Protein Structure Comparison Using SAP
| Abstract |
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In contrast to DNA, proteins exhibit an apparently unlimited variety of structure. This is a necessary requirement of the
vast array of differing functions that they perform in the maintainance of life, again, in contrast to the relatively static
archival function of DNA. Not only do we observe a bewildering variety of form but even within a common structure, there is
variation in the lengths and orientation substructures. Such variation is both a reflection on the very long time periods
over which some structures have diverged and also a consequence of the fact that proteins cannot be completely rigid bodies
but must have flexibility to accommodate the structural changes that are almost always necessary for them to perform their
functions. These aspects make comparing structure and finding structural similarity over long divergence times very difficult.
Indeed, computationally, the problem of recognizing similarity is one of three-dimensional pattern recognition, which is a
notoriously difficult problem for computers to perform. In this chapter, guidance is provided on the use of a flexible structure
comparison method that overcomes many of the problems of comparing protein structures that may exhibit only weak similarity.
Affiliation(s): (2) Division of Mathematical Biology, National Institute for Medical Research, London, UK
Series: Methods in Molecular Biology | Volume: 143 | Pub. Date: Aug-15-2000 | Page Range: 19-32 | DOI: 10.1385/1-59259-368-2:19
Subject: Protein Science
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