Protein to Protein Interactions

In summary, protein to protein interactions and/or protein-nucleic acid interactions play a crucial role in the cellular processes of replication, transcription, and metabolism. These interactions are responsible for the formation of functional complexes, such as the ribosome in translation, and the recruitment of necessary factors, such as transcription factors to bind to DNA and promote transcription. Additionally, these interactions can also block access to DNA, demonstrating the importance of their regulation in these processes. In metabolism, these interactions are involved in the activation and subsequent detoxification of external and internal compounds through the binding of ligands to receptors and the promotion of gene transcription. This highlights the crucial role of protein to protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions in maintaining cellular function and homeostasis.
  • #1
bard
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How do protein to protein interactions and/or protein-nucleic acid interactions underlie the cellular processes of Replication, transcription, and metabloism.

Well i know that protein -protein reactions underlie all processes in the cell. For example i think in translation the ribosome is the major player and the ribosome is held together by protein to protein interactions. However what about the other two. I don't understand how the protein to protein interactions and protein-nucleic acid interactions drive metabolism and transcription.
 
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  • #2
Because the proteins together make a functional complex.

Think for instance about transcription factors that bind to DNA. When it is bound, it can recruit the RNA polymerase complex and stabilize that binding to the DNA and thus start transcription. Also, transcription factors can bind to DNA and actually block the access of other factors to the DNA and thus block transcription.
 
  • #3
A similar role for transcription factors is played out in the metabolism of many chemicals derived from both external or internal sources. In certain cases a cytosolic receptor is activated by a ligand, the ligand/receptor complex then moves to the nucleus, binds to DNA, and promotes the transcription of genes involved in the metabolism of the ligand. Both phase one and phase two metabolism can be mediated by this process. My experience with this stems from bioactivation of chemicals which leads to their metabolism, or bioactivation, from the parent compound to an ultimately more toxic product. An example of this would be benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) which is found in things such as cigarette smoke. The parent B[a]P itself is not particularly toxic but the metabolic activation to the dihydrodiol-epoxide, mediated by cytochrome p450 and epoxide hydrolase enzymes, creates a molecule that binds to DNA leading to tumor production. The receptor/transcription factor in this case is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. As previously stated this metabolic pathway also works on substances produced in the body for specific purposes, such as hormones, and in this case their metabolism is a necessary and beneficial process.
 

What are protein to protein interactions?

Protein to protein interactions refer to the physical contacts or binding between two or more proteins. These interactions are crucial for the proper functioning of biological processes and can involve a variety of different mechanisms.

Why are protein to protein interactions important?

Protein to protein interactions play a vital role in many essential biological processes, such as cell signaling, enzyme activity, and gene regulation. They also contribute to the formation of protein complexes, which can have specific functions and roles in the cell.

How do proteins interact with each other?

Proteins can interact with each other through various mechanisms, including hydrogen bonding, van der Waals interactions, and electrostatic interactions. These interactions can occur between specific amino acid residues on the surface of the proteins or through the formation of physical contacts between different domains or subunits.

What techniques are used to study protein to protein interactions?

There are several techniques used to study protein to protein interactions, including co-immunoprecipitation, yeast two-hybrid analysis, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). These techniques allow researchers to identify and characterize protein interactions in a controlled and quantitative manner.

How do protein to protein interactions impact drug discovery and development?

Protein to protein interactions are critical for maintaining the balance and proper functioning of biological processes. Dysregulation or disruption of these interactions can lead to diseases, making them attractive targets for drug discovery and development. Understanding these interactions can help researchers develop more effective and targeted therapies for various diseases.

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