Introducing Pep McConst-A user-friendly peptide modeler for biophysical applications

J Comput Chem. 2021 Mar 30;42(8):572-580. doi: 10.1002/jcc.26479. Epub 2021 Jan 10.

Abstract

We are introducing Pep McConst-a software that employs a Monte-Carlo algorithm to construct 3D structures of polypeptide chains which could subsequently be studied as stand-alone macromolecules or complement the structure of known proteins. Using an approach to avoid steric clashes, Pep McConst allows to create multiple structures for a predefined primary sequence of amino acids. These structures could then effectively be used for further structural analysis and investigations. The article introduces the algorithm and describes its user-friendly approach that was made possible through the VIKING online platform. Finally, the manuscript provides several highlight examples where Pep McConst was used to predict the structure of the C-terminal of a known protein, generate a missing bit of already crystallized protein structures and simply generate short polypeptide chains.

Keywords: Monte-Carlo approach; peptide construction; protein C-terminal construction; solvent accessible surface area.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Amino Acids / chemistry
  • Biophysical Phenomena
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Software*

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Peptides