The use of yeast two-hybrid screens in studies of protein : protein interactions involved in trafficking

The yeast two-hybrid system has provided a convenient means to both screen for proteins that interact with a protein of interest and to characterise t he known interaction between two proteins. Several groups with an interest in the molecular mechanisms that underlie discrete steps along trafficking pathways have exploited the yeast two-hybrid system. Here, we provide a bri ef background to the technology, attempt to point out some of the pitfalls and benefits of the different systems that can be employed, and mention som e of the areas (within the trafficking field) where yeast two-hybrid intera ction assays have been particularly informative.