Applications of the PROPHET system in correlating crystallographic structural data with biological information

The goal of the Molecular Biophysics Department at the Medical Foundation of Buffalo is to establish relationships between the physical structures of molecules and their biological activities. At present, the steroid and thyroid hormones, their derivatives, analogs, and inhibitors are the materials of major interest in this research, but work on other groups of biologically active molecules is anticipated or in progress. The PROPHET system provides a powerful medium for the assembly, storage, and analysis of both structural and biological data. Correlative studies of these two types of data are particularly important because they may lead to an understanding of the molecular level mechanisms of action of hormones, drugs, antibiotics, and other biological substances. The PROPHET system is well suited for this type of analysis because it permits communication and interaction among scientists who are experts on various phases of molecular biology.