URL: | http://www.methdb.net |
Full name: | The DNA Methylation database |
Description: | The DNA Methylation database (MethDB) is currently the only public database for DNA methylation (http://www.methdb.net). This constantly growing database has become a key resource in the field of DNA methylation research. |
Year founded: | 2001 |
Last update: | |
Version: | 1.8 |
Accessibility: | |
Country/Region: | France |
Data type: | |
Data object: | |
Database category: | |
Major species: |
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Keywords: |
University/Institution: | Institute of Human Genetics |
Address: | |
City: | |
Province/State: | |
Country/Region: | France |
Contact name (PI/Team): | Christoph Grunau |
Contact email (PI/Helpdesk): | christoph.grunau@methdb.de |
An improved version of the DNA Methylation database (MethDB). [PMID: 12519951]
Cytosine methylation is a characteristic property of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. In the latter, it is indispensable for a healthy development of the organism and uncontrolled changes in the distribution of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) have been linked to severe disorders, in particular cancer. The growing scientific interest in DNA methylation has led to a considerable amount of data about this epigenetic phenomenon. In order to make these data readily available, we have established a dedicated database. The DNA Methylation database (MethDB) is currently the only public database for DNA methylation (http://www.methdb.net). This constantly growing database has become a key resource in the field of DNA methylation research. The database contains currently methylation patterns, profiles and total methylation content data for 46 species, 160 tissues and 72 phenotypes coming from a total of 6667 experiments (as of September 4, 2002). About 14% of the data have not been published elsewhere. These data can be conveniently searched and represented in different ways. Recently, we have included an on-line submission tool that permits the scientific public to directly enter new data into MethDB. |
DNA Methylation Database "MethDB": a user guide. [PMID: 12163707]
The DNA Methylation Database (MethDB; http://www.methdb.net) is a public database dedicated to DNA methylation. It attempts to store all data about DNA methylation in a common source. MethDB can be searched in different ways, ranging from a simple browse mode to detailed queries for sequence-specific DNA methylation profiles and patterns, total methylation content data or environmental conditions that can influence the methylation state of DNA. Currently, the database contains 2570 values for methylation content and 5278 methylation patterns and profiles for a total of 83 genes or loci. MethDB is an annotated database, and the scientific community is invited to submit their own data (submit@methdb.de). |
MethDB--a public database for DNA methylation data. [PMID: 11125109]
Methylation of cytosine in the 5 position of the pyrimidine ring is a major modification of the DNA in most organisms. In eukaryotes, the distribution and number of 5-methylcytosines (5mC) along the DNA is heritable but can also change with the developmental state of the cell and as a response to modifications of the environment. While DNA methylation probably has a number of functions, scientific interest has recently focused on the gene silencing effect methylation can have in eukaryotic cells. In particular, the discovery of changes in the methylation level during cancer development has increased the interest in this field. In the past, a vast amount of data has been generated with different levels of resolution ranging from 5mC content of total DNA to the methylation status of single nucleotides. We present here a database for DNA methylation data that attempts to unify these results in a common resource. The database is accessible via WWW (http://www.methdb.de). It stores information about the origin of the investigated sample and the experimental procedure, and contains the DNA methylation data. Query masks allow for searching for 5mC content, species, tissue, gene, sex, phenotype, sequence ID and DNA type. The output lists all available information including the relative gene expression level. DNA methylation patterns and methylation profiles are shown both as a graphical representation and as G/A/T/C/5mC-sequences or tables with sequence positions and methylation levels, respectively. |