Developing High Sensitivity/Specificity Detection Systems for Studying Protein Interactions

Abstract

The study of proteomics succeeds the deciphering of the genetic code; this growing burgeoning area is set to dominate scientific research well into the next decade. Current tools employed in studying protein-protein interactions include antibodies, non-protein scaffolds, fluorescence imaging, split enzymes and the relatively new tool termed Adhirons designed by researchers at Leeds University. Antibodies have been used extensively in protein studies due to the high degree of affinity and specificity however the rise in cost and the length of time required to make antibodies has fuelled efforts to find better alternatives. In this work we report whether Adhirons owing to their small size and high stability can be adapted to assay interactions in cells. It will explore whether current tools widely used in protein studies can debunk the davinchi code for protein-protein interactions. Most biological processes are governed by protein interactions and at the heart of most disease states particularly cancer lies a signalling cascade triggered by a plethora of protein interactions. We review current research into proteomics to evaluate and appreciate the work achieved thus far by international scientist crossing east and west divide. The journey into proteomics has already begun and at the present juncture has made significant milestones.