Beta-sheet topology: a new system of nomenclature

Darren R. Flower

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)247-250
Number of pages4
JournalFEBS Letters
Volume344
Issue number2-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 May 1994

Keywords

  • beta-sheet
  • protein typology
  • nomenclature
  • protein structure representation
  • graph theory

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