A genetic selection was used here to “break” spanin function. Forward genetic analysis is rare for membrane fusion proteins. Work by Cahill were able to identify the key features of the spanin proteins, including residues involved in point-point contact between Rz and Rz1.
Center for Phage Technology: Home / Research Highlights / Genetic Analysis of the Lambda Spanins Rz and Rz1: Identification of Functional Domains