Ovarian Kaleidoscope database: ten years and beyond

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Genomics
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Ovarian research requires comprehensive gene expression and functional data.
• Existing resources may lack integrated, searchable datasets for ovarian-specific genes.
• Facilitating access to DNA microarray data and gene interactions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Ovarian Kaleidoscope database (OKdb) as a centralized, public resource for ovarian researchers.
• To enable efficient searching and analysis of ovarian gene information, including expression patterns and functional data.
• To support research into ovarian function, disease, and gene interactions.

Main Methods:

• Development of a searchable online database integrating text-based and DNA microarray data.
• Categorization of ovarian gene information by function, expression, localization, regulation, and phenotypes.
• Matching of ligand-receptor genes for paracrine/autocrine signaling analysis.
• Integration with the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) for pathway analysis.
• Inclusion of genes associated with infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and primary ovarian insufficiency.

Main Results:

• The OKdb contains over 3500 ovarian genes linked to 185 KEGG pathways.
• Data includes gene function, cell type expression, localization, hormonal regulation, and phenotypes.
• Over 400 genes linked to infertility/subfertility, ~50 to PCOS, and ~40 to POI are included.
• Ligand-receptor genes are matched to facilitate signaling pathway investigation.
• The database provides access to >10 DNA microarray datasets per gene.

Conclusions:

• The OKdb serves as a valuable, dynamic resource for the ovarian research community.
• It facilitates comprehensive gene expression analysis and investigation of gene interactions.
• The database supports research into ovarian biology and associated diseases through integrated data access.