Gorgon

Gorgon provides computational methods to build and refine protein backbone models from intermediate to near-atomic resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) density maps for structural interpretation of macromolecular complexes.

Key Features:

• Resolution Range: Operates on intermediate to near-atomic resolution density maps from 10 Å to 3.5 Å.
• De Novo Modeling Procedure: Integrates sequence-based secondary structure prediction with feature detection and geometric modeling to generate initial protein backbone models directly from cryo-EM density maps.
• Interactive Visualization Platform: Provides computational tools for annotating and visualizing 3D volumes to explore and refine structural models.
• Extensibility and Versatility: Supports integration of additional computational tools to accommodate diverse macromolecular structures.

Scientific Applications:

• Viral macromolecular assembly modeling: Models protein structures from cryo-EM maps of complex assemblies such as Rotavirus and Rice Dwarf Virus and facilitates progression from low-resolution reconstructions to detailed atomic models.

Methodology:

Combines sequence-based secondary structure prediction, feature detection within cryo-EM density maps, and geometric modeling to generate initial backbone models, followed by refinement via annotation and visualization tools.