LIGAND database for enzymes, compounds and reactions

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Biological research requires integrated data on chemical compounds, enzymes, and reactions.
• Existing databases may lack comprehensive coverage or cross-referencing.
• Efficient access to curated biological information is essential for scientific advancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the LIGAND database, a composite resource for biological information.
• To describe the structure and content of the LIGAND database.
• To facilitate access to data on chemical substances, enzymes, and metabolic reactions.

Main Methods:

• Database compilation integrating information from multiple sources.
• Categorization of data into COMPOUND, ENZYME, and REACTION sections.
• Classification of enzymes using the EC (Enzyme Commission) numbering system.

Main Results:

• The LIGAND database comprises three interconnected sections: COMPOUND, ENZYME, and REACTION.
• The COMPOUND section details cellular chemical substances, including metabolites and macromolecules.
• The ENZYME section provides comprehensive data on enzymatic reactions and enzymes, classified by EC numbers.
• The REACTION section includes metabolic reactions from KEGG/PATHWAY and the ENZYME section.

Conclusions:

• The LIGAND database serves as a valuable, integrated resource for researchers in biochemistry and molecular biology.
• Its structured approach facilitates the study of metabolic pathways and enzyme functions.
• Accessible via WWW and FTP, LIGAND supports diverse research needs in biological sciences.