Protein-protein complex

A **protein-protein complex** (or multiprotein complex) is an assembly formed by the non-covalent association of two or more polypeptide chains (proteins) that cooperate to perform specific biological activities[1][3][5][7]. Protein-protein complexes are essential elements of cellular machinery, contributing to processes such as signal transduction, enzymatic catalysis, DNA/RNA processing, and structural integrity. The stability, composition, and function of these complexes vary widely: some are stable and exist constitutively (e.g., ribosome, proteasome), while others are transient and assemble only in response to certain stimuli (e.g., signaling complexes)[3][9]. Protein-protein interactions are the basis for these assemblies, and disruption or modulation of specific complexes is an area of active drug discovery for many diseases. However, "protein-protein complex" is not a specific drug target or receptor, but rather a general class encompassing many distinct molecular entities.

Other names

Protein complexmultiprotein complexprotein-containing complex