Understanding Protein-Protein Interactions: Techniques and Applications in Drug Development
Trefwoorden:
protein-protein interactions, PPI, drug discovery, molecular interactions, computational biology, experimental techniques, Y2H, pull-down assay, Co-IP, docking, molecular dynamics, network analysisSamenvatting
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are fundamental to numerous biological processes, playing a crucial role in cellular signaling, metabolism, and disease development. Understanding these interactions is essential for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes and identifying potential therapeutic targets. This review delves into various techniques employed to study PPIs, including experimental and computational methods. Experimental techniques, such as yeast two-hybrid (Y2H), pull-down assays, and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), provide direct evidence of protein interactions. Computational approaches, including docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and network analysis, offer valuable insights into the structural and energetic basis of PPIs. By combining experimental and computational methods, researchers can gain a comprehensive understanding of PPI networks and their functional significance. The application of PPI knowledge in drug discovery is also discussed, highlighting the potential of targeting PPIs to develop novel therapeutics.
