Iris: Interactive all-in-one graphical validation of 3D protein model iterations

Iris validation is a Python package created to represent comprehensive per-residue validation metrics for entire protein chains in a compact, readable and interactive view. These metrics can either be calculated by Iris, or by a third-party program such as MolProbity. We show that those parts of a protein model requiring attention may generate ripples across the metrics on the diagram, immediately catching the modeler's attention. Iris can run as a standalone tool, or be plugged into existing structural biology software to display per-chain model quality at a glance, with a particular emphasis on evaluating incremental changes resulting from the iterative nature of model building and refinement. Finally, the integration of Iris into the CCP4i2 graphical user interface is provided as a showcase of its pluggable design.