HoxPred: automated classification of Hox proteins using combinations of generalised profiles

Background: Correct identification of individual Hox proteins is an essential basis for their study in diverse research fields. Common methods to classify Hox proteins focus on the homeodomain that characterise homeobox transcription factors. Classification is hampered by the high conservation of this short domain. Phylogenetic tree reconstruction is a widely used but timeconsuming classification method. Results: We have developed an automated procedure, HoxPred, that classifies Hox proteins in their groups of homology. The method relies on a discriminant analysis that classifies Hox proteins according to their scores for a combination of protein generalised profiles. 54 generalised profiles dedicated to each Hox homology group were produced de novo from a curated dataset of vertebrate Hox proteins. Several classification methods were investigated to select the most accurate discriminant functions. These functions were then incorporated into the HoxPred program. Conclusion: HoxPred sh...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2007
• Where: BMCBI
• Authors: Morgane Thomas-Chollier, Luc Leyns, Valérie Ledent
• Keywords: BMCBI 2007, Hox Proteins, Individual Hox Proteins, Vertebrate Hox Proteins