foldseek

Search protein 3D structures against PDB and AlphaFold DB for similar folds and homologs.

11|Updated Mar 4, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/junior1p/ProteinClaw --skill foldseek-junior1p
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: foldseek
Source: https://github.com/junior1p/ProteinClaw/tree/main/skills/foldseek
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/junior1p/ProteinClaw --skill foldseek-junior1p

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Foldseek enables fast, structure-based similarity searches to detect homologs and similar folds that sequence-based methods may miss, streamlining scaffold discovery and novelty checks for protein designs.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Database searches: Query PDB, AlphaFold DB (afdb50), and clustered databases to find structural neighbors.
  • Local and web modes: Run quick, rate-limited queries via the Foldseek web API or perform large-scale searches locally against downloadable databases.
  • Configurable thresholds: Tune minimum sequence identity, e-value, and alignment-type to prioritize sensitivity or specificity.
  • Practical scenarios: Use for novelty checks (is a design present in AFDB?), scaffold discovery for motif grafting, and clustering designs by structural similarity.

Quick Start

Use the foldseek skill to search design.pdb against afdb50 and return the top 10 hits with alignment metrics and an e-value threshold of 0.001.

Frequently Asked Questions about foldseek

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I search AlphaFold DB for structural homologs of a protein?

To find structural homologs, query a protein PDB file against databases like afdb50 and filter results using e-value and sequence identity thresholds.

What is the difference between sequence-based similarity and protein structure search?

Protein structure search detects similar folds and homologs that sequence-based methods often miss, enabling scaffold discovery and novelty checks for protein designs.

Can I run local searches against PDB for large-scale protein fold similarity?

Yes, you can perform large-scale local searches against downloadable PDB databases, but you must configure adequate RAM and disk space to handle the data volume.

How do I configure e-value and identity thresholds for a PDB structure search?

You can configure minimum sequence identity and e-value thresholds to tune your PDB structure search, prioritizing either sensitivity or specificity for your hits.

Does Foldseek work for motif scaffold discovery and novelty checks in AlphaFold?

Yes, Foldseek supports motif scaffold discovery and novelty checks by searching clustered AlphaFold databases to find structural neighbors and verify if a design already exists.

What are the RAM and disk limitations when searching clustered protein structure databases?

Searching clustered protein structure databases locally demands significant RAM and disk space, making the web API a better alternative for quick, rate-limited queries.