武汉理工大学化学化工与生命科学学院,武汉 430070
国家自然科学基金(22372127,82127806)和中央高校基本科研业务费专项资金(WUT:233120002,WUT:223120009)资助项目。
School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
This work was supported by grants from The National Natural Science Foundation of China (22372127, 82127806) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (WUT: 233120002, WUT: 223120009).
膜蛋白占哺乳动物蛋白质组的30%,占所有药物靶点的60%,它们的功能相互作用是细胞实现多种生物功能的基础。分析膜蛋白相互作用对了解细胞生物功能的具体机制十分重要。膜蛋白相互作用具有依赖细胞膜环境、空间不对称、强度较弱、高度动态和作用位点多样等特征,需要借助原位分析技术来真实反映其结构基础和动力学等信息。本文系统性总结了目前可被用于原位分析膜蛋白相互作用的技术,如免疫共沉淀(Co-IP)、邻近连接技术(PLA)、双分子荧光互补(BiFC)、共振能量转移、邻近标记(PL)技术、冷冻电子断层成像(Cryo-CT)、原位交联质谱(In situ XL-MS)、拉曼光谱(Raman spectroscopy)、电子顺磁共振(EPR)、核磁共振(NMR)、结构预测技术等,并且对各项技术的优缺点进行了评述。基于自身相关研究基础,进一步讨论了这些技术在应用中的关键问题和发展趋势,指出了借助多种技术联用可以克服单一技术的局限性,为膜蛋白领域研究提供了参考。
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.
康梓原,余彤,李超,张雪花,郭君慧,李其昌,郭景星,谢浩.膜蛋白相互作用的原位分析技术[J].生物化学与生物物理进展,2025,52(5):1206-1218
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