Signalling proteins are intrinsic to all biological processes and interact with each other in tightly regulated and orchestrated signalling complexes and pathways. Characterization of protein binding can help to elucidate protein function within signalling pathways. This information is vital for researchers to gain a more comprehensive knowledge of cellular networks which can then be used to develop new therapeutic strategies for disease. However, studying protein–protein interactions (PPIs) can be challenging as the interactions can be extremely transient downstream of specific environmental cues. There are many powerful techniques currently available to identify and confirm PPIs. Choosing the most appropriate range of techniques merits serious consideration. The aim of this review is to provide a starting point for researchers embarking on a PPI study. We provide an overview and point of reference for some of the many methods available to identify interactions from in silico analysis and large scale screening tools through to the methods used to validate potential PPIs. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method and we also provide a workflow chart to highlight the main experimental questions to consider when planning cell lysis to maximize experimental success.
Skip Nav Destination
Close
Article navigation
August 2016
-
Cover Image
Cover Image
A schematic representation of TGF-β and BMP9 signalling in endothelial cells via their serine/threonine type I and type II receptors, co-receptor endoglin and downstream Smad intracellular proteins. Taken from the article ‘Targeting tumour vasculature by inhibiting activing receptor-like kinase (ALK)1 function’ by de Vinuesa et al. in this issue (volume 44, issue 4, pages 1142-1149).Close Modal - PDF Icon PDF LinkTable of Contents
Review Article|
August 15 2016
Studying protein–protein interactions: progress, pitfalls and solutions
Sheri Hayes
;
Sheri Hayes
1
*Graduate Entry Medical School and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
Search for other works by this author on:
Beatrice Malacrida
;
Beatrice Malacrida
1
*Graduate Entry Medical School and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
Search for other works by this author on:
Maeve Kiely
;
Maeve Kiely
2
*Graduate Entry Medical School and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
2To whom correspondence should be addressed (email Maeve.Kiely@ul.ie).
Search for other works by this author on:
Patrick A. Kiely
Patrick A. Kiely
*Graduate Entry Medical School and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
Search for other works by this author on:
Biochem Soc Trans (2016) 44 (4): 994–1004.
Article history
Received:
April 04 2016
Citation
Sheri Hayes, Beatrice Malacrida, Maeve Kiely, Patrick A. Kiely; Studying protein–protein interactions: progress, pitfalls and solutions. Biochem Soc Trans 15 August 2016; 44 (4): 994–1004. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20160092
Download citation file:
Close
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Sign in to your personal account
You could not be signed in. Please check your email address / username and password and try again.
Biochemical Society Member Sign in
Sign InSign in via your Institution
Sign in via your InstitutionGet Access To This Article
Cited By
Get Email Alerts
Related Articles
Mapping the plant proteome: tools for surveying coordinating pathways
Emerg Top Life Sci (February,2021)
Characterization of the murine 5T4 oncofoetal antigen: a target for immunotherapy in cancer
Biochem J (August,2002)
Mathematical modelling of cell migration
Essays Biochem (October,2019)