System and method for determining three-dimensional structures of

Abstract

A computer system and method are disclosed for determining a protein's tertiary structure from a primary sequence of amino acid residues. The system uses a dynamic Monte Carlo method with Metropolis sampling criterion, and a selected (2,1,0) lattice model, to simulate protein folding during the transition of the protein from an unfolded (denatured) state to its native, folded state. The system generates, for display, a folding trajectory representing successive three-dimensional images of the protein at a level of two Angstrom resolution as it folds to its native conformation. The system permits interaction between all proximate pairs of sidechains of the protein and provides faster processing through the use of the lattice. The system comprises an input means such as a keyboard for specifying (entering) selected amino acid sequences and other data such as temperature and fold preferences, a RAM (random access memory) for storing such data, a ROM (read-only memory) with a stored program, a CRT (cathode ray tube) display unit and/or printer, an optional auxiliary disc storage device for storage of relevant data bases, and a microprocessor for processing the entered data, for simulating, under control of the stored program, the folding of the protein from its unfolded state to its folded (tertiary) state, and for displaying via the display unit (or printer) tertiary conformations of the protein in three dimensions.