<p>Era is an essential G-protein in <taxon tax_id="562">Escherichia coli</taxon> identified originally as a homologue protein to Ras (E. coli Ras-like protein). It binds to GTP/GDP and contains a low intrinsic GTPase activity. Its function remains elusive, although it may be associated with cell division, energy metabolism, and cell-cycle check point. The protein has recently been shown to specifically bind to 16S rRNA and the 30S ribosomal subunit [<cite idref="PUB00007879"/>]. Involvement of Era in protein synthesis is suggested by the fact that Era depletionresults in the translation defect both in vitro and in vivo. A Type 2 KH domain is found near the C terminus.</p>