CATH database

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CATH hierarchy

The CATH database is a valuable resource in the field of bioinformatics and structural biology. It is a comprehensive classification of protein domain structures, providing researchers with a systematic way to organize and analyze protein structures. The database is widely used by scientists to study protein evolution, function, and structure.

Overview

The CATH database, short for Class, Architecture, Topology, and Homologous superfamily, categorizes protein domains into hierarchical levels based on their structural features. This classification system helps researchers understand the relationships between different protein structures and infer their functions.

History

The CATH database was first developed in the early 1990s by researchers at University College London. Since then, it has been continuously updated and expanded to include a growing number of protein structures from various organisms.

Structure

The CATH database classifies protein domains into four main levels: Class, Architecture, Topology, and Homologous superfamily. Each level provides increasingly detailed information about the structural characteristics of protein domains, allowing researchers to explore the evolutionary relationships between different proteins.

Applications

Researchers use the CATH database for a wide range of applications, including protein structure prediction, drug design, and evolutionary studies. By analyzing the structural features of protein domains, scientists can gain insights into the functions and interactions of proteins in living organisms.

See also

• Protein structure prediction
• Bioinformatics databases