Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is awarded a grant to study the folding pathways of proteins. Using data mining and modeling experiments the project will develop 5 statistical models to represent the various stages of the path to a folded protein. The models represent a decision tree in the sequence-structure space, where each model feeds into the following step: from Initiation, folding of short motifs; Propagation, local extensions of structured regions; Condensation, contacts between pairs of local units; Packing, units fold into a space filling way; to Topology, ordering of loop lengths, etc. to yield the fully folded structure. Green Fluorescent Protein will be used as a test case, with strategic point mutations providing a means for experimental verification of intermediate structures and the overall success of the method. The project will be integrated in the undergraduate education at RPI and will offer stimulating experiences for the students to work in a lab.
