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Comprehensive Guide to Protein Databases: Types and Key Examples

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Overview of Protein Databases

Protein databases are critical resources in bioinformatics for storing and analyzing diverse protein-related data. They are categorized based on the type of information they provide:

  • Sequence Databases: Store amino acid sequences of proteins.
  • Structural Databases: Contain 3D configurations and structural details. For foundational concepts, see Understanding Protein Structure: Primary to Quaternary Levels Explained.
  • Family and Domain Databases: Group proteins by shared families and domains, highlighting functional and structural motifs.
  • Interaction Databases: Document protein-protein interactions and experimental results like electrophoresis data.

Family and Domain Databases

These databases classify proteins into families based on characteristic structural patterns and domains, which are specific regions with distinct functional roles. Understanding protein families and domains is essential for interpreting protein function and evolutionary relationships. For more on protein structure levels and domain significance, refer to Understanding Protein Structure: Primary to Quaternary Levels Explained.

Example: PRITE

  • Contains profiles of structural patterns.
  • Helps identify protein families and distinct domains.
  • Assists in understanding protein topology from primary to tertiary structures.

Interaction Databases

Interaction databases track how proteins interact with each other, which is vital for mapping cellular processes and pathways. Techniques such as Understanding Phage Display: A Key Technique in Protein Interaction Studies complement the use of such databases by providing experimental methods insight.

Key Examples:

  • Swiss 2D-PAGE: Contains protein identification data obtained via two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Covers proteins from humans, mice, Arabidopsis, E. coli, and more.

  • SugarBindDB: Focuses on pathogen surface carbohydrates, such as sugar moieties related to pathogen recognition via the mannose-binding lectin pathway.

  • SwissVar: Summarizes variant information in protein entries, especially important for pathogens where structural variations affect infectivity and immune response.

Importance of Domain and Motif Understanding

A clear grasp of protein domains, motifs, and their structural levels (primary, secondary, supersecondary, tertiary) is fundamental to utilizing these databases effectively. This knowledge underpins protein functional analysis and bioinformatics tool usage. For broader context, see Comprehensive Guide to Recombinant Protein Expression and Structural Biology.

Regulatory and Geographic Context

These protein databases often fall under European regulation and standards, ensuring data quality and interoperability within the bioinformatics community.


This classification and specific examples provide a structured framework for researchers to select appropriate protein databases for their analytical needs, facilitating effective investigation and understanding of protein functions and interactions.

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