Exploring structure space. A protein structure initiative

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Structural Biology
• Proteomics

Background:

• Genome projects offer genetic blueprints but lack detailed protein structure and function information.
• Understanding protein structures is crucial for deciphering biological processes.
• Current knowledge gaps hinder a complete understanding of life at the molecular level.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an approach for obtaining protein structural information on a genomic scale.
• To outline how structural and functional data can be integrated for a comprehensive biological understanding.
• To propose a large-scale initiative for determining protein structures.

Main Methods:

• Describing a novel approach for large-scale protein structure determination.
• Integrating structural information with functional data.
• Identifying protein classes benefiting from genomic structural analysis.

Main Results:

• The proposed approach enables structural information acquisition on a genomic scale.
• Structural data integration provides a foundation for describing life at multiple levels.
• Specific protein classes are identified as high-priority targets for structural studies.

Conclusions:

• A genomic-scale approach to protein structure determination is feasible and necessary.
• Integrating structural and functional data is key to a holistic understanding of biological systems.
• A large-scale initiative is proposed to advance structural biology and genomics.