hide
Free keywords:
-
Abstract:
Standardization of experimental protocols and procedures is essential for reproducibility and comparability of results from different laboratories. Therefore, both the definition of guidelines for annotation and documentation of the experimental data and their storage in an appropriate database is of great importance. In the german systems biology network HepatoSys (http://www.hepatosys.de/en) several groups generate a lot of data in the context of quantitative immunoblot experiments. However, until now no data structures exist to store these data appropriately. To allow for in-depth documentation of such non high throughput data, at first the standardization of the data produced by various HepatoSys groups was necessary. Subsequently a relational database concept has been developed that also integrates essential parts of the recommendations concerning the minimal information about a proteomics experiment (MIAPE)1. The concept denoted as ‘Required Information About a Western
blot Experiment’ (RIAWE) defines for immunoblot experiments including both the bio-material used and the standard operating procedures (SOPs) applied all essential data to be stored as well as optional information to be provided. Furthermore, appropriate data formats as well as the use of already existing controlled vocabulary have been suggested. Currently, a database realizing the RIAWE concept is being set-up which is expected to be interesting also for groups outside of HepatoSys. Taken together, the RIAWE concept is the result of an agreement of several groups within the HepatoSys network on the standardization of data that are produced in the context of an immunoblot experiment.
1 Gibson, F. et al. Guidelines for reporting the use of gel electrophoresis in proteomics. Nat Biotechnol. 26(8), 863-864 (2008).
