Development of a cell signaling networks database

In multicellular organisms cell signaling networks play important roles in wide range of biological phenomena, such as development, differentiation, reproduction, morphogenesis, carcinogenesis, apoptosis, and even learning. In order to explain biological phenomena based on cell signaling models, we have developed a database for cell signaling networks. The system contains mechanisms of signal transduction and structure and functional data and references of extracellular chemicals and biomolecules. CSNDB is constructed using ACEDB system, and includes various graphical representations such as pathway diagrams, map diagrams, 3-D images, pictures, and VRML environment. The system will be useful for modeling cells and their information processing, and to explain important biological phenomena based on these models.