MglA functions as a three-state GTPase to control movement reversals of Myxococcus xanthus

Abstract

In Myxococcus xanthus, directed movement is controlled by pole-to-pole oscillations of the small GTPase MglA and its GAP MglB. Here authors report the complete MglA/MglB structural cycle and uncover that MglA is a three-state GTPase that adopts an atypical GTP-bound state that is refractory to inactivation by MglB.