Methods for mapping of interaction networks involving membrane proteins

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2007 Nov 23;363(3):457-61. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.09.031. Epub 2007 Sep 19.

Abstract

Nearly one-third of all genes in various organisms encode membrane-associated proteins that participate in numerous protein-protein interactions important to the processes of life. However, membrane protein interactions pose significant challenges due to the need to solubilize membranes without disrupting protein-protein interactions. Traditionally, analysis of isolated protein complexes by high-resolution 2D gel electrophoresis has been the main method used to obtain an overall picture of proteome constituents and interactions. However, this method is time consuming, labor intensive, detects only abundant proteins and is limited with respect to the coverage required to elucidate large interaction networks. In this review, we discuss the application of various methods to elucidate interactions involving membrane proteins. These techniques include methods for the direct isolation of single complexes or interactors as well as methods for characterization of entire subcellular and cellular interactomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel / methods
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / methods
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Interaction Mapping / methods*
  • Proteomics / methods

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins