Protein-protein interaction surface (PPI surface)

Protein-protein interaction surfaces refer to the regions on proteins that mediate direct physical contacts between protein molecules, allowing for the formation of multi-protein assemblies crucial for cellular functions such as signaling, structural organization, regulation, and catalysis[1][3]. These surfaces are characterized by specific arrangements of amino acids that provide shape and chemical complementarity for binding; forces such as hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, van der Waals interactions, and electrostatic forces commonly stabilize these interfaces[6][7]. The biological consequence of PPIs depends on the proteins involved, with roles in virtually all aspects of biology, health, and disease. Modulating PPIs has become a major focus in drug discovery, but targeting these surfaces poses unique structural and pharmacological challenges due to their often large and featureless nature[8][5].

Other names

Protein-protein interfacePPI interfaceProtein-binding surface

Inhibition of protein–protein association, Stabilization of protein complexes, Allosteric modulation of interacting partners