Protein existence
Last modified December 10, 2008
This subsection of the ‘Protein attributes’ section indicates the type of evidence that supports the existence of the protein. Note that this subsection does not give information on the accuracy or correctness of the sequence(s) displayed. While it gives information on the existence of a protein, it may happen that the sequence slightly differ, especially for sequences derived from gene model predictions from genomic sequences.
- 1. Evidence at protein level
- 2. Evidence at transcript level
- 3. Inferred from homology
- 4. Predicted
- 5. Uncertain
The value ‘Evidence at protein level’ indicates that there is clear experimental evidence for the existence of the protein. The criteria include partial or complete Edman sequencing, clear identification by mass spectrometry, X-ray or NMR structure, good quality protein-protein interaction or detection of the protein by antibodies.
The value ‘Evidence at transcript level’ indicates that the existence of a protein has not been strictly proven but that expression data (such as existence of cDNA(s), RT-PCR or Northern blots) indicate the existence of a transcript.
The value ‘Inferred by homology’ indicates that the existence of a protein is probable because clear orthologs exist in closely related species.
The value ‘Predicted’ is used for entries without evidence at protein, transcript, or homology levels.
The value ‘Uncertain’ indicates that the existence of the protein is unsure.
Only the highest or most reliable level of supporting evidence for the existence of a protein is displayed for each entry. For example, if the existence of a protein is supported by both the presence of ESTs and direct protein sequencing, the protein is assigned the value ‘Evidence at protein level’.
