Protein Visualiser

The Protein Visualiser Project, initiated in 2021, represents a ground-breaking effort to enhance the visualization of intricate three-dimensional structures. Conceived as a capstone project by Matthew Barrett and Dr. Nico Pietroni, the initiative garnered support through funding from the esteemed UTS cross-faculty research grant. Several reputable institutions, including the UTS Data Arena, UTS School of Computer Science, Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, and the UNSW Structural Biology Facility, have actively collaborated and contributed to the project's advancement.

Driven by Unreal Engine 4 for real-time rendering on the Data Arena's 360º display system, the program was designed to visualise multiple protein structures from PDB data files at 3 stations around the theatre. Audiences can simply use their phones to interact with the visualisations after scanning a QR code. A simple web app allows users to select a station and protein file, and explore the models by scaling and rotating the visualisations. From its inception, the project's primary focus was to adopt cutting-edge tools and technologies to enable fast development and demonstrations to broad audiences. A workflow was created with the Data Arena which allowed the majority of development to be completed off-site, thanks for the cross-platform support of Unreal Engine.

Following a successful showcase at the Data Arena in 2022, interest in the Protein Visualizer Project has driven further development. The project has drawn focus on the visualization of AlphaFold proteins. Researchers can use this tool to discern structural differences between proteins - by a visual comparison of AlphaFold outputs.

As the Protein Visualiser Project continues to grow, it seeks to offer a valuable tool for researchers seeking the latest innovations in the field. Through deeper insights and collaborative research, this project enables new discoveries in the dynamic realm of protein sciences.