Biochemistry of protein complexes

Abstract

Following the determination of the full sequence of a genome of interest, functional analyses are directed to the understanding of the functions of the polypeptides that it encodes. Elucidation of the network of protein–protein interaction occurring in the cell under study is then of the highest importance, as the formation of such protein complexes is at the hearth of most reactions governing the regulation of the main cellular functions. Several strategies have been developed for the detection of protein interactions. In this report, the rationale behind the methods used for the biochemical characterization of protein complexes is described and the limitations of such approaches are discussed. Examples of various methods that have been used in the biochemical analysis of protein complexes are provided. The diverse applications of protein purifications are described and the results obtained in large‐scale analyses of protein complexes are discussed.