ESPript: analysis of multiple sequence alignments in PostScript

Bioinformatics. 1999 Apr;15(4):305-8. doi: 10.1093/bioinformatics/15.4.305.

Abstract

Motivation: The program ESPript (Easy Sequencing in PostScript) allows the rapid visualization, via PostScript output, of sequences aligned with popular programs such as CLUSTAL-W or GCG PILEUP. It can read secondary structure files (such as that created by the program DSSP) to produce a synthesis of both sequence and structural information.

Results: ESPript can be run via a command file or a friendly html-based user interface. The program calculates an homology score by columns of residues and can sort this calculation by groups of sequences. It offers a palette of markers to highlight important regions in the alignment. ESPript can also paste information on residue conservation into coordinate files, for subsequent visualization with a graphics program.

Availability: ESPript can be accessed on its Web site at http://www.ipbs.fr/ESPript. Sources and helpfiles can be downloaded via anonymous ftp from ftp.ipbs.fr. A tar file is held in the directory pub/ESPript.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Sequence Alignment / methods*
  • Software*

Substances

  • Proteins