Proteomics and Intermolecular Interactions
Summary
Proteomics systematically characterises the full complement of proteins encoded by a genome, tracking their abundance, modifications, subcellular localisations and interactions under diverse biological conditions. Modern workflows combine high‐resolution mass spectrometry with affinity enrichment and chemical cross‐linking to capture both stable complexes and fleeting protein–protein contacts that govern signal transduction, metabolic regulation and stress responses. Complementary structural methods (cryo‐EM, X‐ray crystallography) and computational ‘omics’ integration reveal the architectures and dynamics of interactomes, advancing our understanding of development, disease mechanisms and rational therapeutic design.
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Proteomics and Intermolecular Interactions publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in proteomics and intermolecular interactions across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Proteome: The complete set of proteins expressed in a cell, tissue or organism under defined conditions.
Interactome: The entire network of protein–protein associations present in a biological system at a given time.
Post-translational modification: Covalent alteration of a protein after translation (e.g. phosphorylation, nitration), modulating its function and interactions.
Cross-linking mass spectrometry: A method that uses bifunctional reagents to covalently link proximal amino acids in protein assemblies, followed by MS identification of cross-linked peptides to map interaction interfaces.
Transient interaction: A short‐lived, often low‐affinity protein–protein contact that mediates dynamic cellular processes such as signal transduction or cytoskeletal remodelling.
References
- Proteomics and Non-proteomics Approaches to Study Stable and Transient Protein-Protein Interactions.
- Exploration of Nitrotyrosine-Containing Proteins and Peptides by Antibody-Based Enrichment Strategies. Molecular & Cellular Proteomics (2024).
- Phenyl Radical-Mediated Fluorogenic Cyclization for Specific Detection of Peroxynitrite. Analytical Chemistry (2025).
- Mechanism of synergistic actin filament pointed end depolymerization by cyclase-associated protein and cofilin. Nature Communications (2019).
- Structural basis of actin monomer re-charging by cyclase-associated protein. Nature Communications (2018).
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