Sequence-dependent cluster analysis of biomineralization peptides

Z Naturforsch C J Biosci. 2015 Jul 1;70(7-8):191-5. doi: 10.1515/znc-2014-4202.

Abstract

A reliable and statistically valid classification of biomineralization peptides is herein presented. 27 biomineralization peptides (BMPep) were randomly selected as representative samples to establish the classification system using k-means method. These biomineralization peptides were either discovered through isolation from various organisms or via phage display. Our findings show that there are two types of biomineralization peptides based on their length, molecular weight, heterogeneity, and aliphatic residues. Type-1 BMPeps are more commonly found and exhibit higher values for these significant clustering variables. In contrast are the type-2 BMPeps, which have lower values for these parameters and are less common. Through our clustering analysis, a more efficient and systematic approach in BMPep selection is possible since previous methods of BMPep classification are unreliable.