CandidaDB: a genome database for Candida albicans pathogenomics

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Genomics
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Candida albicans is a prevalent systemic fungal pathogen.
• Genomic data for C. albicans is crucial for understanding its biology and pathogenicity.
• Existing resources may lack comprehensive, integrated genomic information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present CandidaDB, a dedicated database for the C. albicans genome.
• To provide researchers with tools for analyzing gene function and exploring genomic data.
• To facilitate large-scale and specific genomic analyses of C. albicans.

Main Methods:

• Annotation of C. albicans genome sequence data by the European Galar Fungail Consortium.
• Utilizing the GenoList relational data schema and WWW interface for eukaryotic genomes.
• Implementing tools for browsing, pattern searching, and examining allelic sequences.

Main Results:

• CandidaDB Release 2.0 contains 6244 annotated entries (130 tRNA, 5917 protein-coding genes).
• Provides tentative functional assignments and pre-run analyses for gene evaluation.
• Includes tools for navigating individual supercontigs and allelic sequences.

Conclusions:

• CandidaDB offers a valuable, integrated resource for C. albicans genomic research.
• The database facilitates efficient exploration and analysis of the C. albicans genome.
• Accessible online, CandidaDB supports diverse research needs in fungal pathogen genomics.