Prediction of function in protein superfamilies

Shelley D Copley

Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology and Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado at Boulder, Campus Box 216, Boulder, CO 80309, USA

* Corresponding author: shelley@cires.colorado.edu

F1000 Biology Reports 2009, 1:91 (doi: 10.3410/B1-91)
Published: 9/12/2009   © 2009 Faculty of 1000 Ltd

The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found at: http://F1000.com/Reports/Biology/content/1/91

Abstract

Assignment of function for enzymes encoded in sequenced genomes is a challenging task. Predictions of enzyme function can be made using clues from superfamily assignment, structure, genome context, phylogenetic conservation, and virtual screening to identify potential ligands. Ultimately, confident assignment of function requires experimental verification as well as an understanding of the physiological role of an enzyme in the context of the metabolic network.