Centralised database for human protein data

Scientists now have access to a centralised knowledge base for international protein data, with the launch of the Human Proteinpedia (www.humanproteinpedia.org) website this month.

While a large amount of biological information has been available on the internet for some time, the databases do not always have the endorsement of experimental evidence and are in several web locations — a fact that can complicate information retrieval efforts.

The Human Proteinpedia breaks down these barriers. It is a protein ‘Wikipedia’, allowing researchers to share and freely obtain information regarding the set of proteins expressed by the human genome.

The database’s main aim is to promote the exchange of genetic information among researchers. Registered users will be able to include, retrieve and share data about sequences, structures or mutations validated by experimental evidence.

The user who originally contributed the data is the only person who can modify the information.

The database was created with the assistance of 71 genetic and proteomic laboratories from around the globe.