beta_helix Staff Lv 1
We're introducing a new tool for protein structure prediction in Foldit: Predicted Contacts!
A Contact Map will be available in some puzzles under the Actions tab (Original Interface) or the Main menu (Selection Interface), similarly to an Exploration Puzzle.
A grid of residue-residue pairs represents the contacts that exist in your current solution (black) and a set of "predicted contacts" (blue); a darker blue color means there is stronger evidence for a contact prediction.
Click on a point in the grid to highlight that pair of residues in your solution:
A score multiplier increases whenever you bring together two residues that make a predicted contact:
The contact predictions are determined by Baker Lab scientists who use covariance analysis to identify pairs of residues that tend to evolve together. Because this analysis requires a large number of related sequences, contact predictions will only be available for a select puzzles.
We are excited about this new Foldit tool, as it will allow you to participate in the Contact-assisted category at CASP:
http://predictioncenter.org/casp10/targetlist.cgi?view=others
If you have any questions, please leave a comment below!