Charting plant interactomes: possibilities and challenges

Trends Plant Sci. 2008 Apr;13(4):183-91. doi: 10.1016/j.tplants.2008.01.006. Epub 2008 Mar 7.

Abstract

Protein-protein interactions are essential for nearly all cellular processes. Therefore, an important goal of post-genomic research for defining gene function and understanding the function of macromolecular complexes involves creating 'interactome' maps from empirical or inferred datasets. Systematic efforts to conduct high-throughput surveys of protein-protein interactions in plants are needed to chart the complex and dynamic interaction networks that occur throughout plant development. However, no single approach can build a complete map of the interactome. Here, we review the utility and potential of various experimental approaches for creating large-scale protein-protein interaction maps in plants. Bioinformatics approaches for curating and assessing the confidence of these datasets through inter-species comparisons will be crucial in achieving a complete understanding of protein interaction networks in plants.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Computational Biology / methods*
  • Databases, Protein
  • Models, Biological
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Interaction Mapping / methods*

Substances

  • Plant Proteins