Algorithmic prediction of functional changes within protein sequence

Abstract

The Following thesis provides a theoretical background to the biology of a naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber), highlighting its unique characteristics that could potentially be explained by altered epigenetic mechanisms. In order to identify potentially functional evolutionarily changed sites in epigenetic modifiers, we developed a novel approach to protein scanning through the utilization of multiple-sequence alignments and protein annotations available in public databases. The key result is computer software and analysis of the obtained results, identifying candidate proteins with potentially altered functions.