MASIA: recognition of common patterns and properties in multiple aligned protein sequences.

MASIA is a software tool for pattern recognition in multiple aligned protein sequences. MASIA converts a sequence to a properties matrix that can be scanned in both vertical and horizontal steps. Consistent patterns are recognized based on the statistical significance of their occurrence. Preset macros can be altered on-line to seek any combination of amino acid properties or sequence characteristics. MASIA output can be used directly by our programs to predict the 3D structure of proteins. Access MASIA at http://www.scsb.utmb.edu/masia/ma sia.html.