pdb-database

Search and retrieve 3D structural data from the RCSB PDB.

48|6|Updated Mar 9, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/qinyan-ai/qinyan-academic-skills --skill pdb-database-qinyan-ai
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: pdb-database
Source: https://github.com/qinyan-ai/qinyan-academic-skills/tree/main/skills/08-%E8%9B%8B%E7%99%BD%E8%B4%A8%E5%B7%A5%E7%A8%8B%E4%B8%8E%E7%BB%93%E6%9E%84%E7%94%9F%E7%89%A9%E5%AD%A6/pdb-database
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/qinyan-ai/qinyan-academic-skills --skill pdb-database-qinyan-ai

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Access RCSB PDB data for 3D protein and nucleic acid structures, enabling searching, downloading, and metadata retrieval to streamline structural biology workflows.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Search by text, sequence, or structure to locate relevant PDB entries.
  • Download coordinates in PDB, mmCIF formats for downstream analysis.
  • Retrieve metadata and structural details to inform modeling and drug discovery.
  • Batch operations: process multiple structures efficiently for comparative studies.

Quick Start

Search for a target protein or nucleic acid structure by name or sequence and download its coordinates to begin analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions about pdb-database

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I search and download 3D protein structures from RCSB PDB?

You can search and download 3D protein structures from RCSB PDB using text, sequence, or structure-based queries. The skill retrieves structural coordinates and metadata in PDB or mmCIF formats for downstream analysis.

Can I retrieve metadata for nucleic acid structures from RCSB PDB?

Yes, you can retrieve metadata for nucleic acid structures from RCSB PDB. The skill fetches structural details and metadata for both protein and nucleic acid entries to inform modeling and drug discovery workflows.

Does this tool support batch operations to process multiple PDB structures?

Yes, this tool supports batch operations to process multiple PDB structures efficiently. You can retrieve coordinates and metadata for several entries simultaneously, streamlining comparative structural biology studies.

What file formats are available when fetching protein coordinates from RCSB PDB?

When fetching protein coordinates from RCSB PDB, the available file formats are PDB and mmCIF. These formats contain the structural coordinates needed for downstream molecular analysis and visualization.

Is sequence-based search supported for finding PDB entries?

Yes, sequence-based search is fully supported for finding PDB entries. You can locate relevant 3D structural data by submitting a target protein or nucleic acid sequence alongside standard text and structure queries.

When do I need to download mmCIF files instead of PDB files for structural biology?

You need to download mmCIF files instead of PDB files for structural biology when working with large complexes that exceed PDB format limits or require extensive metadata. Both formats are supported for fetching structural coordinates.