50-RhoGAP were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Rac2D57N adopts an inactive conformation irrespective of nucleotide binding.
- Rac2E62K exhibits nucleotide-dependent activity, active with GTP and inactive with GDP.
- Both Rac2D57N and Rac2E62K complexes are trapped in an active state, preventing p50-RhoGAP-mediated hydrolysis.
Conclusions:
- Rac2D57N causes immunodeficiency via inactivity, while Rac2E62K causes it via overactivity.
- Localized mutations in Rac2 switch regions profoundly impact cellular signaling.
- This study provides a mechanistic framework for understanding Rac2-related disorders.
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