Protein Subcellular Localization Prediction

ORGANIZATION. Section 1. We first provide the motivation for prediction of protein subcellular localization sites, as well as discuss changes being brought about by progress in proteomics. Section 2. After that, we describe the biology of protein subcellular location. In particular, we explain the principle of protein sorting signals. Section 3. Then we present several experimental techniques for determining protein subcellular localization sites. The techniques surveyed include traditional methods such as immunofluorescence microscopy, as well as large-scale methods such as green fluorescent protein. Section 4. Next we mention some of the general issues involved in predicting protein subcellular localization, such as what are the sites? how many sites per protein? how good are the predictions? and so on. We also discuss the distinction between features that reflect causal influences on localization versus features that merely reflect correlation with localization.