Foldit Puzzles

2616: Electron Density Reconstruction 120

The structure of this protein has already been solved and published, but close inspection suggests that there are some problems with the published solution. We'd like to see if Foldit players can use the same electron density data to reconstruct a better model. This is a big structure, so the Trim tool is recommended, and there's several spots where segments are missing due to a lack of density. It's also different from most of the other puzzles we've had in this series before as it is an ion channel and has a different type of fold as a result!

2617: KCNT2 Round 2

KCNT2 is a sodium‑activated potassium channel that helps neurons reset after firing, keeping brain activity in check. Mutations in the KCNT2 gene can disrupt this balance and are linked to severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) and related seizure disorders.

2615: Revisiting Puzzle 134: Rice

This is a throwback puzzle to the early days of Foldit. This protein shuttles lipids between cell membranes in the rice plant. The protein contains eight cysteines that oxidize to form four disulfide bonds. We are revisiting old Foldit puzzles so we can see how useful the recent additions to the game have been and to provide newer players with problems that are still scientifically relevant.

2614: KCNT2 Round 1

KCNT2 is a sodium‑activated potassium channel that helps neurons reset after firing, keeping brain activity in check. Mutations in the KCNT2 gene can disrupt this balance and are linked to severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) and related seizure disorders.

2613: Electron Density Reconstruction 119

The structure of this protein has already been solved and published, but close inspection suggests that there are some problems with the published solution. We'd like to see if Foldit players can use the same electron density data to reconstruct a better model. You might notice some striking similarities to puzzle 2480.

2612: Revisiting Puzzle 126: Ethanolamine Utilization

This is a throwback puzzle to the early days of Foldit. This protein allows bacteria to metabolize ethanolamine and use it in constructing cell walls and cell membranes. The protein is modeled here in reduced form, so no disulfides are expected to form. We are revisiting old Foldit puzzles so we can see how useful the recent additions to the game have been and to provide newer players with puzzles that are still scientifically relevant.

2611: HIKESHI Round 12

HIKESHI Associated Leukodystrophy (HAL), also known as Hypomyelinating Leukodystrophy-13 (HLD13), is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that affects young children. Caused by specific mutations in the Hikeshi protein, HAL leads to severe neurological problems such as developmental delays, muscle stiffness (spasticity), and a smaller-than-normal head size (microcephaly). Tragically, children with HAL often experience a rapid decline or even death after a fever.

2610: Electron Density Reconstruction 118

The structure of this protein has already been solved and published, but close inspection suggests that there are some problems with the published solution. We'd like to see if Foldit players can use the same electron density data to reconstruct a better model. It has 5 parts, and several of the segments won't be visible as they are missing in the data.

2609: Revisiting Puzzle 125: Ice Binding Protein

This is a throwback puzzle to the early days of Foldit. This protein is found in cold water fishes; it binds and prevents the growth of ice crystals. We are revisiting old Foldit puzzles so we can see how useful the recent additions to the game have been and to provide newer players with puzzles that are still scientifically relevant.

2608: HIKESHI Round 11

HIKESHI Associated Leukodystrophy (HAL), also known as Hypomyelinating Leukodystrophy-13 (HLD13), is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that affects young children. Caused by specific mutations in the Hikeshi protein, HAL leads to severe neurological problems such as developmental delays, muscle stiffness (spasticity), and a smaller-than-normal head size (microcephaly). Tragically, children with HAL often experience a rapid decline or even death after a fever.