Folding of small proteins: A matter of geometry?

We review some of our recent results obtained within the scope of simple lattice models and Monte Carlo simulations that illustrate the role of native geometry in the folding kinetics of two state folders.Comment: To appear in Molecular Physic

Entangled Proteins: Knots, Slipknots, Links, and Lassos

In recent years the studies of entangled proteins have grown into the whole new, interdisciplinary and rapidly developing field of research. Here we present various types of entangled proteins studied within this field, which form knots, slipknots, links, and lassos. We discuss their geometric features and indicate what biological and physical role the entanglement plays. We also discuss mathematical tools necessary to analyze such structures and present databases and servers assembling information about entangled proteins: KnotProt, LinkProt, and LassoProt