Publication: Predicting protein interfaces in the age of AlphaFold: Why dynamics and disorder remain a challenge

Jan 21, 2026

Authors: Alireza Omidi, Jennifer M. Bui, Jörg Gsponer

Published in Cell Systems, 2026

Abstract

Two recent studies in Cell Systems show why protein dynamics matter for prediction. By moving beyond static structures and embracing the dynamic "jigglings and wigglings" that Richard Feynman famously described, these approaches improve accuracy in binding site predictions for flexible systems despite challenges such as sparse training data. Together, they signal a shift toward models that try to capture the full energy landscape, paving the way for deeper insights into protein function.

Protein-protein interactions exhibit varying degrees of structural heterogeneity and dynamics

Figure 1. Protein-protein interactions exhibit varying degrees of structural heterogeneity and dynamics

Further Reading

Alireza Omidi
Tiny footprints, big dreams