Abstract
BackgroundMycobacterial pathogens are a major threat to humans. With the increasing availability of functional genomic data, research on mycobacterial pathogenesis and subsequent control strategies will be greatly accelerated. It has been suggested that genome polymorphisms, namely large sequence polymorphisms, can influence the pathogenicity of different mycobacterial strains. However, there is currently no database dedicated to mycobacterial genome polymorphisms with functional interpretations.DescriptionWe have developed a mycobacterial database (MyBASE) housing genome polymorphism data and gene functions to provide the mycobacterial research community with a useful information resource and analysis platform. Whole genome comparison data produced by our lab and the novel genome polymorphisms identified were deposited into MyBASE. Extensive literature review of genome polymorphism data, mainly large sequence polymorphisms (LSPs), operon predictions and curated annotations of virulence and essentiality of mycobacterial genes are unique features of MyBASE. Large-scale genomic data integration from public resources makes MyBASE a comprehensive data warehouse useful for current research. All data is cross-linked and can be graphically viewed via a toolbox in MyBASE.ConclusionAs an integrated platform focused on the collection of experimental data from our own lab and published literature, MyBASE will facilitate analysis of genome structure and polymorphisms, which will provide insight into genome evolution. Importantly, the database will also facilitate the comparison of virulence factors among various mycobacterial strains. MyBASE is freely accessible via http://mybase.psych.ac.cn.
Highlights
Mycobacterial pathogens are a major threat to humans
Mycobacteria are notorious for its two species, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) and Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy, respectively
The genome of M. tb H37Rv was the first mycobacterial genome to be sequenced and was published in 1998 [1], which was followed by the genome of M. leprae in 2001 [2]
Summary
MyBASE is a unique data warehouse and analysis platform for the mycobacterial research community, which features a collection and curation of a large amount of LSP and functional genomic data. MyBASE can help researchers to explore and investigate genome deletions, virulence factors, essential genes, and operon structure of mycobacteria. The database is freely available on http:// mybase.psych.ac.cn. XZ designed the database, collected, curated the data and wrote the manuscript. SC analyzed the data and developed the database. KF and SC developed the database and did the programming work. JL, ZW, and XY performed the microarray experiments and analyzed the data. BZ and JW supervised the work, manage the team and wrote the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
