Transporter Classification Database

Transporter Classification Database (TCDB) is an online, freely accessible database that provides detailed information about the classification and properties of membrane transport proteins. Membrane transport proteins are essential components of cellular membranes, facilitating the movement of substances across the biological membranes that enclose cells and their internal compartments. The TCDB is recognized for its comprehensive classification system, which organizes transport proteins based on their sequence, function, and evolutionary relationships.

Overview

The Transporter Classification Database employs a unique system known as the Transporter Classification (TC) system. This system categorizes transport proteins into families and subfamilies based on their structural and functional characteristics. The TC system uses a five-level hierarchical classification, which is denoted by numbers and letters. This format allows for the detailed categorization of transporters, ranging from broad classes to specific transport systems.

Classification System

The TC system's hierarchy is structured as follows:

• The first level indicates the class of the transporter, based on the mode of transport and energy coupling mechanism.
• The second level denotes the subclass, typically reflecting the type of transported substrate.
• The third level specifies the family, often based on sequence similarity and structural features.
• The fourth level identifies the subfamily, which groups transporters with closer functional or genetic relationships.
• The fifth level, the transporter identifier, uniquely identifies each transporter system within its subfamily.

Importance

Transport proteins play a crucial role in various biological processes, including nutrient uptake, ion homeostasis, and the removal of toxins. The TCDB provides an invaluable resource for researchers studying these proteins, offering insights into their function, structure, and evolutionary history. By classifying transporters in a systematic manner, the TCDB facilitates the identification of novel transport systems and the exploration of their roles in health and disease.

Applications

The information contained within the TCDB is applicable to a wide range of scientific disciplines, including biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, and medicine. Researchers can use the database to:

• Explore the diversity of transport proteins across different organisms.
• Investigate the mechanisms of substrate recognition and transport.
• Identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
• Study the evolution of transport systems.

Accessing the Database

The Transporter Classification Database is accessible online at its official website. Users can search the database by transporter name, TC number, or keyword. The website also offers tools for sequence analysis and comparison, facilitating the study of transporter proteins.

Future Directions

The field of transporter biology is rapidly evolving, with new transport systems being discovered and characterized. The TCDB is continuously updated to reflect these advancements, ensuring that it remains a cutting-edge resource for the scientific community. Future developments may include the integration of more advanced bioinformatics tools, enhancing the database's utility for research and discovery.

See Also

• Membrane transport protein
• Bioinformatics
• Molecular biology
• Pharmacology

External Links

• Official TCDB Website