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A tour of structural genomics.
1Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, 461A Koshland Hall, Berkeley, California 94720-3102, USA. brenner@compbio.berkeley.edu
Nature Reviews. Genetics
|October 5, 2001
Summary
Structural genomics initiatives are determining 3D protein structures for all genome-encoded macromolecules. This large-scale effort will reveal molecular functions and mechanisms, transforming molecular biology and biochemistry.
Area of Science:
- Structural biology
- Genomics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Structural genomics aims to map the 3D structures of all proteins encoded by genomes.
- Understanding protein structure is crucial for elucidating molecular function and mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of large-scale, high-throughput protein structure determination.
- To generate a comprehensive structural database for genomic-encoded macromolecules.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing experimental structure determination (e.g., X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy).
- Employing computational modeling techniques to predict protein structures.
- Coordinating efforts across multiple pilot centers worldwide.
Main Results:
- Pilot centers are actively exploring and validating methods for large-scale structure determination.
- Generation of numerous experimental and computational 3D protein models is underway.
- The project is on track to provide structural insights for thousands of proteins.
Conclusions:
- Large-scale structural genomics projects are feasible and progressing.
- The resulting structural data will significantly advance the understanding of protein function and mechanisms.
- This pervasive structural information is poised to revolutionize molecular biology and biochemistry.
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