SymProFold: Structural prediction of symmetrical biological assemblies

Christoph Buhlheller, Theo Sagmeister, Christoph Grininger, Nina Gubensäk, Uwe B. Sleytr, Isabel Usón and Tea Pavkov-Keller ()
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Christoph Buhlheller: University of Graz
Theo Sagmeister: University of Graz
Christoph Grininger: University of Graz
Nina Gubensäk: University of Graz
Uwe B. Sleytr: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna
Isabel Usón: Spanish National Research Council
Tea Pavkov-Keller: University of Graz

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Symmetry in nature often emerges from self-assembly processes and serves a wide range of functions. Cell surface layers (S-layers) form symmetrical lattices on many bacterial and archaeal cells, playing essential roles such as facilitating cell adhesion, evading the immune system, and protecting against environmental stress. However, the experimental structural characterization of these S-layers is challenging due to their self-assembly properties and high sequence variability. In this study, we introduce the SymProFold pipeline, which utilizes the high accuracy of AlphaFold-Multimer predictions to derive symmetrical assemblies from protein sequences, specifically focusing on two-dimensional S-layer arrays and spherical viral capsids. The pipeline tests all known symmetry operations observed in these systems (p1, p2, p3, p4, and p6) and identifies the most likely symmetry for the assembly. The predicted models were validated using available experimental data at the cellular level, and additional crystal structures were obtained to confirm the symmetry and interfaces of several SymProFold assemblies. Overall, the SymProFold pipeline enables the determination of symmetric protein assemblies linked to critical functions, thereby opening possibilities for exploring functionalities and designing targeted applications in diverse fields such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, medicine, and materials and environmental sciences.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52138-3

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