Protein Architecture
Initially biochemists believed that each protein would have a unique architecture, but that idea quickly faded as we started to obtain 3˚ structures. We now believe protein structural diversity encompasses a finite set of architectural designs. The current Structural Genomics Project supported by NIH attempts to determine the structure of every protein encoded by the genome. Since protein structure is closely linked to protein function, the structural genomics has the potential to inform knowledge of protein function. In addition to elucidating protein functions, structural genomics can be used to identify novel protein folds and potential targets for drug discovery.
In this module we will examine patterns and architectural elements shared by different proteins.