LGICdb: the ligand-gated ion channel database

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Neuroscience
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs) are transmembrane proteins essential for rapid neurotransmitter signaling.
• The discovery of numerous genes encoding LGIC subunits necessitates organized data management.
• Existing data on these complex receptors is fragmented and requires consolidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a comprehensive database (LGICdb) for ligand-gated ion channel genes and their sequences.
• To provide a centralized, curated resource for researchers studying LGICs.
• To facilitate the retrieval and analysis of LGIC-related data.

Main Methods:

• Curated data collection of nucleic acid and protein sequences for LGIC genes.
• Database structuring for efficient retrieval by various criteria.
• Inclusion of multiple sequence alignments, phylogenetic analyses, and available atomic coordinates.

Main Results:

• The LGICdb provides a single entry per gene with annotated sequences.
• The database allows retrieval of entries by multiple search parameters.
• Version 16 (September 2000) contains 333 entries across 34 species, including alignments and phylogenetic data.

Conclusions:

• LGICdb serves as a valuable, continuously updated resource for the scientific community.
• The database aids in understanding the diversity and evolution of ligand-gated ion channels.
• Centralized data facilitates further research into neurotransmission and related disorders.