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COMPUTER SCIENCE - Interaction Site Evolution
DNA is the blueprint for generating strings of amino acids which fold into proteins. The
interactions these proteins form with each other are primary components of organismal
physiology. Proteins assume very specific shapes, and the amino acids on their surface involved
in protein interactions are specific as well. Much work has been done on determining both the
3D structure of proteins, and the “interaction sites” on protein surfaces.
In order to better understand protein evolution, a protein “atlas” of proteins and their
interaction sites will be developed. In particular, the atlas will show how interaction sites
among related protein families have evolved. Despite the progress made on determining
protein 3D structures and interaction sites, the structure of the vast majority of proteins
remains unknown. Therefore prediction tools for both the structure and interaction sites of
proteins must be used.
Initial tasks include:
1. Identify protein families suitable for study
2. Identify protein structure prediction tools
3. Identify protein interaction site prediction tools
4. Develop a visual representation for the atlas which showcases interaction site evolution.