Recognition domains in assembly of oligomeric membrane proteins

Many integral membrane proteins, particularly receptors on the cell surface, are made up of several polypeptide chains. After translation and insertion into the ER membrane, these subunits must assemble into the mature protein. However, the mechanisms controlling their faithful assembly are largely unknown. Recent evidence has shed some light on two cell surface receptors that use different strategies to assemble their subunits. Zach Hall discusses oligomerization of the T-cell receptor and the acetylcholine receptor.