Reactome

Definition

Reactome is a free, open-source database that provides detailed information about biological pathways and reactions, specifically in human biology. It acts as a comprehensive resource for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying various biological processes by curating data on gene products, their interactions, and the pathways they are involved in. This connectivity between proteins, genes, and biological functions is crucial for research in genomics and proteomics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Reactome enables researchers to visualize biological pathways and their interactions through intuitive diagrams, helping to map complex cellular processes.
2. It integrates data from various sources, including literature, experimental data, and other biological databases, making it a rich resource for systems biology.
3. Reactome provides tools for analyzing high-throughput genomic and proteomic data, facilitating insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
4. The database is regularly updated to include new findings, ensuring that users have access to the latest research developments in biology.
5. Reactome supports the development of computational models that simulate biological behavior and predict how changes in one part of a pathway can affect the entire system.

Review Questions

• How does Reactome contribute to our understanding of biological pathways and their interactions?
  • Reactome contributes to our understanding of biological pathways by providing detailed information about molecular interactions and reactions involved in various cellular processes. By curating this data into visual pathways, researchers can more easily identify how different genes and proteins interact and influence each other. This comprehensive overview helps scientists develop hypotheses about disease mechanisms and potential intervention strategies.
• In what ways can Reactome be utilized to analyze high-throughput data in proteomics and genomics?
  • Reactome can be utilized to analyze high-throughput data by integrating datasets from proteomic and genomic studies with its curated pathways. Researchers can upload their experimental data to identify which biological pathways are affected by specific changes in protein expression or gene activity. This analysis allows scientists to uncover underlying biological processes related to diseases or cellular responses.
• Evaluate the impact of using Reactome on advancing research in systems biology and its implications for drug discovery.
  • Using Reactome significantly advances research in systems biology by providing a framework for understanding complex interactions within biological systems. Its detailed pathway maps allow researchers to simulate changes in molecular networks, enabling predictions about cellular behavior in response to drugs or genetic modifications. This capability is invaluable for drug discovery, as it helps identify potential therapeutic targets and assess the effects of new compounds on specific pathways involved in diseases.

Related terms

Pathway: A series of actions among molecules in a cell that leads to a certain product or change in the cell, such as a metabolic pathway or signal transduction pathway.

Proteomics: The large-scale study of proteins, particularly their functions and structures, which can provide insights into cellular processes and interactions.

Genomics: The study of genomes, the complete set of DNA within an organism, which includes the analysis of gene structure, function, and interactions.