Integrated Database Helps Detect Biomarkers to Neurological Diseases

A searchable, integrated database of human genes provides concise genomic, proteomic, transcriptomic, genetic, and functional information on all known and predicted human genes. It will be used to identify and characterize protein biomarkers for serious neurological diseases.

Information featured in the database, which is called GeneCards, includes orthologies, disease relationships, mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), gene expression, gene function, pathways, protein-protein interactions, related drugs and compounds, and direct links to research reagents and tools such as antibodies, recombinant proteins, clones, expression assays and RNAi reagents.

GeneCards was developed by a bioinformatics team at the Weizmann Institute of Science (Rehovot, Israel) directed by Marilyn Safran and Prof. Doron Lancet of the department of molecular genetics, and head of the Crown Human Genome Center.

Xennex (Cambridge MA, USA) has provided Satoris (Redwood City, CA, USA) with access to GeneCards and associated tools. Satoris is utilizing GeneCards and the related technology for investigations related to its identification and characterization of protein biomarkers associated with neurological disease such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and diabetic neuropathy, to create new diagnostic tools for earlier, better healthcare decisions.

The newly released GeneCards Version 3.0 features a significantly upgraded infrastructure, including a comprehensive relational biological database, and a sophisticated, and speedier search engine. It provides capabilities for effective and well-targeted queries, a user-friendly display, and clear data navigation. Also released, a preliminary version of GeneDecks Version 3, which makes use of the new GeneCards relational database for complex analyses on sets of genes.

Dr. David Warshawsky, president & CEO of Xennex, stated: "We are very pleased that we can offer Satoris our most advanced tools and the latest GeneCards developments to assist in their work. Satoris' work is of great potential for improved diagnosis and treatment of devastating conditions."

Related Links:
GeneCards
Weizmann Institute of Science
Xennex
Satoris