List of biological databases

List of Biological Databases

Biological databases are essential resources for the scientific community, supporting research in areas such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other related fields. These databases provide access to a vast amount of data derived from research, facilitating the understanding of complex biological systems and the development of new therapeutic approaches. This article provides an overview of some of the key biological databases available to researchers.

Genomics Databases

GenBank GenBank is a comprehensive public database of nucleotide sequences and supporting bibliographic and biological annotation. It is maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and serves as a primary repository for genetic information.

Ensembl Ensembl is a genome database project that provides genome-wide information on vertebrates and other eukaryotic species. It is a collaborative project between the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute.

UCSC Genome Browser The UCSC Genome Browser is an online tool that provides access to the genomes of various organisms. It allows users to explore genomic data in a graphical interface, facilitating the analysis of genetic information.

Proteomics Databases

Protein Data Bank (PDB) The Protein Data Bank is a global repository for the three-dimensional structural data of large biological molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids. The data, obtained through experimental methods like X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy, is freely accessible to the research community.

UniProt UniProt is a comprehensive resource for protein sequence and annotation data. It is a collaboration between the EBI, the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), and the Protein Information Resource (PIR).

Metabolomics Databases

MetaboLights MetaboLights is a database for metabolomics experiments and derived information. It hosts a wide range of metabolite structures and their properties, along with experimental data and protocols.

Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) The Human Metabolome Database provides detailed information about small molecule metabolites found in the human body. It is useful for understanding the metabolic pathways and mechanisms of diseases.

Other Notable Databases

NCBI Taxonomy The NCBI Taxonomy database provides information on the names and taxonomic lineage of all organisms that are represented in the genetic databases with at least one nucleotide or protein sequence.

KEGG The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) is a collection of databases dealing with genomes, biological pathways, diseases, drugs, and chemical substances. KEGG is utilized for bioinformatics research and education, including data analysis in genomics, metabolomics, and other omics studies.

Conclusion

Biological databases are invaluable tools for the research community, offering access to a wealth of data that can advance our understanding of biological systems and disease mechanisms. The databases listed here represent just a fraction of the resources available to scientists, each with its specific focus and utility. As science progresses, the importance of these databases and the need for their continuous update and expansion will undoubtedly increase.