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miREnvironment database: providing a bridge for microRNAs, environmental factors and phenotypes

Qingqing Yang1, Chengxiang Qiu, Jie Yang

  • 1Department of Biomedical Informatics, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.

Bioinformatics (Oxford, England)
|October 11, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study introduces miREnvironment, a novel database detailing microRNA (miRNA) interactions with environmental factors and their impact on phenotypes. It provides a valuable resource for understanding diseases linked to these complex interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Genomics and Molecular Biology
  • Environmental Health Sciences
  • Bioinformatics

Background:

  • Genetic and environmental factors critically influence organismal phenotypes.
  • MicroRNA (miRNA) dysfunctions, environmental factors, and their interactions significantly affect phenotypes, potentially leading to diseases.
  • A gap exists in integrated databases linking miRNAs, environmental factors, and phenotypes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To construct a comprehensive database, miREnvironment, integrating experimentally validated interactions among miRNAs, environmental factors, and phenotypes.
  • To create a valuable resource for researchers studying the roles of miRNAs and environmental factors in health and disease.

Main Methods:

  • Collected and curated experimentally supported interactions between miRNAs, environmental factors, and phenotypes.
  • Annotated data including miRNA names, phenotypes, environmental factors, conditions, samples, species, evidence, and references.

Main Results:

  • Developed the miREnvironment database, a centralized repository of miRNA-environment-phenotype interactions.
  • Ensured comprehensive annotation for each entry, enhancing data utility.

Conclusions:

  • miREnvironment serves as a crucial biomedical resource for investigating the intricate relationships between miRNAs, environmental factors, and diseases.
  • Facilitates a deeper understanding of how environmental exposures and miRNA alterations contribute to abnormal phenotypes and disease development.

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