An Ontology for Protein Data Models

Accelerating availability of protein sequences and structures has transformed both the theory and practice of computational biology. The current systems of nomenclature for proteins remain divergent even when the experts appreciate the underlying similarities. Interoperability of protein databases is limited to lack of progress in the way the biologists describe and conceptualize the shared biological elements in protein data. The goal of the proposed protein ontology is a step forward to address these concerns by is producing a structured vocabulary that can be applied to all proteins even as the knowledge of protein roles in the cells is still accumulating and changing. A database of 10 major prion proteins available in various protein data sources, based on the vocabulary provided by protein ontology is made available