Overview
World-class investigators detail their most successful methods-and the theory behind them-for delineating the shape, form, and function of proteins. The protocols range from basic to advanced and include sequence alignment, the prediction of transmembrane protein structure, and the development of suitable folding potentials. There are also techniques for receptor site prediction, the identification of motifs and domains, the comparative modeling of proteins, the docking of peptides and ligands, and ab initio approaches to protein loop and side-chain prediction. Comprehensive, accessible, and highly practical, Protein Structure Prediction: Methods and Protocols offers protein researchers, structural biologists, and other investigators a critical synthesis of the latest research results, as well as the vital guidance needed to understand the structure and interaction of proteins and peptides.This book is aimed at both novice and experienced researchers in this field who all need detailed information on combined theoretical and practical aspects. The major intent is to include information relevant to the daily work of a research scientist that may not always be obvious in the original scientific literature. Many aspects are covered, from sequence analysis, which is often the starting point for algorithms, through secondary and tertiary methods, to the prediction of docked complexes, which are essential to fully understand biological function. Also covered is the development of suitable folding potentials essential for many of the methods presented in the volume. Expert knowledge of protein structure prediction from the contributors is applied to many disciplines such as the identification of domains and motifs; the comparative modeling of proteins; and ab initio approaches to protein loop, side chain, and protein prediction. This is an essential resource to both the expert and nonexpert in the field, as the need for accurate and useful predicted structures continues to increase due to advances in technology and the understanding of the principles of protein structure folding.