Structure-based phylogeny as a diagnostic for functional characterization of proteins with a cupin fold.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The members of cupin superfamily exhibit large variations in their sequences, functions, organization of domains, quaternary associations and the nature of bound metal ion, despite having a conserved beta-barrel structural scaffold. Here, an attempt has been made to understand structure-function relationships among the members of this diverse superfamily and identify the principles governing functional diversity. The cupin superfamily also contains proteins for which the structures are available through world-wide structural genomics initiatives but characterized as "hypothetical". We have explored the feasibility of obtaining clues to functions of such proteins by means of comparative analysis with cupins of known structure and function.

Methodology/principal finding

SUBMITTER: Agarwal G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2684688 | biostudies-literature | 2009 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature