Model Organism Databases
Introduction
Model organism databases are specialized biological repositories that provide comprehensive genetic, genomic, phenotypic, and functional information for widely studied experimental organisms. These databases support research in genetics, developmental biology, molecular biology, evolutionary biology, and biomedical sciences. They enable researchers to investigate gene functions, analyze phenotypes, compare genomes across species, and model human diseases using well-established laboratory organisms.
Major model organism databases include the Mouse Genome Database (MGD), Zebrafish Information Network (ZFIN), FlyBase, WormBase, and the Saccharomyces Genome Database (SGD).
Mouse Genome Database (MGD)
The Mouse Genome Database (MGD) is a comprehensive resource for mouse genetics and genomics, developed and maintained by The Jackson Laboratory. It provides detailed information on mouse genes, genetic markers, genome features, phenotypes, and disease models.
MGD links mouse genes to corresponding human genes and diseases, making it an essential resource for studying gene function, hereditary disorders, and translational biomedical research.
Researchers use MGD for:
- Mouse genome annotation
- Gene function analysis
- Human disease modeling
- Comparative genomics
- Phenotype studies
Website: https://www.informatics.jax.org/
Zebrafish Information Network (ZFIN)
The Zebrafish Information Network (ZFIN) is the central database for zebrafish (Danio rerio) genetics, genomics, and developmental biology. It integrates information on genes, gene expression, phenotypes, mutations, transgenic lines, and developmental stages.
ZFIN is widely used in developmental biology, regenerative medicine, toxicology, and disease modeling because zebrafish serve as an important vertebrate model organism.
Website: https://zfin.org/
FlyBase
FlyBase is the primary database for the genetics and genomics of the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). It provides comprehensive information on genes, gene products, mutations, phenotypes, gene expression, genetic interactions, and genomic annotations.
Researchers use FlyBase extensively in genetics, developmental biology, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and functional genomics.
Website: https://flybase.org/
WormBase
WormBase is an international biological database dedicated to the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and related species. It provides integrated information on genes, genomes, proteins, pathways, phenotypes, gene expression, and biological processes.
WormBase supports research in developmental biology, neurobiology, aging, genetics, and molecular biology, making it one of the most important databases for nematode research.
Website: https://wormbase.org/
Saccharomyces Genome Database (SGD)
The Saccharomyces Genome Database (SGD) is the authoritative reference database for the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It provides curated information on genes, proteins, pathways, molecular functions, genetic interactions, and cellular processes.
SGD is widely used in molecular biology, genetics, systems biology, biotechnology, and functional genomics because yeast serves as a key model organism for studying fundamental cellular mechanisms.
Website: https://www.yeastgenome.org/