RefSeq

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RefSeq (Reference Sequence) is a comprehensive, integrated, non-redundant set of sequences, including genomic DNA, transcripts, and proteins. It is curated by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), a division of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Overview

RefSeq provides a critical reference standard for the functional annotation of genes, mutation analysis, and the interpretation of experimental data. The database includes sequences from a wide range of organisms, including humans, model organisms, and other species of interest in biomedical research.

History

The RefSeq project was initiated in 1999 to address the need for a curated, non-redundant sequence database. It has since grown to include millions of sequences, with regular updates and enhancements to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Content and Structure

RefSeq includes several types of sequences:

• Genomic DNA sequences: These are the complete DNA sequences of an organism's genome.
• mRNA sequences: These sequences represent the transcribed portions of the genome.
• Protein sequences: These sequences are derived from the translation of mRNA sequences.

Each RefSeq record is identified by a unique accession number, which is used to track updates and revisions. The database is organized into several categories, including:

• Reference genome assemblies: High-quality, complete genome sequences.
• Model RefSeqs: Sequences from well-studied model organisms.
• Provisional RefSeqs: Sequences that are still under review and may be updated.

Applications

RefSeq is widely used in various fields of biomedical research, including:

• Gene annotation: Providing a reference for identifying and annotating genes in newly sequenced genomes.
• Variant analysis: Serving as a standard for identifying and interpreting genetic variants.
• Comparative genomics: Facilitating the comparison of genomes across different species.

Access and Tools

RefSeq data can be accessed through several NCBI tools and databases, including:

• GenBank
• BLAST
• Entrez
• Genome Data Viewer

Related Pages

• GenBank
• NCBI
• BLAST
• Entrez
• Genome Data Viewer
• National Center for Biotechnology Information
• National Library of Medicine
• National Institutes of Health

See Also

• Genomic database
• Bioinformatics
• Genomics
• Proteomics