PROMOTIF - A PROGRAM TO IDENTIFY AND ANALYZE STRUCTURAL MOTIFS IN PROTEINS

We describe a suite of programs, PROMOTIF that analyzes a protein coor dinate file and provides details about the structural motifs in the pr otein. The program currently analyzes the following structural feature s: secondary structure; beta- and gamma-turns; helical geometry and in teractions; beta-strands and beta-sheet topology; beta-bulges; beta-ha irpins; beta-alpha-beta units and psi-loops; disulphide bridges; and m ain-chain hydrogen bonding patterns. PROMOTIF creates postscript files showing the examples of each type of motif in the protein, and a summ ary page. The program can also be used to compare motifs in a group of related structures, such as an ensemble of NMR structures.