Conclusions from the MIRG 2010 Benchmark Study: Molecular Interactions in a Three Component System and Presentation of 2011 Survey Results on Label-Free Technologies.

Characterizing the assembly of multi-protein complexes and the competition between multiple protein ligands for a given target are common challenges faced by core facilities. The MIRG2010 Benchmark study was designed to assess participants' ability to correctly describe the interactions between two protein ligands and their target protein using primarily biosensor technologies such as surface Plasmon resonance. Participants were provided with microgram quantities of three proteins (A, B and C) and asked to determine if a ternary A-B-C complex can form, or if ligands B and C bind competitively to protein A. This presentation will summarize the conclusions from the 2010 Benchmark Study, and provide perspective on the potential for future application of this system as a reference standard for quantitative characterization of protein-protein interactions using biosensor technologies. The field of label-free biophysical technologies like surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and isothermal calorimetry (ITC) are becoming indispensable in translational research and in the discovery phase of biotherapeutics. Investigators are much more aware about the developments in biomolecular interaction analysis using SPR and ITC and usefulness of these technologies in designing better drugs based on biomolecules and vaccines. The Molecular Interaction Research Group (MIRG) of ABRF has conducted an on-line survey to capture the recent explosive developments in these technologies. The survey was targeted to both academia and pharmaceutical industry and the survey data will be presented during the meeting.