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Dimers, Oligomers, Everywhere

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Book cover Protein Dimerization and Oligomerization in Biology

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 747))

Abstract

The specific self-association of proteins to form homodimers and higher order oligomers is an extremely common event in biological systems. In this chapter we review the prevalence of protein oligomerization and discuss the likely origins of this phenomenon. We also outline many of the functional advantages conferred by the dimerization or oligomerization of a wide range of different proteins and in a variety of biological roles, that are likely to have placed a selective pressure on biological systems to evolve and maintain homodimerization/oligomerization interfaces.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

    Jacqueline M. Matthews & Margaret Sunde

  2. Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

    Margaret Sunde

Authors
  1. Jacqueline M. Matthews
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  2. Margaret Sunde
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Correspondence to Jacqueline M. Matthews .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

    Jacqueline M. Matthews PhD

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Matthews, J.M., Sunde, M. (2012). Dimers, Oligomers, Everywhere. In: Matthews, J.M. (eds) Protein Dimerization and Oligomerization in Biology. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 747. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3229-6_1

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