Structural Biochemistry/The "fuzzy" interactome

The "fuzzy" interactome refers to the concept that the current protein-protein interactome is inaccurate. The research suggests that scientists are satisfied with the protein-protein interactome acquired through insufficient data and inconclusive lab results. Additionally, the study suggests that the current model for defining protein-protein interactions is overly simplified as it neglects several physiological variables.

The main foundation of the "fuzzy" interactome theory is the inability to perfectly replicate all physiological protein-protein interactions in the a lab setting. For example, many experiments do not consider the importance of unstable intermediates, which cannot be isolated. Additionally, results wrongly suggest that protein-protein interactions are extremely simple and can be mapped and identified through simple experimentation. As a result, the current protein-protein interactome tends to reflect the results of technology driven experiments as opposed to hypothesis driven experiments.

This conclusion emphasizes the difference between physiological conditions and what can be replicated in the laboratory.

References

• G. Rickey Welch, The `fuzzy' interactome, Trends in Biochemical Sciences, Volume 34, Issue 1, January 2009, Pages 1-2, ISSN 0968-0004, DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2008.10.007. (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6TCV-4V03JYW-1/2/286f850f0f310d9acb0f379eede62c0f)