What are the various types of protein-protein interactions

I understand there are a number of protein-protein interactions, but what types of interactions exist? and what are the characteristics of them?

Answer

There are so many types of protein-protein interactions via various domains, such as SH2 binding (in RTK signaling), Pleckstrin Homology domain (involved in signaling) among others. This site gives a nice list: http://pawsonlab.mshri.on.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=63

Of course, protein-protein interactions rely on the premises of basic biochemistry:

• van-der waals interactions (at the most basic level)


• Electrostatic interactions


• "Lock and Key" model: Some proteins have specific binding pockets for domains of other proteins


• Induced fit

There are many ways to study protein-protein interactions, including, but not limited to

• Pull-down assays


• 2D SDS-PAGE / MS



• Yeast two-hybrid


• Immunoprecipitation