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Knitting and untying the protein network: Modulation of protein ensembles as a therapeutic strategy
Author(s) -
Gordo Susana,
Giralt Ernest
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
protein science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.353
H-Index - 175
eISSN - 1469-896X
pISSN - 0961-8368
DOI - 10.1002/pro.43
Subject(s) - drug discovery , protein function , computational biology , function (biology) , computer science , protein structure , action (physics) , protein interaction networks , protein–protein interaction , neuroscience , biology , bioinformatics , physics , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , quantum mechanics , gene
Proteins constitute the working machinery and structural support of all organisms. In performing a given function, they must adopt highly specific structures that can change with their level of activity, often through the direct or indirect action of other proteins. Indeed, proteins typically function within an ensemble, rather than individually. Hence, they must be sufficiently flexible to interact with each other and execute diverse tasks. The discovery that errors within these groups can ultimately cause disease has led to a paradigm shift in drug discovery, from an emphasis on single protein targets to a holistic approach whereby entire ensembles are targeted.