Work

Reconstructing biological molecules with help from video gamers

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Foldit is a citizen science video game in which players tackle a variety of complex biochemistry puzzles. Here, we describe a new series of puzzles in which Foldit players improve the accuracy of models in the public repository of experimental protein structure models, the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Analyzing the results of these puzzles showed that the Foldit players were able to considerably improve the deposited structures. We describe a mechanism by which the efforts of the Foldit players can be fed back into the structural biology scientific record by using Foldit results as improved input for the PDB-REDO databank. These efforts highlight the continued need for the engagement of the lay population in science.

Source: Acta Crystallographica Section D Structural Biology

DOI: 10.1107/s2059798325008149

Authors: Andreas C. Petrides, Robbie P. Joosten, Foldit Players, Firas Khatib, Scott Horowitz

Institutions: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Oncode Institute, University of Denver

Language: English

Topic: Protein Structure and Dynamics

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,230

Funders: National Science Foundation, Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport, KWF Kankerbestrijding, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme