Approaches to Protein Structure Prediction and Their Applications

Introduction Proteins are one of the major biological macromolecules performing a variety functions such as enzymatic catalysis, transport, regulation of metabolism, nerve conduction, immune response etc. The three-dimensional structure of a protein is responsible for its function. In this paper I wish to give an overview of the need for protein structure prediction, the different approaches available as of now and their applications and limitations. Special mention is made of the utility of homology derived models in the drug discovery process.