Introduction: Protein Oligomerization and the Formation of Macromolecular Assemblies

The ability of biomolecules to link together to form higher order assemblies underlies much of cellular structure and function. Here we emphasise protein oligomerisation and discuss some of the principles of molecular interaction, from early considerations through to the present day. A few protein examples are presented, selected from our research interests, to highlight assembly features, ranging from the hemoglobins, the hemocyanins to the peroxiredoxins, collagen, the encapsulins and ferritins.