Diversity of Protein-protein Interactions

Overview

Journal EMBO J

Specialties Biotechnology
Molecular Biology

Date 2003 Jul 11

PMID 12853464

Citations 298

Authors

Irene M A Nooren

Janet M Thornton

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

In this review, we discuss the structural and functional diversity of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) based primarily on protein families for which three-dimensional structural data are available. PPIs play diverse roles in biology and differ based on the composition, affinity and whether the association is permanent or transient. In vivo, the protomer's localization, concentration and local environment can affect the interaction between protomers and are vital to control the composition and oligomeric state of protein complexes. Since a change in quaternary state is often coupled with biological function or activity, transient PPIs are important biological regulators. Structural characteristics of different types of PPIs are discussed and related to their physiological function, specificity and evolution.

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