Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Creating and Applying a Reference to Facilitate the Discussion and Classification of Proteins in a Diverse Group
Published on: August 16, 2017
The CATH domain structure database: new protocols and classification levels give a more comprehensive resource for
Lesley H Greene1, Tony E Lewis, Sarah Addou
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
The CATH protein domain database (version 3.0) now classifies over 86,000 structural domains, featuring enhanced methods for homologue identification and an updated dictionary for homologous structures.
Area of Science:
- Structural biology
- Bioinformatics
- Computational biology
Background:
- The CATH protein domain database provides a structural classification of proteins.
- Previous versions have cataloged protein domain structures.
- Increasing numbers of structural homologues necessitate improved classification methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the latest release (version 3.0) of the CATH protein domain database.
- To introduce enhanced methods for identifying protein domain boundaries and homologues.
- To present an updated CATH Dictionary of Homologous Structures (CATH-DHS).
Main Methods:
- Utilizing an integrated pipeline combining automated procedures with validation steps for CATH classification.
- Developing more sensitive methods for identifying boundaries in multi-domain proteins.
- Incorporating information-rich web pages for easier validation and linking to external resources.
Main Results:
- CATH version 3.0 includes 86,151 structural domains, a 20% increase.
- The release comprises 1110 fold groups and 2147 homologous superfamilies.
- The updated CATH-DHS contains multiple structural alignments and functional annotations for 1459 superfamilies.
Conclusions:
- The enhanced CATH database facilitates the classification of a growing number of protein structures.
- Improved methods enhance the identification and analysis of structural homologues.
- CATH version 3.0 and CATH-DHS provide valuable resources for structural genomics and sequence analysis.
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Classification System
Structure of Cadherins
Three-Domain System of Life
The Tree of Life - Bacteria, Archaea, Eukaryotes
Evolutionary Relationships through Genome Comparisons
Applications of Molecular Taxonomy

