Background

Automating protein classification via structural similarity has been a technique employed by researchers for a while. The current methods generally only assess structure similarity using a single metric (e.g., Z-score) and only evaluate similar conformations of secondary structure elements.

Technology Overview

In order to accurately access structure similarity, LLNL scientists created a method called STRucture ALigment-based Clustering of Proteins (STRALCP). STRALCP is a structure alignment-based approach invented for the purpose of automated protein structure classification. For a given set of proteins, STRALCP generates detailed information about global and local similarities between pairs of protein structures, identifies the fragments that are structurally conserved among the proteins, and uses these fragments to classify the structures accordingly.