What is the best program for Structural comparison of protein structures and algorithms?4 answersThe best program for structural comparison of protein structures and algorithms can vary based on specific requirements and goals. Several notable approaches have been proposed in the literature. GraSR is a graph-based protein structure representation learning method that offers fast and accurate structure comparison, outperforming other state-of-the-art methods with a significant improvement in benchmark datasets. Another efficient algorithm incorporates elastic shape analysis, optimal rotation, and optimal matching of proteins, reducing computational time by 80-90% without compromising accuracy. Additionally, the PROPOSAL algorithm presents a stochastic approach for multiple local alignment of protein structures, efficiently identifying conserved motifs across protein families. Each of these methods brings unique strengths to the table, catering to different aspects of protein structure comparison and alignment.
How to study protein structure ?5 answersProtein structure can be studied using various techniques such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for molecular assemblies, Hydroxyl Radical Protein Footprinting (HRPF) coupled with LC-MS/MS for protein conformational changes and interactions, fluorescence emission spectrum analysis for conformational state evaluation, genetic interactions in vivo for determining protein structure, and web-based protein structure databases for accessing experimentally determined structures and evolutionary relationships. These methods provide insights into protein conformation, interactions, and functions at different levels of resolution, from atomic to whole structure. By utilizing a combination of these techniques, researchers can comprehensively analyze protein structures, understand their functions, and explore their roles in biological processes.
Given two conformations of a protein, is there a way to calculate the free energy?5 answersThere are methods available to calculate the free energy of protein conformations. One approach is targeted free energy perturbation, which uses an invertible mapping to promote configuration space overlap and convergence of free energy estimates. Machine learning techniques, such as deep neural networks, have been used to train these mappings between different thermodynamic states. Another method involves using energy-based models (EBMs) that operate at the atomic scale and are trained solely on crystallized protein data. These models can capture physicochemical properties relevant to protein energy and can be used to calculate free energy. Additionally, computational software, such as FORTRAN code, can be used to estimate the free energy of a system of molecules, including theoretical systems. Overall, there are various approaches available to calculate the free energy of protein conformations, ranging from targeted free energy perturbation to machine learning-based models and computational software.
Why is protein computing useful?4 answersProtein computing is useful because it has the potential to advance applications in medicine, biotechnology, enzyme technology, vaccine design, receptor-ligand engineering, biomaterials, nanosensors, and synthetic biology. Computational protein design allows for the creation of proteins with new and useful functions, which can be customized for specific user-defined protein functions. Protein modeling and structural prediction aid in drug discovery and designing, speeding up the processes and identifying the structure and function of proteins. Protein-based computers offer a new architecture that provides greater scalability, flexibility, adaptation, and power compared to traditional von Neumann architecture, potentially invigorating computing and providing insight into the complexity of living systems. Understanding and reengineering protein-based information processing systems is crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and interventions in intracellular molecular reaction networks.
How can deep learning be used to design proteins?5 answersDeep learning can be used to design proteins by leveraging the advances in deep learning models. These models can predict protein sequences from backbone scaffolds, taking into account the restraints imposed by diverse molecular environments. State-of-the-art deep learning methods can provide interpretability from an energy perspective, improving the accuracy of protein design. They consider the physicochemical properties of amino acids and use joint probability models to ensure convergence between structure and amino acid type. Deep learning-based protein sequence prediction frameworks can handle a wide range of design objectives, making them more versatile than traditional methods. Deep learning-based structure prediction networks can be fine-tuned to create generative models of protein backbones, enabling the design of diverse, complex, and functional proteins from simple molecular specifications.
Is there a way to incorporate environmental information to predict different protein conformations?4 answersYes, there are methods to incorporate environmental information to predict different protein conformations. One approach is to use deep learning frameworks that analyze the local environments around interfacial residues to discriminate near-native protein complex conformations from incorrect ones. Another method involves constructing a multi-objective energy landscape using deep learning and performing conformational sampling based on multi-objective optimization, geometric optimization, and structural similarity clustering. These methods aim to generate multiple conformations that span the range between experimental structures and improve prediction accuracy. Additionally, generalized-ensemble algorithms such as the multicanonical algorithm and replica-exchange method, along with parallel Monte Carlo or molecular dynamics methods with genetic crossover, have been used to enhance conformational sampling for protein structure predictions. By incorporating environmental factors and utilizing advanced computational techniques, researchers are able to explore the conformational landscape of proteins more comprehensively.