Three-dimensional models for integral membrane proteins: Possibilities and pitfalls

Summary Some three-dimensional model-building techniques applicable to membrane proteins are presented. Requirements for a successful modeling project are outlined, and methodological limitations are discussed. One example of a modeling exercise for the ₂ adrenergic receptor is reviewed briefly, and the utility of such studies is explored. The explosion of data for integral membrane protein sequences and properties make 3D modeling studies increasingly feasible and necessary. Model-building exercises should enable us to take better advantage of new protein sequence data, and studies of this type are likely to proliferate in the future.