AnoBase is a database containing genomic/biological
AnoBase: Genomic and Biological Database for Anopheline Mosquitoes
A Scientific Resource for Mosquito Genomics and Malaria Vector Research
AnoBase is a database dedicated to genomic and biological information on anopheline mosquitoes, with a particular emphasis on Anopheles gambiae, considered one of the world's most important malaria vectors.
The database provides a scientific information resource for researchers investigating mosquito genetics, molecular biology and the biological characteristics of malaria-transmitting species. By bringing together genomic and biological information, AnoBase supports scientific investigations into the organisms responsible for transmitting malaria and other mosquito-related research topics.
With its focus on Anopheles gambiae and other anopheline mosquitoes, the database contributes to the broader scientific effort to understand mosquito biology and the molecular factors associated with vector competence.
Historical Background and Development
AnoBase is the continuation of AnoDB, a database established in 1996 at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), which is part of the Foundation of Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH).
Located in Heraklion, Crete, Greece, the IMBB provided the institutional environment in which AnoDB was initially developed and maintained.
The transition from AnoDB to AnoBase represents the continuation of an established scientific database initiative focused on anopheline mosquito research. Building on the original resource, AnoBase extends the availability of genomic and biological information for researchers interested in mosquito biology.
The development of specialized databases such as AnoBase is important for organizing scientific information and facilitating access to resources used in molecular and genomic investigations.
Funding and Institutional Support
The development and maintenance of AnoBase have been supported by grants from two major research and public health organizations:
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UNDP/World Bank/World Health Organization Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR): supports research and training activities addressing tropical diseases, including malaria.
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National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID): supports biomedical research into infectious diseases and related scientific fields.
This institutional funding has contributed to the development and continued support of the database as a resource for the scientific community.
The project also benefited from the support of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, which contributed during the initial phase of its development.
The involvement of these organizations highlights the importance of international research funding in establishing and maintaining scientific databases dedicated to disease vectors.
Scientific Collaboration and Community Contributions
The establishment and further development of AnoBase have depended on the contributions of numerous colleagues and collaborators.
The database represents a collective scientific effort involving researchers and specialists who contributed at different stages and levels of the project. Their support has been invaluable in building, maintaining and improving this resource.
The individuals acknowledged for their contributions include:
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Michael Ashburner
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Kate Aultman
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Marc Benedict
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Nora Besansky
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Ewan Birney
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Frank Collins
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David Emmert
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Bill Gelbart
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Aubrey de Grey
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Tony James
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Fotis Kafatos
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Jules Milgram
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Manu Mongin
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Jose Ribeiro
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David Roos
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Yeya Toure
The AnoBase team expresses its gratitude to these contributors and also acknowledges that other individuals may have participated in the project without being included in the original list.
Recognizing these contributions reflects the collaborative nature of scientific database development, which often requires expertise in genomics, molecular biology, bioinformatics and information management.
Supporting Research on Anopheline Mosquitoes
AnoBase focuses on genomic and biological information related to anopheline mosquitoes, particularly Anopheles gambiae.
Access to organized biological and genomic information is valuable for researchers studying mosquito development, genetic characteristics and molecular processes associated with malaria transmission.
Such resources can support several areas of investigation:
Mosquito Genomics
Genomic information provides a foundation for studying the genetic organization of anopheline mosquitoes and identifying genes associated with their biological characteristics.
Molecular Biology
Biological and molecular information can help researchers investigate gene functions, protein-related processes and cellular mechanisms in mosquito species.
Malaria Vector Research
The emphasis on Anopheles gambiae makes AnoBase relevant to research into malaria vectors and the biological characteristics that influence their ability to transmit parasites.
Scientific Data Organization
A specialized database provides a structured environment for accessing and organizing information, supporting research activities that depend on genomic and biological data.
A Collaborative Resource for the Research Community
AnoBase reflects the importance of long-term scientific collaboration in the development of genomic resources.
Its origins at the IMBB of FORTH, its continuation from AnoDB and its support from international funding organizations demonstrate how institutional partnerships can contribute to the creation and maintenance of specialized biological databases.
The contributions of numerous researchers, together with support from the TDR, NIAID and the MacArthur Foundation, have played an important role in the development of this initiative.
Through its focus on anopheline mosquitoes and particularly Anopheles gambiae, AnoBase represents a scientific resource associated with the study of mosquito genomics, biological information and malaria vector research.