摘要: Small GTPases such as ras p21 have low intrinsic GTPase activity and depend on activating proteins (GAPs) to convent their active GTP-bound forms inactive GDP-bound counterparts (Bollag McCormick 1991b). GAPs therefore appear be major negative regulators of these (Fig. 1). In addition, we others proposed the possibility that GAP-mediated down-regulation may coupled signal output so comprise part small effector systems (Adari et al. 1988; Cales 1989; Hall 1990). This proposal is based mainly fact interact only with (a criterion for a effector), bind at or near so-called effector-binding site. The hypothesis has gained support from recent observation certain effectors heterotrimeric G-proteins are also (Berstein 1992; Arshavsky 1992), but remains controversial p21. addition issue possible role in functions GAPs, number fundamental questions relating function yet solved. For example, very little idea how, molecular level, stimulate how GAP activities regulated cells. this chapter, will discuss known properties related speculate about functions.