Fast and accurate prediction of protein side-chain conformations

SUMMARY: We developed a fast and accurate side-chain modeling program Optimized Side Chain Atomic eneRgy (OSCAR)-star based on orientation-dependent energy functions and a rigid rotamer model. The average computing time was 18 s per protein for 218 test proteins with higher prediction accuracy (1.1% increase for χ(1) and 0.8% increase for χ(1+2)) than the best performing program developed by other groups. We show that the energy functions, which were calibrated to tolerate the discrete errors of rigid rotamers, are appropriate for protein loop selection, especially for decoys without extensive structural refinement. AVAILABILITY: OSCAR-star and the 218 test proteins are available for download at http://sysimm.ifrec.osaka-u.ac.jp/OSCAR CONTACT: standley@ifrec.osaka-u.ac.jp SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.