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Updated: Aug 23, 2025
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Author Spotlight: Characterizing Novel Enzymes from Extremophiles and Common Pathogens to Understand DNA Repair and Replication
Published on: July 5, 2024
759
REBASE: a database for DNA restriction and modification: enzymes, genes and genomes
Richard J Roberts1, Tamas Vincze1, Janos Posfai1
1New England Biolabs, 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA 01938 USA.
Nucleic Acids Research
|November 1, 2022
Summary
REBASE is a vital database for restriction-modification (RM) systems, offering comprehensive data on enzymes and methyltransferases. It aids researchers by cataloging recognition sites, availability, and genomic data for RM components.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Restriction-modification (RM) systems are crucial for DNA regulation and defense.
- Databases are essential for organizing and accessing complex biological information.
- REBASE has historically served as a key resource for RM system components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To maintain and expand REBASE, a comprehensive database of RM system components.
- To provide researchers with up-to-date information on restriction enzymes and DNA methyltransferases.
- To facilitate the analysis of RM system components across sequenced genomes.
Main Methods:
- Curating and integrating data on restriction enzymes and DNA methyltransferases.
- Analyzing complete and shotgun genome sequences for RM system components.
- Utilizing PacBio sequence data to determine DNA methyltransferase recognition sequences.
Main Results:
- REBASE contains extensive, fully referenced information on RM system components.
- Data includes recognition/cleavage sites, commercial availability, and methylation sensitivity.
- Analysis of genomes has led to a significant increase in characterized DNA methyltransferases.
Conclusions:
- REBASE is an indispensable resource for researchers studying RM systems.
- The database facilitates discovery and characterization of novel RM components.
- Continued updates ensure REBASE remains a leading information source.
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