COMPEL: a database on composite regulatory elements providing combinatorial transcriptional regulation

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Genomics

Background:

• Composite regulatory elements (CEs) are fundamental units of combinatorial gene regulation.
• CEs involve closely situated binding sites for distinct transcription factors, mediating gene expression through factor-DNA and factor-factor interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and provide access to the COMPEL database, a comprehensive resource on composite regulatory elements.
• To develop tools for identifying and analyzing CEs for applications in promoter and gene function prediction, and gene engineering.

Main Methods:

• Developed a relational model for COMPEL based on the molecular structure and regulatory roles of CEs.
• Created a program for searching potential CEs within gene regulatory regions.
• Implemented WWW search and browse routines for COMPEL release 3.0.

Main Results:

• COMPEL database (release 3.0) provides structured information on known composite regulatory elements.
• A program for predicting potential CEs, specifically of the NFAT type, has been developed and made available.
• The database and associated tools are accessible online for research purposes.

Conclusions:

• The COMPEL database serves as a valuable resource for understanding combinatorial gene regulation.
• Information on CEs is crucial for advancing promoter prediction, gene function analysis, and gene engineering applications.
• Accessible tools facilitate the discovery and analysis of composite regulatory elements in genomic regions.