Closed

Refold this coronavirus protein! This protein is encoded in the viral genome of SARS-CoV-2, in a region called ORF6, but the protein's structure is still unknown. Evidence suggests this protein inhibits the natural immune response, helping the virus survive and replicate. If we knew how this protein folds, we might be able to figure out exactly how it inhibits the immune system. The puzzle's starting structure shows SS predictions from PSIPRED, and hints which parts of the protein might fold into helices or sheets. Refold this protein to find high-scoring solutions, which will tell us how this protein is most likely to fold!

This is a throwback puzzle to the early days of Foldit. This is a trypsin inhibitor in pumpkins. We are revisiting old Foldit puzzles so we can see how useful the recent additions to the game have been and to provide newer players with puzzles that are still scientifically relevant. Players will NOT be able to load in any previous solutions for these puzzles.

Design a symmetric protein trimer, with 3 identical chains that assemble together! The H-bond Network Objective encourages players to bury satisfied H-bond networks at the interface between symmetric chains. H-bond networks are a great way to introduce polar residues at the interface, but it's important that all of the bondable atoms make hydrogen bonds! In this puzzle, there are no limits on the Complex Core, but we've included the Complex Core objective so players can see the core residues that can be incorporated into H-bond Networks.

Note: This puzzle replaces Puzzle 1814b, with changes that should make it easier to build Ideal Loops around the frozen binding helix. Players may load in solutions that were saved in the original Puzzle 1814 or 1814b.

Note: This puzzle was closed early and reposted as Puzzle 1814c, with greater flexibility at the ends of the frozen binding helix. Players may load solutions from this puzzle into the reposted version.

Note: This puzzle was closed early due to an error in the puzzle setup that allowed the frozen helix to move. The puzzle has been reposted as Puzzle 1814b. Players may load solutions from this puzzle into the reposted version.

This is a throwback puzzle to the early days of Foldit. This saposin protein from pig serves as an activator for lipid-desolving enzymes. This protein contains six cysteines that oxidize to form three disulfide bonds. We are revisiting old Foldit puzzles so we can see how useful the recent additions to the game have been and to provide newer players with puzzles that are still scientifically relevant.

Design a symmetric protein trimer, with 3 identical chains that assemble together! The H-bond Network Objective encourages players to bury satisfied H-bond networks at the interface between symmetric chains. H-bond networks are a great way to introduce polar residues at the interface, but it's important that all of the bondable atoms make hydrogen bonds! In this puzzle, there are no limits on the Complex Core, but we've included the Complex Core objective so players can see the core residues that can be incorporated into H-bond Networks.

Design a binder against coronavirus! This is Foldit's third coronavirus puzzle, which challenges players to design an antiviral protein that could bind to the 2019 virus and disrupt viral infection. This puzzle provides a helix fragment that is already known to bind to the coronavirus, and Foldit players can design a new protein that includes this fragment. Players should focus on building up a protein with a large core of orange hydrophobics, and the best designs will also make additional contacts with the target. See our latest video update or the Foldit blog for tips about designing a successful binder! Solutions from previous puzzles are incompatible with this puzzle, so players may NOT load in previous work.

This is a throwback puzzle to the early days of Foldit. This small domain is a component of the collagen that forms the connective tissue beneath your skin! This protein contains six cysteines that oxidize to form three disulfide bonds. We are revisiting old Foldit puzzles so we can see how useful the recent additions to the game have been and to provide newer players with puzzles that are still scientifically relevant.