In recognition of proteins

The recognition of a protein surface by other proteins is at the heart of the transformation of genetic information into cellular functions. Research on the structure, energetics and dynamics of protein surface recognition is providing not only a better understanding of cellular function but also a plethora of potential targets for new pharmaceuticals. The recognition of a protein surface can be described by three levels of increasing complexity: 1) recognition of the individual functional groups of the amino acid residue side chains; 2) spatial positioning of the amino acids on the 3D surface of the protein; and 3) recognition concerns residues neighbouring those directly involved in inter-protein contacts.