Related Experiment Videos
dbSNP: the NCBI database of genetic variation
S T Sherry1, M H Ward, M Kholodov
1National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA. sherry@ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Nucleic Acids Research
|January 11, 2000
Summary
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) created the dbSNP database to catalog genome variation. This resource supports large-scale genetic studies and is publicly accessible for download and online exploration.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Large-scale genome variation data is crucial for association studies, gene mapping, and evolutionary biology.
- Existing data resources were insufficient to meet the demands of comprehensive genome variation analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- Establish a centralized, publicly accessible database for genome variation.
- Integrate diverse genetic and genomic data sources for unified access.
Main Methods:
- Development of the dbSNP (Database of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) database by the NCBI.
- Integration of dbSNP with existing NCBI resources like GenBank, PubMed, and LocusLink.
- Making the database content publicly available via a website and anonymous FTP.
Main Results:
- Creation of a comprehensive catalog of genome variation.
- Facilitation of data sharing and accessibility for researchers worldwide.
- Establishment of a key resource for genetic research and analysis.
Conclusions:
- The dbSNP database provides a vital resource for the scientific community.
- Public accessibility of genome variation data accelerates genetic research and discovery.
- dbSNP serves as a cornerstone for advancing genomic studies.