Preface

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are the physical contacts between two or more protein molecules as a result of biochemical reaction. These physical contacts or interactions occur in the cell or in the living organism for a specific biochemical event. The interaction between proteins shows the closeness of proteins for a specific function. Large number of related pro‐ teins closely works together in a living system to perform a specific task. PPIs are studied for different perspectives including biochemistry, chemistry, molecular dynamics, signal transduction, transport across membranes, cellular metabolism, etc. This book contains five chapters including an **introductory chapter**. This chapter deals with the introduction of pro‐ tein-protein interactions and information about various assays to study PPIs.

**Chapter 2** describes a novel PPI assay. The authors developed a novel assay named FlimPIA using two mutant Flucs, each of which catalyzes one of the two half reactions catalyzed by the wild-type enzyme. It shows many advantages over other assays, such as longer detecta‐ ble distance, more stable probes, and higher signal readout in a shorter time period. **Chapter 3** discusses various applications of nanomaterials in PPIs. In this chapter, several critical as‐ pects related to the protein corona are described. **Chapter 4** highlights different proteinbased methods to detect genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the environment. The development of GM crops is rapidly expanding every year around the world. So, it is the need of the hour to develop suitable methods for their detection. Different immunoassays or catalyst connected immunosorbent tests discussed here are sensitive and more affordable. The authors also developed a strip assay to detect Bt genes in GM plants. **Chapter 5** de‐ scribes the interactions of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1A (eEF1A), which is in‐ volved in many cellular processes such as cell survival and apoptosis. The authors showed that eEF1A phosphorylation occurred only in the presence of eEF1A1 and eEF1A2, thus sug‐ gesting that both isoforms interacted in cancer cells.

The valuable information available in these chapters will advance the knowledge of research students, researchers, academician and general public who are interested in this topic. At the end, I thank the **IntechOpen Book Department** for giving me an opportunity to edit this book. I am also very much thankful to **Ms. Danijela Sakic**, Publication Manager, for her valuable help throughout the editing process. I must thank my research student **Ms. Mu‐ nazza Ijaz** for her assistance in handling the chapters. Many thanks are given to all authors for their precious contributions.

**Mahmood-ur-Rahman Ansari, PhD**

Department of Bioinformatics & Biotechnology GC University, Faisalabad Pakistan

**Section 1**

**Introduction**

**Section 1**
