Comparative structural modeling and inference of conserved protein classes in Drosophila seminal fluid.

ABSTRACT: The constituents of seminal fluid are a complex mixture of proteins and other molecules, most of whose functions have yet to be determined and many of which are rapidly evolving. As a step in elucidating the roles of these proteins and exposing potential functional similarities hidden by their rapid evolution, we performed comparative structural modeling on 28 of 52 predicted seminal proteins produced in the Drosophila melanogaster male accessory gland. Each model was characterized by defining residues likely to be important for structure and function. Comparisons of known protein structures with predicted accessory gland proteins (Acps) revealed similarities undetectable by primary sequence alignments. The structures predict that Acps fall into several categories: regulators of proteolysi

SUBMITTER: Mueller JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC518759 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature