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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
16:41
A Protocol for Computer-Based Protein Structure and Function Prediction
Published on: November 3, 2011
Exploiting structural classifications for function prediction: towards a domain grammar for protein function
Benoît H Dessailly1, Oliver C Redfern, Alison Cuff
1Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
Current Opinion in Structural Biology
|April 29, 2009
Summary
Structural domain classifications help understand protein function evolution. They reveal how new protein functions arise through combining existing structural domains, aiding molecular-level cellular mechanism comprehension.
Area of Science:
- * Molecular biology
- * Structural biology
- * Evolutionary biology
Background:
- * Assigning function to proteins is a key challenge in understanding cellular mechanisms.
- * Protein function is intricately linked to its sequence and structure.
- * Understanding protein evolution is crucial for deciphering biological complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To explore the utility of structural domain classifications in understanding protein function.
- * To investigate how structural classifications illuminate the evolution of protein function.
- * To demonstrate the role of structural data in deciphering remote protein similarities.
Main Methods:
- * Analysis of structural domain classifications.
- * Comparison of protein sequences and structures.
- * Examination of evolutionary patterns in protein function.
Main Results:
- * Structural domain classifications provide reliable definitions for protein domains.
- * These classifications facilitate the detection of remote structural similarities and homologies.
- * Structural data clarifies mechanisms for the emergence of diverse protein functions during evolution.
Conclusions:
- * Structural domain classifications are essential tools for linking protein sequence, structure, and function.
- * They offer insights into the mosaic nature of protein evolution.
- * Understanding structural domains aids in comprehending the development of a broad functional repertoire in proteins.
Related Concept Videos
01:56Structural Protein Function
Structural proteins are a category of proteins responsible for functions ranging from cell shape and movement to providing support to major structures such as bones, cartilage, hair, and muscles. This group includes proteins such as collagen, actin, myosin, and keratin.
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...
01:56Structural Protein Function
Structural proteins are a category of proteins responsible for functions ranging from cell shape and movement to providing support to major structures such as bones, cartilage, hair, and muscles. This group includes proteins such as collagen, actin, myosin, and keratin.
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...
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...
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
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.