Knowledge-based environment potentials for protein structure prediction

Abstract

This Master’s Thesis project had as its objectives: (1) to optimize algorithms for solvent-accessible surface area (SASA) approximation to develop an environment free energy knowledge-based potential; and, (2) to assess the knowledge-based environment free energy potentials for de novo protein structure prediction. This project achieved its goals by developing, implementing, optimizing, and evaluating four different algorithms for approximating the SASA of a given protein model and generating knowledge-based potentials for de novo protein structure prediction. The algorithms are entitled Neighbor Count, Neighbor Vector, Artificial Neural Network, and Overlapping Spheres.