Algorithmic prediction of functional changes within protein sequence

Nikolas TOLAR

Bachelor's thesis

Protein functional domains, motifs and sites comparison tool and its application to naked mole rat epigenetic and developmental regulatory proteins

Abstract:

The Following thesis provides a theoretical background to the biology of a naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber), highlighting its unique characteristics that could potentially be explained by altered epigenetic mechanisms. In order to identify potentially functional evolutionarily changed sites in epigenetic modifiers, we developed a novel approach to protein scanning through the utilization of multiple-sequence alignments and protein annotations available in public databases. The key result is computer software and analysis of the obtained results, identifying candidate proteins with potentially altered functions.

Abstract:

The Following thesis provides a theoretical background to the biology of a naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber), highlighting its unique characteristics that could potentially be explained by altered epigenetic mechanisms. In order to identify potentially functional evolutionarily changed sites in epigenetic modifiers, we developed a novel approach to protein scanning through the utilization of multiple-sequence alignments and protein annotations available in public databases. The key result is computer software and analysis of the obtained results, identifying candidate proteins with potentially altered functions.

Keywords

epigenetics, naked mole-rats, bioinformatics, proteins, transcription factors, Python, functional changes, multiple-sequence analysis

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 15. 4. 2021

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Mgr. Lenka Gahurová, Ph.D.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH BOHEMIA IN ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE

Faculty of Science

Bachelor programme / field:
Applied Informatics / Bioinformatics