StarFunc: fusing template-based and deep learning approaches for accurate protein function prediction

ZHANG, C.; Liu, Q.; Freddolino, L.

doi:10.1101/2024.05.15.594113

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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2024.05.15.594113

StarFunc: fusing template-based and deep learning approaches for accurate protein function prediction

ZHANG, C.·Liu, Q.·Freddolino, L.

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Abstract

Deep learning has significantly advanced the development of high-performance methods for protein function prediction. Nonetheless, even for state-of-the-art deep learning approaches, template information remains an indispensable component in most cases. While many function prediction methods use templates identified through sequence homology or protein-protein interactions, very few methods detect templates through structural similarity, even though protein structures are the basis of their functions. Here, we describe our development of StarFunc, a composite approach that integrates state-of-the-art deep learning models seamlessly with template information from sequence homology, protein-protein interaction partners, proteins with similar structures, and protein domain families. Large-scale benchmarking and blind testing in the 5th Critical Assessment of Function Annotation (CAFA5) consistently demonstrate StarFuncs advantage when compared to both state-of-the-art deep learning methods and conventional template-based predictors.

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ZHANG, C., Liu, Q., Freddolino, L.. 2024-05-18. StarFunc: fusing template-based and deep learning approaches for accurate protein function prediction. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.05.15.594113

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