Abstract
The topology of a protein beta-sheet, the relationship between the sequential ordering of strands and their connectedness in space, is an important and well studied feature of protein structures. The prevalent nomenclature for describing beta-sheet topologies is based on following a path through the sequence order of strands and noting their separation in space. Although powerful, this approach can be usefully complemented by a notation based on following a path through the connectedness of neighbouring strands and noting sequence separation. This leads in turn to a short hand expression of sheet topology, based on a method for describing the covalent structure of small molecules, which is able to express concisely the complex non-linear topological relationships of beta-sheets, including bifurcations and closed structures, in a clear and natural manner. Using this novel system of notation it is possible to follow simultaneously the sequence and hydrogen bonded connectedness of strands within the topology of a sheet.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 247-250 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | FEBS Letters |
Volume | 344 |
Issue number | 2-3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 16 May 1994 |
Keywords
- beta-sheet
- protein typology
- nomenclature
- protein structure representation
- graph theory