Linkers in the structural biology of protein-protein interactions.

ABSTRACT: Linkers or spacers are short amino acid sequences created in nature to separate multiple domains in a single protein. Most of them are rigid and function to prohibit unwanted interactions between the discrete domains. However, Gly-rich linkers are flexible, connecting various domains in a single protein without interfering with the function of each domain. The advent of recombinant DNA technology made it possible to fuse two interacting partners with the introduction of artificial linkers. Often, independent proteins may not exist as stable or structured proteins until they interact with their binding partner, following which they gain stability and the essential structural elements. Gly-rich linkers have been proven useful for these types of unstable interactions, particularly where the i

SUBMITTER: Reddy Chichili VP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3588912 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature