The modular architecture of protein-protein binding interfaces.

ABSTRACT: Protein-protein interactions are essential for life. Yet, our understanding of the general principles governing binding is not complete. In the present study, we show that the interface between proteins is built in a modular fashion; each module is comprised of a number of closely interacting residues, with few interactions between the modules. The boundaries between modules are defined by clustering the contact map of the interface. We show that mutations in one module do not affect residues located in a neighboring module. As a result, the structural and energetic consequences of the deletion of entire modules are surprisingly small. To the contrary, within their module, mutations cause complex energetic and structural consequences. Experimentally, this phenomenon is shown on the interac

SUBMITTER: Reichmann D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC544062 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature