Interaction domains: from simple binding events to complex cellular behavior

Abstract

Many of the signaling pathways and regulatory systems in eukaryotic cells are controlled by proteins with multiple interaction domains that mediate specific protein-protein and protein-phospholipid interactions, and thereby determine the biological output of receptors for external and intrinsic signals. Here, we discuss the basic features of interaction domains, and suggest that rather simple binary interactions can be used in sophisticated ways to generate complex cellular responses.