MitoNuc: a database of nuclear genes coding for mitochondrial proteins. Update 2002

Area of Science:

• Mitochondrial biology
• Genomics
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Mitochondria are crucial for energy metabolism and involved in cell life and degenerative diseases.
• Mitochondrial functions rely on interactions between nuclear and organelle genomes.
• Existing databases focus on mitochondrial genomes, with less emphasis on nuclear-coded mitochondrial proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop MitoNuc, a comprehensive database for nuclear-coded mitochondrial proteins in Metazoa.
• To facilitate the study of nuclear-mitochondrial genome interactions.
• To support research into the role of mitochondria in health and disease.

Main Methods:

• Developed the MitoNuc database to store information on sequenced nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins.
• Integrated data from sequenced nuclear genes and mitochondrial genomes.
• Implemented a cluster identifier for homologous proteins and included clinical data from SWISS-PROT entries.
• Utilized ORACLE DBMS for database logic and planned a user-friendly web interface.

Main Results:

• MitoNuc provides detailed information on nuclear-coded mitochondrial proteins in Metazoa.
• The database includes a cluster identifier for homologous proteins, enhancing data linkage.
• A new comment field provides clinical data related to protein dysfunction.
• The database is accessible via SRS and a dedicated website, linking to other mitochondrial resources.

Conclusions:

• MitoNuc serves as a valuable resource for studying nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins.
• The database enhances understanding of nuclear-mitochondrial interactions.
• MitoNuc will aid research into mitochondrial dysfunction and associated degenerative diseases.