title: Cradle-loop barrels and the concept of metafolds in protein classification by natural descent.
abstract: Current classification systems for protein structure show many inconsistencies both within and between systems. The metafold concept was introduced to identify fold similarities by consensus and thus provide a more unified view of fold space. Using cradle-loop barrels as an example, we propose to use the metafold as the next hierarchical level above the fold, encompassing a group of topologically related folds for which a homologous relationship has been substantiated. We see this as an important step on the way to a classification of proteins by natural descent.
authors.affiliation: Department of Protein Evolution, Max-Planck-Institute for Developmental Biology, Spemannstr. 35, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Vikram
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Alva
authors.forename: Kristin K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Koretke
authors.forename: Murray
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Coles
authors.forename: Andrei N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Lupas
mesh_terms: D008958:Models, Molecular; D011487:Protein Conformation; D017510:Protein Folding; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification*
chemical_list: D011506:Proteins