What’s in a loop?

<p>Abstract</p> <p>DNAs and proteins are major classes of biomolecules that differ in many aspects. However, a considerable number of their members also share a common architectural feature that enables the assembly of multi-protein complexes and thereby permits the effective proce...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Feller Stephan M, Lewitzky Marc
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2012-10-01
Series:Cell Communication and Signaling
Online Access:http://www.biosignaling.com/content/10/1/31
Description
Summary:<p>Abstract</p> <p>DNAs and proteins are major classes of biomolecules that differ in many aspects. However, a considerable number of their members also share a common architectural feature that enables the assembly of multi-protein complexes and thereby permits the effective processing of signals: loop structures of substantial sizes. Here we briefly review a few representative examples and suggest a functional classification of different types of loop structures. In proteins, these loops occur in protein regions classified as intrinsically disordered. Studying such loops, their binders and their interactions with other loops should reveal much about cellular information computation and signaling network architectures. It is also expected to provide critical information for synthetic biologists and bioengineers.</p>
ISSN:1478-811X