DBMLoc: A Database of proteins with multiple subcellular localizations

Abstract

Background: Subcellular localization information is one of the key features to protein function research. Locating to a specific subcellular compartment is essential for a protein to function efficiently. Proteins which have multiple localizations will provide more clues. This kind of proteins may take a high proportion, even more than 35%. Description: We have developed a database of proteins with multiple subcellular localizations, designated DBMLoc. The initial release contains 10470 multiple subcellular localization-annotated entries. Annotations are collected from primary protein databases, specific subcellular localization databases and literature texts. All the protein entries are cross-referenced to GO annotations and SwissProt. Protein-protein interactions are also annotated. They are classified into 12 large subcellular localization categories based on GO hierarchical architecture and original annotations. Download, search and sequence BLAST tools are also available on the website. Conclusion: DBMLoc is a protein database which collects proteins with more than one subcellular localization annotation. It is freely accessed at http://www.bioinfo.tsinghua.edu.cn/DBMLoc/index.htm. © 2008 Zhang et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.