This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Pharmabase: In recent years, research related to cellular function, metabolism and response mechanisms has increased to a tremendous degree. Corresponding to this deepening field of knowledge is a related increase in pharmacological information, particulary in relation to physiology. Pharmabase was created in order to link these two sets of information: cellular mechanisms and their associated pharmacological compounds. This NIH: NCRR- funded database has been developed by the BioCurrents Research Center (BRC) and consists of several features which make it a unique research tool and resource for both scientists and students. The information has been organized both hierarchically and relationally and can be searched using either arrangement. Users have the option of navigating by subject or through a graphics interface, with each level linking to a list of related compounds. A search function is also available to reach either subjects or compounds directly. Through its hierarchical subject navigator, Pharmabase leads users through a series of choices until they arrive at the desired end point, and each level reveals all related compounds. At any point in the tree the list can be expanded and viewed in its entirety. For example: .. Membrane Transport ....Pumps ......Non-Phosphorylating ......Hydrogen .......F1F0 .. ......Vacuolar-Type .......Phosphorylating ..etc. The subject navigator is divided into the following broad categories: Membrane Transport, Metabolism, Intracellular Messengers, Cell Signaling, Cell Area, Disease/ Tissue and Action Terms. Pharmabase also offers a unique relational graphics navigator tool which allows users to enter the database through an interface of images, beginning with cell types or pathways and progressing on to deeper levels of detail, such as structures and transport mechanisms. Pathway components are linked to lists of related compounds, just as with the subject navigator. Each compound record includes information on action, preparation and thresholds, as well as a list of references, synonyms and links to gene and structural information. Each record also includes a form to send comments and information to the editor, expanding the potential for collaboration and shared knowledge. As the project progresses, pages for subjects and compounds will also highlight other features such as animations, streaming video or other advances.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 144 publications
