TraPS-VarI: a python module for the identification of STAT3 modulating germline receptor variants

Abstract

MotivationHuman individuals differ because of variations in the DNA sequences of all the 46 chromosomes. Information on genetic variations altering the membrane-proximal binding sites for signal transducer of transcription 3 (STAT3) is valuable for understanding the genetic basis of cancer prognosis and disease progression (Ulaganathan et al, 2015). In this regard, non-synonymous coding region mutations resulting in the alteration of protein sequence in the juxtamembrane region of the type I membrane proteins are biologically and clinically relevant. The knowledge of such rare cell line- and individual-specific germline receptor variants is crucial for the investigation of cell-line specific biological mechanisms and genotype-centric therapeutic approaches.\n\nResultsHere we present TraPS-VarI (Transmembrane Protein Sequence Variant Identifier), a python module to rapidly identify human germline receptor variants modulating STAT3 binding sites by using the genetic variation datasets in the variant call format 4.0. For the found protein variants the module also checks for the availability of associated therapeutic agents and ongoing clinical trial studies.\n\nAvailabilityThe Source code and binaries are freely available for download at https://gitlab.com/VJ-Ulaganathan/TraPS-VarI and the documentation can be found at http://traps-vari.readthedocs.io/.\n\nContactulaganat@biochem.mpg.de & ulaganat@icloud.com\n\nSupplementary informationSupplementary data enclosed with the manuscript file.