Eukaryotic Pathogen Database

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Eukaryotic Pathogen Database (EuPathDB) is an informatics resource that integrates diverse types of data for a variety of eukaryotic microbial pathogens. The database facilitates research and understanding of complex biological systems by providing tools for visualizing, analyzing, and dynamically querying the integrated data, thereby enabling insights into pathogen biology and the development of novel interventions.

Overview

EuPathDB is part of the broader National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) funded Bioinformatics Resource Centers (BRCs) initiative, aimed at supporting research on infectious diseases. The database encompasses a wide range of eukaryotic pathogens, including protozoa, fungi, and other organisms that cause diseases in humans and animals. It serves as a comprehensive resource for the scientific community, offering access to genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data.

Content and Features

EuPathDB provides a user-friendly interface that allows researchers to access and integrate data across different pathogens and data types. Key features include:

• Genomic Data: Complete genome sequences, annotations, and comparative genomics tools for various eukaryotic pathogens.
• Transcriptomic Data: Information on gene expression under different conditions, stages of the life cycle, or in response to treatment.
• Proteomic Data: Data on protein expression, localization, and function.
• Metabolomic Data: Insights into the metabolic pathways and metabolites involved in pathogen biology and host-pathogen interactions.
• Literature and Annotation: Curated links to relevant scientific literature and community annotations.

Search and Analysis Tools

EuPathDB offers a range of tools for querying and analyzing the data, including:

• Keyword Search: Allows users to search for genes, proteins, and other data using specific keywords.
• BLAST Search: Enables sequence similarity searches against the database's sequence data.
• Genome Browser: Visualizes genomic data within the context of the genome.
• Pathway Tools: Facilitates the exploration of metabolic and signaling pathways.

Applications

The database supports a wide range of research applications, including:

• Identifying potential drug targets and vaccine candidates.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity and host-pathogen interactions.
• Comparative genomics and evolutionary studies of eukaryotic pathogens.

Participating Projects

EuPathDB integrates data from several pathogen-specific databases, including:

• PlasmoDB for Plasmodium spp., the causative agents of malaria.
• ToxoDB for Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite.
• TriTrypDB for trypanosomatids, including Trypanosoma brucei, the cause of sleeping sickness, and Leishmania spp., responsible for leishmaniasis.

Future Directions

EuPathDB is continuously expanding, with plans to include more eukaryotic pathogens and to incorporate new data types and analytical tools. The goal is to enhance the understanding of pathogen biology and to facilitate the development of new strategies for disease control and prevention.