RCSB Protein Data Bank

RCSB Protein Data Bank archives and provides access to experimentally determined and computationally predicted atomic-level 3D structural data of biological macromolecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and their complexes with small molecules.

Key Features:

• Structure Archive: Houses over 210,000 experimentally determined atomic-level 3D structures of proteins, nucleic acids, and their complexes with one another and small molecules including approved drugs and enzyme cofactors.
• Computed Structure Models: Provides access to over 1,000,000 computed structure models generated using artificial intelligence and machine-learning methods, with provenance and reliability clearly identified relative to experimentally determined structures.
• Comparative Data and External Annotations: Integrates information about disease-causing point mutations and genetic variations with 3D structure data.
• Quality Assurance: Jointly manages the PDB archive through the Worldwide Protein Data Bank partnership to ensure quality and integrity of data.

Scientific Applications:

• Fundamental Biology Research: Supports investigations into fundamental biological processes using atomic-level 3D structural data of macromolecules.
• Biomedical Research: Facilitates research in biomedicine including understanding disease mechanisms and drug-target interactions.
• Pandemic Response: Provided critical structural data for understanding SARS-CoV-2 during the global pandemic.
• Bioenergy and Biotechnology: Enables research applications in bioenergy production and biotechnological development.
• Structural Biology Education: Supports research and education worldwide through open access to 3D biostructure data.

Methodology:

Structures are experimentally determined by structural biologists and deposited by data depositors; computed structure models are generated using artificial intelligence and machine-learning methods.