Reactome

Definition

Reactome is a free, open-source database that provides detailed information about biological pathways and reactions in humans and other organisms. It offers a curated collection of molecular pathways, including the interactions and events that take place in various biological processes. By integrating diverse data sources, Reactome supports research by allowing users to visualize and analyze complex biological interactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Reactome contains over 2,000 curated biological pathways, including metabolic pathways, signaling pathways, and disease-related pathways.
2. The database is continually updated with new information derived from literature and experimental data, ensuring that users have access to the most current findings.
3. Users can perform pathway analysis using Reactome to identify key components in a given biological process and understand how they interact with one another.
4. Reactome supports data retrieval through a variety of tools, including an interactive web interface and RESTful APIs for programmatic access.
5. The database integrates with other bioinformatics resources and tools, allowing researchers to perform cross-database analyses and gain deeper insights into biological systems.

Review Questions

• How does Reactome contribute to our understanding of biological pathways and their functions?
  • Reactome enhances our understanding of biological pathways by providing a comprehensive and curated database of molecular interactions and processes. It allows researchers to visualize complex relationships between proteins, genes, and metabolites within various pathways. By studying these interactions, scientists can gain insights into how specific biological functions are regulated and how disruptions in these pathways may lead to diseases.
• Discuss the importance of pathway databases like Reactome for bioinformatics research.
  • Pathway databases such as Reactome are crucial for bioinformatics research because they provide structured information about complex biological systems. These databases allow researchers to integrate data from different sources, making it easier to analyze large-scale genomic and proteomic data. They also enable researchers to conduct pathway enrichment analyses, which can help identify key pathways that are significantly affected in specific conditions or diseases, facilitating the discovery of potential therapeutic targets.
• Evaluate the role of Reactome in facilitating data retrieval and submission within the context of biological research.
  • Reactome plays a vital role in facilitating data retrieval and submission by offering user-friendly tools for accessing its extensive pathway information. The database provides an interactive web interface where users can explore pathways, reactions, and associated molecular entities. Additionally, the RESTful APIs allow researchers to programmatically retrieve data or submit new findings, fostering collaboration and innovation in biological research. This seamless access enhances researchers' ability to generate hypotheses, validate experimental results, and contribute to the continuous growth of knowledge in the field.

Related terms

Pathway: A series of molecular events or reactions that lead to a specific biological outcome, often involving multiple proteins and genes.

Bioinformatics: The application of computational tools and techniques to analyze biological data, particularly in the fields of genomics and molecular biology.

Ontology:

A formal representation of knowledge within a specific domain, often used to categorize and describe relationships among concepts in biological pathways.