The Ovarian Kaleidoscope database: an online resource for the ovarian research community

The Ovarian Kaleidoscope database (OKdb) is a collaborative online resource for scientists investigating the ovary. It provides information regarding the biological function, expression pattern, and regulation of genes expressed in the ovary as well as for the phenotypes associated with their mutation. In addition, the records in the OKdb are linked to other sites offering online information about biomedical publications, nucleotide and amino acid sequences, and human genes and genetic disorders. A powerful search tool allows the retrieval of records for specific genes and gene products based on their properties at the molecular, cellular, ovarian, or organism level. Researchers working on particular aspects of ovarian physiology can submit information into the database through a simple web-based form and instantly update their records as additional data become available. Because of this approach, the OKdb website could serve as a tool with which to navigate through the rapidly expanding amount of information about the expression and function of individual genes in the ovary and could also enhance communication within the ovarian research community. Moreover, the design of the OKdb could serve as a model for the development of other online databases of tissue-specific gene expression and function. The OKdb can be accessed at http://ovary.stanford.edu/.