Mutations in the protein affect not only the structure of protein, but also its function and stability. Prediction of mutant protein stability with accuracy is desired for uncovering the molecular aspects of diseases and design of novel proteins. Many advanced computational approaches have been developed over the years, to predict the stability and function of a mutated protein. These approaches based on structure, sequence features and combined features (both structure and sequence features) provide reasonably accurate estimation of the impact of amino acid substitution on stability and function of protein. Recently, consensus tools have been developed by incorporating many tools together, which provide single window results for comparison purpose. In this review, a useful guide for the selection of tools that can be employed in predicting mutated proteins' stability and disease causing capability is provided.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents one of the greatest threats to modern global health. Diabetes mellitus is characterized by chronic elevation of blood glucose concentration as a consequence of decreased blood insulin levels or decreased action of insulin. In order to prevent or delay the onset of such complications, tight control of fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels is a central aspect of diabetes treatment. Development of new therapies that are able to improve glycemia management, cure diabetes, and can even protect from it, are of great interest. Metal compounds proposed to have the potential to elicit beneficial effect in the pathogenesis and complication of the disease. The idea of using metal ions for the treatment of diabetes originates from the report in 1899. Vanadium, chromium, copper, cobalt, tungsten and zinc were found to be effective for treating diabetes in experimental animals. Results from long-term trials are needed in order to assess the safety and beneficial role of these metals as complementary therapies in the management of diabetes. The present review includes the therapeutic potential of some metals showing promising result in the treatment of diabetes.
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