Creation of a nuclear magnetic resonance data repository and literature database

Abstract

We believe the need exists for an organized and accessible repository of protein nuclear magnetic resonance data. The structure and dynamics of hundreds of proteins are being investigated by NMR. NMR data currently are spread throughout the world and often are not published for lack of journal space. Difficulties in locating, obtaining, and correlating these data with protein structures limits their usefulness to the scientific community. In time, the data may become lost or ignored. To provide a collection point for the results of protein NMR studies and a uniform means of distributing these data, we propose that a data bank be created consisting of two databases: a comprehensive and thoroughly indexed database for the NMR literature and a data repository for the storage of extensive protein NMR data sets. Our current specifications for the types of information to be stored in the NMR databases and their organization for dissemination are defined. The design is intended to be flexible, capable of expanding to include new techniques, new forms of data, and biopolymers other than proteins. This is a proposal to the community of NMR spectroscopists. Only through the active cooperation and support of those in the field of NMR spectroscopy can the proposed data bank succeed.