StoneMod: a database for kidney stone modulatory proteins with experimental evidence

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Kidney stone disease requires better understanding of molecular mechanisms for improved therapeutic outcomes.
• Stone modulators, proteins influencing stone formation, are critical but their information is dispersed.
• Current research highlights the need for a centralized resource on these modulatory proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a comprehensive, curated database (StoneMod) of kidney stone modulatory proteins.
• To consolidate experimental evidence on proteins that promote or inhibit kidney stone formation.
• To provide a user-friendly platform for accessing and contributing data on stone modulators.

Main Methods:

• Curated information from published studies on stone modulatory proteins.
• Inclusion of experimental evidence for protein roles in stone formation processes.
• Development of a web interface for database access and data submission.

Main Results:

• The StoneMod database currently includes 10, 16, 13, and 8 proteins affecting calcium oxalate crystallization, crystal growth, aggregation, and adhesion, respectively.
• Each entry provides detailed protein information and links to PubMed for original studies.
• Hyperlinks to external protein/gene databases (UniProtKB, Swiss-Prot, etc.) are integrated.

Conclusions:

• StoneMod serves as a valuable, centralized resource for kidney stone modulator research.
• The database facilitates deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms in kidney stone formation.
• It supports the development of improved therapeutic strategies for kidney stone disease.