Tailored gene array databases: applications in mechanistic toxicology.
BACKGROUND
The development of an annotated global database suitable for a wide range of investigations is a challenging and labor-intensive task. Thus, the development of databases tailored for specific applications remains necessary. For example, in the field of toxicology, no annotated gene array databases are now available that may assist in the correlation of changes in gene activity to cellular functions and processes associated with the toxic response.


RESULTS
As an example of a tailored annotated database, an attempt was made to systematize available biological information on genes present on the Affymetrix Rat Toxicology U34 GeneChip, with a focus on how the gene products relate to liver cells and their response to chemical toxins. The information collected was imbedded in a local relational database to analyze data obtained in toxicological gene array experiments with hydrazine-exposed hepatocytes. The advantages and benefits of the tailored database in the biological interpretation of the results are demonstrated.
Karpinets
Tatiana V
TV
Department of Physics, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, USA.
Foy
Brent D
BD
Frazier
John M
JM
D000043:Abstracting and Indexing / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D003628:Database Management Systems; D016208:Databases, Factual; D030541:Databases, Genetic; D004282:Documentation / Q000379:methods; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006834:Hydrazines / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D009323:Natural Language Processing; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D043922:Toxicogenetics / Q000379:methods*; D014116:Toxicology / Q000379:methods
D006834:Hydrazines; C029424:hydrazine