Architecture of coatomer: molecular characterization of delta-COP and protein interactions within the complex

Four interacting pairs of Golgi-derived (COP-1) coated vesicles were identified in an examination of possible protein-protein interactions in the beta-COP and delta-COP systems, aimed at characterizing the seven subunits of coatomer. These pairs are beta/delta-COPs, gamma/zeta-COPs, alpha/epsilon-COPs and alpha/beta'-COPs. These interactions reflect in vivo associations of the subunits, thus playing a functional role in the assembly of coatomer and/or acting to maintain the molecular architecture of the cytosolic protein complex.