# An integrated pipeline for next-generation protein interactomics

> **NIH NIH R01** · ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $502,852

## Abstract

Project Summary
Proteins are the chief effectors of cellular processes. Within the context of the living cell, proteins form
networks of interactions to exert their functions through both stable and transient macromolecular complexes.
These protein-protein interactions (PPIs), and interactions with other biomolecules, constitute the interactome
of a cell. Alterations in proteins, including changes to protein length, amino acid sequence, expression level,
and subcellular localization, can lead to the formation of altered protein interaction networks that cause cellular
dysfunction and disease. Therefore, to understand molecular and cellular function and dysfunction, to
understand health and disease, we must understand interactomes, creating a need for methods that detect
and dissect interactomes and any such alterations. This project will significantly advance a proof-of-concept
method to produce a mature platform technology aimed at revealing the compositions of interactomes and
behaviors of PPIs at previously unrealized depth and accuracy. The approach taken is akin to a
crystallographic screen, except applied to the affinity capture of endogenous protein complexes, optimizing
sample preparation in conjunction with initial characterization by mass spectrometry. This project will
demonstrate the application of the platform beyond detecting protein interactions, to include biochemical and
structural characterization of macromolecular complexes (among other possibilities). Three Aims, composed of
an innovative synthesis of methods and technologies, will permit us to achieve our goals: we will (1) optimize
access to interactomes, (2) preserve interactomes for bioanalytical assays, and (3) interpret interactomes
aided by computational tools. The knowledge generated will improve success rates in affinity capture
experimental design and find applications in basic, biomedical, and biotechnology research, from protein
complex discovery and characterization, to sample storage, basic and clinical assay development, and
industrial engineering.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9822976
- **Project number:** 5R01GM126170-03
- **Recipient organization:** ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** John LaCava
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $502,852
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-12-01 → 2021-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9822976

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9822976, An integrated pipeline for next-generation protein interactomics (5R01GM126170-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9822976. Licensed CC0.

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