Twenty years of protein interaction studies for biological function deciphering

Intensive methodological developments and technology innovation have been devoted to protein protein interaction studies over 20 years. Genetic indirect assays and sophisticated large scale biochemical analyses have jointly contributed to the elucidation of protein protein interactions, still with a lot of drawbacks despite heavy investment in human resources and technologies. With the most recent developments in mass spectrometry and computational tools for studying protein content of complex samples, the initial goal of deciphering molecular bases of biological functions is now within reach. Here, we described the various steps of this process and gave examples of key milestones in this scientific story line. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.