SynProt: A Database for Proteins of Detergent-Resistant Synaptic Protein Preparations

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Chemical synapses are crucial for neuronal communication in the central nervous system (CNS).
• Synaptic function relies on intricate, dynamic protein networks within presynaptic and postsynaptic structures.
• These protein networks are key to synaptic plasticity, with their function modulated by composition and post-translational modifications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a comprehensive database of synaptic junction proteins.
• To support the modeling of synaptic protein networks and guide experimental design.
• To consolidate proteomics data for a holistic view of synaptic protein ensembles.

Main Methods:

• Established the SynProt database using proteomics data from detergent-resistant synaptic junction preparations.
• Manually extracted and annotated protein entries from 12 proteomic studies.
• Integrated data with information from public databases like UniProt and PubMed.

Main Results:

• The SynProt database contains 2,788 non-redundant entries of rat, mouse, and human synaptic proteins.
• Entries are annotated for synaptic subcellular localization and include protein classifiers.
• Data is enriched with manually curated and automatically retrieved information.

Conclusions:

• The SynProt database provides a valuable resource for studying synaptic protein networks.
• Facilitates a deeper understanding of the molecular basis of synaptic function and plasticity.
• Aims to advance research in neuroscience through integrated data and improved experimental planning.