ViralZone 2024 provides higher-resolution images and advanced virus-specific resources
Edouard De Castro1, Chantal Hulo1, Patrick Masson1
1Swiss-Prot group, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, CMU, 1 Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
Nucleic Acids Research
|October 28, 2023
Summary
ViralZone enhances virus data accessibility with interactive SVG images and new resources for SARS-CoV-2, HIV, herpesviruses, and poxviruses. This update improves user access to crucial viral information and molecular biology data.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Bioinformatics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- ViralZone is a comprehensive knowledge repository for viruses.
- It integrates biological knowledge and databases, covering virion structure, genome, proteome, replication, and host-virus interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance data accessibility and user experience on the ViralZone platform.
- To introduce new, virus-specific resources, particularly for coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2), HIV, herpesviruses, and poxviruses.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of contextual popups for improved data retrieval.
- Integration of higher-resolution, dynamic, and interactive Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) images.
- Development of a dedicated coronavirus-specific resource with regularly updated data.
Main Results:
- Enhanced data access through improved navigation and visualization tools.
- Introduction of interactive SVG images for dynamic exploration of viral data.
- Expansion of the database with specialized information on SARS-CoV-2 variants, HIV, herpesviruses, and poxviruses.
Conclusions:
- The updated ViralZone platform offers significantly improved access to diverse viral information.
- New interactive features and specialized resources enhance the utility of ViralZone for researchers and educators.
- The platform continues to be a valuable resource for studying viral biology and interactions.
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