The 14-3-3 protein family associates with many proteins involved in intracellular signalling. In many cases, there is a distinct preference for a particular isoform(s) of 14-3-3. A specific repertoire of 14-3-3 dimer formation may therefore influence which of the interacting proteins could be brought together. We have analysed the pattern of dimer formation for two of the most abundant isoforms of 14-3-3, epsilon (epsilon) and gamma (gamma), following their stable expression. This revealed a distinct preference for particular dimer combinations that is largely independent of cellular conditions. gamma 14-3-3 occurred as homodimers and also formed heterodimers, mainly with E 14-3-3 (In PC12 and Cos cells). The s isoform formed heterodimers with epsilon 14-3-3 beta, gamma, zeta, and eta, but no homodimers were detected. The two 14-3-3 homologues. BMH1 and BMH2 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, were mainly heterodimers. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.