De novo design of α-helical coiled coils and bundles: models for the development of protein-design principles

The de novo design of model α-helical proteins from first principles has proved to be a useful approach to studying the short- and long-range noncovalent interactions that control the folding, stability, conformational changes and biological functions of proteins. These synthetic proteins are also pointing the way towards a host of potential applications. Here, we review recent progress in the development of design principles with model proteins and discuss briefly some of the potential applications for this technology.