Protein structure prediction: Are we there yet?

Abstract

Correct mapping of functional network of protein sequences is one of the major issues in biological research. Detailed knowledge of high resolution protein conformations is the key to it. But still, there is a huge sequencestructure gap between the available number of protein sequences and the known count of experimentally solved structures. Because of several technical and resource limitations, experimentally determined structures do not exist for a vast majority of the available protein sequences. Different categories of computational algorithms, aiming at the highly accurate structure prediction of protein sequences are thus the prime focus of study in this chapter. Strengths, limitations and usage criteria are then discussed for each of these different categories. Different steps of the most reliable Comparative Modelling algorithm are then illustrated. The chapter also clarifies different practical and conceptual problems, obstructing experimental accuracy of each of these steps. Lastly, scope for further research to bridge existing gaps for developing better protein modelling methodology is highlighted. The major aspect of this chapter is to offer a detailed insight about the Protein Modelling Algorithms. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.