bZIPDB : A database of regulatory information for human bZIP transcription factors

We constructed a database, designated bZIPDB, containing information on 49 human bZIP TFs, by means of automated literature collection and manual curation. bZIPDB aims to provide public data required for deciphering the gene regulatory network of the human bZIP family, e.g., evaluation or reference information for the identification of regulatory modules. The resources provided by bZIPDB include (1) protein interaction data including direct binding, phosphorylation and functional associations between bZIP TFs and other cellular proteins, along with other types of interactions, (2) bZIP TF-target gene relationships, (3) the cellular network of bZIP TFs in particular cell lines, and (4) gene information and ontology. In the current version of the database, 721 protein interactions and 560 TF-target gene relationships are recorded. bZIPDB is annually updated for the newly discovered information.bZIPDB is a repository of detailed regulatory information for human bZIP TFs that is collected and processed from the literature, designed to facilitate analysis of this protein family. bZIPDB is available for public use at http://biosoft.kaist.ac.kr/bzipdb webcite.Transcription factors (TFs) are responsible for gene expression in every living organism. The bZIP family shares a basic region and a leucine zipper domain. Homo/hetero-dimerization between family members is possible through the leucine zipper domain, and the proteins bind target promoters via the basic amino acid-rich region [1]. The bZIP TFs play essential roles in several processes in eukaryotic cells, from early development to tumorigenesis. For example, JUN is an oncogene that affects diverse cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis [2], while CEBPA is a well-known regulator of hepatocyte and adipocyte development [3].With the assistance of high-throughput technology, such as microarray technology, several researchers have attempted to decipher the regulatory networks of bZIP TFs