Proteomic databases

Definition

Proteomic databases are specialized biological databases designed to store, manage, and provide access to data related to proteins, including their sequences, structures, functions, and interactions. These databases facilitate the analysis of protein expression profiles and the understanding of biological processes by enabling researchers to compare proteomic data across different organisms and conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Proteomic databases often include large-scale data from high-throughput techniques like mass spectrometry, enabling comprehensive analyses of protein expression.
2. These databases can contain information on post-translational modifications, protein localization, and interactions, which are crucial for understanding protein functionality.
3. Examples of popular proteomic databases include UniProt, PRIDE, and PeptideAtlas, each offering different types of protein-related information.
4. Data integration from various sources is a significant feature of proteomic databases, allowing for a holistic view of protein roles in different biological contexts.
5. Proteomic databases play a key role in biomarker discovery by linking protein expression patterns to specific diseases or physiological conditions.

Review Questions

• How do proteomic databases support researchers in comparing protein data across different organisms?
  • Proteomic databases provide a centralized repository where researchers can access standardized protein data from various organisms. By offering tools for data comparison and analysis, these databases enable scientists to examine similarities and differences in protein expression profiles under various conditions. This comparative approach helps uncover evolutionary relationships and functional similarities among proteins across species.
• Discuss the importance of integrating mass spectrometry data into proteomic databases for advancing biological research.
  • Integrating mass spectrometry data into proteomic databases is crucial because this technique allows for the identification and quantification of proteins at a large scale. By incorporating this data, researchers gain access to comprehensive information about protein abundance and modifications in different samples. This rich dataset enhances the understanding of biological processes and can lead to discoveries in areas such as disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets.
• Evaluate the impact of proteomic databases on the identification of potential biomarkers for diseases.
  • The impact of proteomic databases on identifying potential biomarkers for diseases is significant as they provide a platform for correlating protein expression levels with specific disease states. By analyzing large datasets from clinical samples alongside healthy controls, researchers can identify proteins that are differentially expressed in diseases. This capability not only aids in early diagnosis but also informs therapeutic strategies by revealing target proteins for drug development or intervention.

Related terms

Genomic Databases: Databases that focus on storing and managing data related to the genomes of various organisms, including DNA sequences and gene annotations.

Mass Spectrometry: An analytical technique used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, commonly employed in proteomics to identify and quantify proteins.

Protein-Protein Interaction Databases: Databases that specifically catalog interactions between proteins, providing insights into cellular functions and signaling pathways.