The power of two: protein dimerization in biology

Abstract

The self-association of proteins to form dimers and higher-order oligomers is a very common phenomenon. Recent structural and biophysical studies show that protein dimerization or oligomerization is a key factor in the regulation of proteins such as enzymes, ion channels, receptors and transcription factors. In addition, self-association can help to minimize genome size, while maintaining the advantages of modular complex formation. Oligomerization, however, can also have deleterious consequences when nonnative oligomers associated with pathogenic states are generated. Specific protein dimerization is integral to biological function, structure and control, and must be under substantial selection pressure to be maintained with such frequency throughout biology.