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Determining crystal structures through crowdsourcing and coursework

Author

Listed:
  • Scott Horowitz

    (Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan
    Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan)

  • Brian Koepnick

    (University of Washington)

  • Raoul Martin

    (Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan
    Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California)

  • Agnes Tymieniecki

    (Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan
    Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan)

  • Amanda A. Winburn

    (Center for Complex Networks and Systems Research, Indiana University
    Program in Cognitive Science, Indiana University)

  • Seth Cooper

    (Northeastern University, College of Computer and Information Science)

  • Jeff Flatten

    (Center for Game Science, University of Washington)

  • David S. Rogawski

    (University of Michigan)

  • Nicole M. Koropatkin

    (University of Michigan)

  • Tsinatkeab T. Hailu

    (Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan
    ProQR Therapeutics NV.)

  • Neha Jain

    (Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan)

  • Philipp Koldewey

    (Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan
    Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan)

  • Logan S. Ahlstrom

    (Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan
    Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan)

  • Matthew R. Chapman

    (Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan)

  • Andrew P. Sikkema

    (University of Michigan)

  • Meredith A. Skiba

    (University of Michigan)

  • Finn P. Maloney

    (Chemical Biology Doctoral Program, University of Michigan)

  • Felix R. M. Beinlich

    (Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan
    Institute of Complex Systems, Cellular Biophysics (ICS-4), Forschungszentrum, D-52428 Jülich)

  • Zoran Popović

    (Center for Game Science, University of Washington)

  • David Baker

    (University of Washington
    Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington
    Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington)

  • Firas Khatib

    (University of Massachusetts Dartmouth)

  • James C. A. Bardwell

    (Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan
    Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan)

Abstract

We show here that computer game players can build high-quality crystal structures. Introduction of a new feature into the computer game Foldit allows players to build and real-space refine structures into electron density maps. To assess the usefulness of this feature, we held a crystallographic model-building competition between trained crystallographers, undergraduate students, Foldit players and automatic model-building algorithms. After removal of disordered residues, a team of Foldit players achieved the most accurate structure. Analysing the target protein of the competition, YPL067C, uncovered a new family of histidine triad proteins apparently involved in the prevention of amyloid toxicity. From this study, we conclude that crystallographers can utilize crowdsourcing to interpret electron density information and to produce structure solutions of the highest quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Scott Horowitz & Brian Koepnick & Raoul Martin & Agnes Tymieniecki & Amanda A. Winburn & Seth Cooper & Jeff Flatten & David S. Rogawski & Nicole M. Koropatkin & Tsinatkeab T. Hailu & Neha Jain & Phili, 2016. "Determining crystal structures through crowdsourcing and coursework," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-11, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms12549
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12549
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    Cited by:

    1. Timoteo Carletti & Alessio Guarino & Andrea Guazzini & Federica Stefanelli, 2020. "Problem Solving: When Groups Perform Better Than Teammates," Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, vol. 23(3), pages 1-4.

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