Engineering cell signaling modulators from native protein-protein interactions
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Updated: Mar 11, 2026

Mimicking the Function of Signaling Proteins: Toward Artificial Signal Transduction Therapy
Published on: September 29, 2016
Wei Zhang1, Moshe Ben-David1, Sachdev S Sidhu1
1The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S3E1, Canada.
Abstract:
Recent studies on genome sequencing and genetic screens with RNAi and CRISPR technology have revolutionized our understanding of aberrant signaling networks in human diseases. A strategy combining both genetic and protein-based technologies should be at the heart of modern drug-development efforts, particularly in the era of precision medicine. Thus, there is an urgent need for efficient platforms to develop probes that can modulate protein function in cells to validate drug targets and to develop therapeutic leads. Advanced protein engineering has enabled the rapid production of monoclonal antibodies and small protein scaffold affinity reagents for diverse protein targets. Here, we review the most recent progress on engineering natural protein-protein interactions for modulation of cell signaling.
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