pdb-database

Search and retrieve 3D protein structures from the RCSB PDB.

Updated Mar 15, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/sagunkayastha/claude_skills_collection --skill pdb-database-sagunkayastha
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: pdb-database
Source: https://github.com/sagunkayastha/claude_skills_collection/tree/main/scientific-databases/pdb-database
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/sagunkayastha/claude_skills_collection --skill pdb-database-sagunkayastha

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires rcsb-api, requests, biopython, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides programmatic access to the RCSB Protein Data Bank, enabling users to search for, retrieve, and analyze 3D structural data of biological macromolecules, streamlining research in structural biology and drug discovery.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Structure Searching: Find PDB entries by text, sequence, or structural similarity.
  • Data Retrieval: Fetch detailed metadata, coordinate files (PDB, mmCIF), and biological assembly information.
  • Use Case: A researcher needs to find all human protein structures with a resolution better than 2.0 Å to study a specific protein family. This Skill can perform that search and download the relevant coordinate files for further analysis.

Quick Start

Use the pdb-database skill to search for structures of 'hemoglobin' and download the PDB file for entry '4HHB'.

Frequently Asked Questions about pdb-database

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I programmatically search and download protein structures from the RCSB PDB?

Programmatic access to the RCSB PDB allows you to search for 3D protein structures by text, sequence, or structural similarity and directly download coordinate files. You can retrieve entries in PDB or mmCIF formats for structural biology applications.

Can I retrieve detailed metadata for biological assemblies using the PDB API?

Yes, you can fetch detailed metadata for biological assemblies from the RCSB PDB. This includes retrieving structural information and coordinate files for biological macromolecules to support drug discovery and protein engineering research.

What is the best way to find human protein structures with a specific resolution?

Finding human protein structures with a specific resolution is achieved by querying the RCSB PDB with structural filters. You can search for entries with a resolution better than 2.0 Å and download the relevant coordinate files for further analysis.

How do I get mmCIF format coordinate files for 3D structural analysis?

To get mmCIF format coordinate files for 3D structural analysis, you query the RCSB PDB to retrieve entries of interest. The retrieved coordinate files facilitate downstream structural biology tasks and detailed macromolecular analysis.

Does biopython work with RCSB API data retrieval for nucleic acid structures?

Yes, biopython works with RCSB API data retrieval for nucleic acid structures. The skill uses biopython and requests to programmatically access the RCSB PDB, searching and retrieving 3D structural data of biological macromolecules.

Can I use sequence similarity to find 3D structures in the protein data bank?

Yes, you can use sequence similarity to find 3D structures in the protein data bank. Structure searching enables finding PDB entries by text, sequence, or structural similarity to support your structural biology research.