Munich Information Center for Protein Sequences

Database

Munich Information Center for Protein Sequences (MIPS) was a bioinformatics research facility and database resource based in Munich, Germany. It focused on the collection, analysis, and distribution of protein sequences and related information. MIPS played a significant role in the field of genomics and proteomics, providing valuable resources for researchers studying the functions of genes and proteins.

Overview

The Munich Information Center for Protein Sequences was established to support the scientific community by offering access to a wide range of data on protein sequences. Its databases were used by researchers worldwide to understand protein function, discover new proteins, and explore the genetic basis of diseases. MIPS contributed to the advancement of bioinformatics tools and methodologies, facilitating the analysis and interpretation of complex biological data.

Databases and Resources

MIPS developed and maintained several important databases and resources. These included:

• Comprehensive Yeast Genome Database (CYGD): Focused on the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome, providing detailed annotations, protein functions, and interaction networks.
• PEDANT: A database that offered automated sequence analysis of various genomes, helping researchers to predict protein functions based on sequence and structural information.
• FunCat: A functional annotation scheme for the classification of proteins, which was widely used in the analysis of genomic and proteomic data.

Research and Collaboration

MIPS collaborated with numerous research institutions and projects, contributing to significant scientific discoveries and advancements. It was involved in international consortia and initiatives aimed at understanding the molecular basis of life and disease. Through its work, MIPS helped to bridge the gap between genomic information and functional understanding, enabling more targeted and effective approaches in biomedical research.

Legacy

Although specific details on the discontinuation or current status of MIPS may not be provided, the legacy of MIPS continues through the databases and tools it developed, many of which are still in use today. Its contributions to bioinformatics have paved the way for new discoveries and innovations in the field.

See Also

• Bioinformatics
• Genomics
• Proteomics
• Protein sequence
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae