Link sequence or sequence alignment to structure
The "Align to Existing Sequence" button can be used to map and link existing sequences or sequence alignments to a protein structure chain in a Molecule Project (3D view). It can also be used to reconnect a protein structure chain to a sequence or sequence alignment previously created by Show Sequence (Show sequence associated with molecule) or Align to Existing Sequence.
Select a single protein chain in the project tree (see figure 11.11). Pressing "Align to Existing Sequence" then opens a Navigation Area browser, where it is possible to select one or more Sequence, Sequence Lists, or Alignments, to link with the selected protein chain.
Figure 11.11: Select a single protein chain in the Project Tree and invoke "Align to Existing Sequence".
If the sequences or alignments already contain a sequence identical to the protein chain selected in the Molecule Project (i.e. same name and amino acid sequence), this sequence is linked to the protein structure. If no identical sequence is present, a sequence is extracted from the protein structure (as for Show Sequence - Show sequence associated with molecule), and a sequence alignment is created between this sequence and the sequences or alignments selected from the Navigation Area.
When the link is established, selections on the linked sequence in the sequence editor will create atom selections in the 3D view, and it is possible to transfer annotations between the linked sequence and the 3D protein chain (see Transfer annotations between sequence and structure). Notice, that the link will be broken if either the sequence or the 3D protein chain is modified.