A new framework for SubtiWiki, the database for the model organism Bacillus subtilis

Abstract

Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive model bacterium and one of the most-studied and best understood organisms. The complex information resulting from its investigation is compiled in the database SubtiWiki (https://subtiwiki.uni-goettingen.de/v5) in an integrated and intuitive manner. To enhance the utility of SubtiWiki, we have added novel features such as a viewer to interrogate conserved genomic organization, a widget that shows mutant fitness data for all non-essential genes, and a widget showing protein structures, structure predictions and complex structures. Moreover, we have integrated metabolites as new entities. The new framework also includes a documented API, enabling programmatic access to data for computational tasks. Here we present the recent developments of SubtiWiki and the current state of the data for this organism. Key pointsO_LISubtiWiki is the most popular database for the model bacterium Bacillus subtilis. C_LIO_LITo facilitate the development of new research hypotheses, SubtiWiki has been enhanced by graphical information on conserved genomic organization, mutant fitness data, and a new protein structure viewer. C_LIO_LIMetabolites have been integrated as entities on their own with dedicated pages, interactive information on reactions and metabolite functions as well as their interactions. C_LI