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Computational tools can bridge the gap between sequence and protein 3D structure based on the notion that information is to be retrieved from the databases and that knowledge-based methods can help in approaching a solution of the protein-folding problem. To this aim our group has implemented neural network-based predictors capable of performing with some success in different tasks, including predictions of the secondary structure of globular and membrane proteins, the topology of membrane proteins and porins and stable alpha-helical segments suited for protein design. Moreover we have developed methods for predicting contact maps in proteins and the probability of finding a cysteine in a disulfide bridge, tools which can contribute to the goal of predicting the 3D structure starting from the sequence (the so called ab initio prediction). All our predictors take advantage of evolution information derived from the structural alignments of homologous (evolutionary related) proteins and taken from the sequence and structure databases. When it is necessary to build models for proteins of unknown spatial structure, which have very little homology with other proteins of known structure, non-standard techniques need to be developed and the tools for protein structure predictions may help in protein modeling. The results of a recent simulation performed in our lab highlights the role of high performing computing technology and of tools of computational biology in protein modeling and peptidomimetic design.

In the genomic era DNA sequencing is increasing our knowledge of the molecular structure of genetic codes from bacteria to man at a hyperbolic rate. Billions of nucleotides and millions of aminoacids are already filling the electronic files of the data bases presently available, which contain a tremendous amount of information on the most biologically relevant macromolecules, such as DNA, RNA and proteins. The most urgent problem originates from the need to single out the relevant information amidst a wealth of general features. Intelligent tools are therefore needed to optimise the search. Data mining for sequence analysis in biotechnology has been substantially aided by the development of new powerful methods borrowed from the machine learning approach. In this paper we discuss the application of artificial feedforward neural networks to deal with some fundamental problems tied with the folding process and the structure-function relationship in proteins.

Radial basis function neural networks are trained on a data base comprising 38 globular proteins of well resolved crystallographic structure and the corresponding free energy contributions to the overall protein stability (as computed partially from chrystallographic analysis and partially with multiple regression from experimental thermodynamic data by Ponnuswamy and Gromiha (1994)). Starting from the residue sequence and using as input code the percentage of each residue and the total residue number of the protein, it is found with a cross-validation method that neural networks can optimally predict the free energy contributions due to hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions and the unfolded state. Terms due to electrostatic and disulfide bonding free energies are poorly predicted. This is so also when other input codes, including the percentage of secondary structure type of the protein and/or residue-pair information are used. Furthermore, trained on the computed and/or experimental delta G values of the data base, neural networks predict a conformational stability ranging from about 10 to 20 kcal mol-1 rather independently of the residue sequence, with an average error per protein of about 9 kcal mol-1.