A genotype and phenotype database of genetically modified malaria-parasites

Abstract

The RMgm database, www.pberghei.eu, is a web-based, manually curated, repository containing information on genetically modified rodent-malaria parasites. It provides easy and rapid access to information on the genotype and phenotype of mutant and reporter parasites. The database also contains information on unpublished mutants without a clear phenotype and negative trials to disrupt genes. Information can be searched using pre-defined key features, such as phenotype, life-cycle stage, gene model, gene-tags and mutations. The information relating to the mutants is reciprocally linked to PlasmoDB and GeneDB. Access to mutant-parasite information, and gene function/ontology inferred from mutant phenotypes provides a timely resource aimed at enhancing research into Plasmodium gene function and (systems) biology.