Background information in SigPath

The information system makes extensive use of background information. In the context of this specific project, background information describes proteins and small molecules involved in signaling networks.
Background information for each entry include:

names

aliases

accession codes in a number of databases.

Annotations of structural or functional domains in the protein sequences could also constitute background information. We import background information into the information system so that users can immediately define an interaction. Most other systems that allow users to submit interactions ( e.g. BIND ) require that the user define each protein or molecule prior to the actual submission. This is time consuming, impedes submission, and is error prone. The use of background information overcomes these problems, provides the user with a feeling that the system already "knows" some biology, and makes possible simpler and faster submissions to SigPath.

The interest of background information is illustrated by the following tutorial:

Viewlet

[Note: To view the animated tutorials you need a Macromedia Flash Player. If your browser does not have a flash player plugin you can download it from the Macromedia web site]