Evidence for distinct mechanisms of transition state stabilization of GTPases by fluoride

GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) function by stabilizing the GTPase transition state. This has been most clearly demonstrated by the formation of a high-affinity complex between various GAPs and GDP-bound GTPases in the presence of aluminum tetrafluoride, which can mimic the γ-phosphate of GTP. Herein, we report that p190 RhoGAP forms a high-affinity complex with Rho GTPases in the presence of fluoride ions, suggesting that p190 also functions to stabilize the GTPase transition state. However, this Rho–p190 complex does not require aluminum ions or even guanine nucleotide, indicating a distinct role for fluoride that is not consistent with the γ-phosphate-mimicking hypothesis. These results indicate that it is necessary to reconsider the assumed role of fluoride in stabilizing a variety of other GTPase–GAP interactions where the requirement for aluminum or guanine nucleotide has not yet been addressed.