There has been an explosion of new genome sequencing and data in the field of bioinformatics. However, the determination of protein structure and function is lagging behind the pace of data generation. Software and algorithms are needed to speed this process and improve its accuracy. This project will develop a software system called PRISM (PRotein Integration of Sequence Metrics), which combines evidence from multiple sources and databases, using an evidential reasoning calculus to produce better hypotheses and conclusions about protein structure and functional assignment. A prototype of PRISM will be developed and tested in Phase I. A complete and comprehensive system covering many features will be developed in Phase II and will be the basis of a future commercial product. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: Bioinformatics software and services, related to genomes, protein structure, and function-determination should be provided to pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies, medical research institutions, and government agencies.
