April 1, 2008 (Vol. 28, No. 7)

URL:
http://www.patrocles.org

Rating:
Strong Points: Database
Weak Points: Nothing significant

Summary:
Named after Patrocles, who was killed by Hector because the former went to battle wearing the armor of Achilles, www.patrocles.org is a database tracking polymorphisms that affect miRNAs and their targets in different organisms. For example, a single point mutation can convert a site that binds miRNA efficiently to one that does so much less efficiently. Since miRNA binding is a factor in regulation of expression of many genes, control can be lost or gained, depending on the mutation(s) involved. Thus, Patrocles tracks polymorphisms that affect interactions between miRNAs and targets (in multiple organisms). Search options allow users to locate/identify specific miRNAs or their corresponding target sequences in the genome. A click on the Unit of Animal Genomics at the top of the opening page presents a considerable amount of info about the host for the site at the University of Liege in Belgium. Through there, a useful collection of links to other sites can also be accessed.

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