A database of experimental results on globin gene expression

Information on gene expression and regulation is expanding rapidly, and the complexity of the experimental design and data makes unique demands on databases to store the results. We describe a prototype database containing experimental results on the expression of mammalian β-like globin genes, along with several query methods for accessing the information. The database has tables for DNA transfer experiments, protein-DNA binding results, and positions of DNase hypersensitive sites, which make extensive use of nested data structures. Comparison of data from various mammals is accomplished by providing a common coordinate system via a simultaneous alignment of matching DNA sequences. Interactive access to the database is available at a site called the Globin Gene Server on the World Wide Web (http://globin.cse.psu.edu). This software should be useful for any genetic system in which DNA sequence data are available.