Human Protein Reference Database

Human Protein Reference Database (HPRD) is a comprehensive resource for the scientific community that compiles detailed information about human proteins. These proteins include their structure, function, and interactions in cellular processes. The database is designed to facilitate the understanding of protein functions and their role in human diseases, making it a crucial tool for research in bioinformatics, molecular biology, and medicine.

Overview

The Human Protein Reference Database provides a systematic collection and integration of protein information, including post-translational modifications, protein-protein interactions, and disease associations. It serves as a platform for researchers to explore the complexities of the human proteome, offering insights into protein functions and their implications in health and disease.

Content

HPRD contains information on thousands of human proteins curated from scientific literature. This information includes:

• Protein sequences: Primary structures of proteins.
• Post-translational modifications: Chemical modifications that proteins undergo after translation, which can affect their function.
• Protein-protein interactions: Data on how proteins interact with each other, which is crucial for understanding cellular processes.
• Subcellular localization: Information on where in the cell proteins are found, providing clues about their function.
• Disease associations: Links between proteins and human diseases, which can help in identifying potential therapeutic targets.

Features

One of the key features of HPRD is its user-friendly interface, which allows researchers to easily search for proteins and their related information. The database also provides tools for visualizing protein-protein interactions, aiding in the analysis of complex protein networks.

Applications

The information in HPRD has a wide range of applications, including:

• Drug discovery: Identifying potential drug targets by understanding protein functions and interactions.
• Disease research: Studying the molecular basis of diseases through the lens of protein dysfunction.
• Functional genomics: Exploring the roles of genes in cellular processes by studying the proteins they encode.

Challenges and Future Directions

Maintaining and updating the database is a significant challenge due to the rapid pace of research and discovery in the field of proteomics. Future directions for HPRD involve integrating more comprehensive data, improving data curation processes, and enhancing user interface and accessibility to accommodate the growing needs of the research community.