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Published on: August 15, 2019
SMART: a web-based tool for the study of genetically mobile domains
J Schultz1, R R Copley, T Doerks
1EMBL, Meyerhofstrasse1, 69012 Heidelberg, Germany.
Nucleic Acids Research
|December 11, 1999
Summary
The Simple Modular Architecture Research Tool (SMART) identifies and annotates protein domains and their architectures. It analyzes over 400 domain families in signaling and chromatin proteins, aiding in biological research.
Area of Science:
- Proteomics
- Bioinformatics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Genetically mobile domains play crucial roles in protein function and evolution.
- Understanding protein domain architectures is essential for deciphering cellular processes.
- Existing tools may lack comprehensive analysis of diverse protein domain families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the Simple Modular Architecture Research Tool (SMART) for domain identification and analysis.
- To provide a comprehensive resource for over 400 protein domain families.
- To enable the analysis of domain architectures and their evolutionary context.
Main Methods:
- Development of a relational database to store domain information, search parameters, and taxonomic data.
- Implementation of algorithms for identifying and annotating genetically mobile domains.
- Creation of user interfaces for querying protein domain combinations within specific taxa.
Main Results:
- SMART detects and annotates more than 400 domain families, including those in signaling, extracellular, and chromatin-associated proteins.
- Detailed annotations cover phyletic distributions, functional classes, tertiary structures, and critical residues.
- The system facilitates searches for proteins with specific domain combinations across different taxa.
Conclusions:
- SMART provides a valuable, integrated resource for studying protein domain organization and evolution.
- The tool enhances biological research by enabling detailed analysis of protein architecture.
- SMART facilitates the discovery of functional relationships based on domain composition and distribution.
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