The 2013 Nucleic Acids Research Database Issue and the online molecular biology database collection

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Genomics

Background:

• The annual Nucleic Acids Research (NAR) Database Issue serves as a comprehensive resource for the molecular biology community.
• This year's issue features 176 articles, covering both novel and updated online databases.

Discussion:

• Highlights include databases for DNA repeat elements, transcription factors, protein structure, and metagenomic analysis.
• Significant focus is placed on databases supporting human health research, including genomic variation, genetic testing, and drug target interactions.
• New resources for primate genomic and RNAseq data are introduced for comparative genomics.

Key Insights:

• The collection includes specialized databases for Escherichia coli.
• Databases for genomic structural variation (dbVar, DGVa) and the NIH Genetic Testing Registry are featured.
• The NAR Molecular Biology Database Collection now lists 1512 online databases.

Outlook:

• The increasing integration of genomic data for human health applications is evident in the newly developed databases.
• The availability of primate genomic data facilitates advanced comparative genomics studies.
• The continuous expansion and updating of the NAR database collection underscore its vital role in biological research.