Regarding the 1st objective: We have developed tools for generating 2D protein representations (maps). The surface maps are generated using a two-step procedure: A. The protein surface is projected onto a sphere. B. The sphere is then projected onto a plane which resuls into a map of the surface of the protein. These maps are then used to compare the shape of the proteins.
We published protein shape comparison and retrieval prototypes (PS4, SHREC2017), (PLO3S). The descriptor of the PLO3Smethod is a local surface shape descriptor projected on a unit sphere mapped onto a 2D plane and called Surface Wave Interpolated Maps (SWIM). PLO3S allows to rapidly compare protein surface shapes through local comparisons to filter large protein surfaces datasets in virtual protein structures screening pipelines.
We also developed and conducted community benchmarks for protein shape comparison and retrieval in the3D objects retrieval community within the SHREC challenge (SHREC2017-2021). Our protein shape track attracted numerous participants (up to 25) and was among the most popular within the 3D objects retrieval community.
For the 2nd objective, we developed UDock v2 a usable open-source simulation system based on the Udock engine (Levieux et al, Faraday Discuss 2014;
http://udock.fr(se abrirá en una nueva ventana)). We are developing new ways to represent and manipulate multiple 3D objects in real time using methods from the video game industry. This allows biologists and chemists not familiar with molecular visualization software to use them in their own professional environment. UDock v2 allows interactive real-time assembly of multiple proteins and includes a virtual camera which allows a local exploration and visualization of the properties of the interfaces of protein assemblies.
We developed and released VTX, a high performance and usable open source molecular visualization software. VTX includes a cutting edge visualization engine, is compliant to most molecular trajectory and structure file formats, includes the alternate camera systems developed in UDock and is freely available at https:vtx.drugdesign.fr