GTPases

GTPases are a group of proteins that act as molecular switches inside cells, controlling various functions like cell growth, movement, and signaling. They work by binding to a molecule called GTP (guanosine triphosphate). When bound to GTP, GTPases are “on” and active; when GTP is hydrolyzed to GDP (guanosine diphosphate), they turn “off.” This switching mechanism helps regulate processes precisely, much like a light switch controlling a lamp. GTPases are essential for normal cell operations and communication, and their malfunction can be involved in diseases such as cancer.