Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
16:41
A Protocol for Computer-Based Protein Structure and Function Prediction
Published on: November 3, 2011
I-TASSER server for protein 3D structure prediction
1Center for Bioinformatics and Department of Molecular Bioscience, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Dr, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA. yzhang@ku.edu
BMC Bioinformatics
|January 25, 2008
Summary
I-TASSER provides automated 3D protein structure predictions and a C-score to assess model accuracy. This computational biology tool is freely available for academic use, aiding researchers in structural biology.
Area of Science:
- Computational structural biology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Predicting 3D protein structures from amino acid sequences is a key challenge.
- I-TASSER was recognized as the top method in the CASP7 experiment.
- High demand exists for the I-TASSER algorithm and its predictions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To make the I-TASSER algorithm publicly available as an online server.
- To introduce a scoring system for assessing prediction accuracy.
- To provide quantitative accuracy assessments for users.
Main Methods:
- Developed an online version of I-TASSER.
- Introduced a C-score based on structural density and template significance.
- Performed large-scale benchmark tests correlating C-score with TM-score.
Main Results:
- The online I-TASSER server has served thousands of requests globally.
- The C-score strongly correlates with TM-score (R=0.91).
- Accuracy prediction using C-score and length has low error (0.08 TM-score, 2 Å RMSD).
Conclusions:
- The I-TASSER server offers automated 3D protein structure predictions.
- A validated scoring system provides quantitative accuracy assessments.
- The server is accessible to the academic community.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Protein Organization
Proteins are polymers of amino acid residues. They are versatile and responsible for different cellular functions, including DNA replication, molecular transport, catalysis, and structural support. Proteins have a hierarchical structure comprising at least three levels of organization: primary, secondary, and tertiary structure. Some large proteins have a quaternary structure where individual protein subunits are linked together.
The primary structure of a protein is its amino acid sequence.
The primary structure of a protein is its amino acid sequence.
01:13Protein Organization
Overview
02:26Conservation of Protein Domains Over Different Proteins
Protein domains are small structurally independent units that are part of a single amino acid chain. Although these domains are often structurally independent, they may rely on synergistic effects to perform their functions as part of a larger protein. Protein domains may be conserved within the same organism, as well as across different organisms.
A limited set of protein domains often duplicate and recombine during evolution. These domains can be organized in different combinations to form...
A limited set of protein domains often duplicate and recombine during evolution. These domains can be organized in different combinations to form...
02:15Protein and Protein Structure
Proteins are one of the most abundant organic molecules in living systems and have the most diverse range of functions of all macromolecules. Proteins may be structural, regulatory, contractile, or protective. They may serve in transport, storage, or membranes; or they may be toxins or enzymes. Their structures, like their functions, vary greatly. They are all, however, amino acid polymers arranged in a linear sequence.
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme can...
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme can...
02:15Protein and Protein Structures
Proteins are one of the most abundant organic molecules in living systems and have the most diverse range of functions of all macromolecules. Proteins may be structural, regulatory, contractile, or protective. They may serve in transport, storage, or membranes; or they may be toxins or enzymes. Their structures, like their functions, vary greatly. They are all, however, amino acid polymers arranged in a linear sequence.
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme can...
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme can...
02:26Conservation of Protein Domains
Protein domains are small structurally independent units that are part of a single amino acid chain. Although these domains are often structurally independent, they may rely on synergistic effects to perform their functions as part of a larger protein. Protein domains may be conserved within the same organism, as well as across different organisms.
A limited set of protein domains often duplicate and recombine during evolution. These domains can be organized in different combinations to form...
A limited set of protein domains often duplicate and recombine during evolution. These domains can be organized in different combinations to form...