title: Beta-sheet topology. A new system of nomenclature.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Chemistry, Fisons Plc, R & D Laboratories, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK.
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Flower
mesh_terms: D006860:Hydrogen Bonding; D017433:Protein Structure, Secondary; D009626:Terminology as Topic