Proper selection of translation initiation sites (TIS) on transcripts is crucial for the ribosome to produce desired proteins. It is commonly assumed that the first AUG codon that the scanning ribosome encounters serves as the start site for translation. However, many recent studies have uncovered a surprising variety of potential TIS sites in addition to the annotated start codon. By selecting different TIS codons, a single mRNA may produce several different proteins. The prevailing alternative translation significantly increases proteome diversity and complexity.
TISdb is based on the recently developed Global Translation Initiation sequencing (GTI-seq) technology, which provides global mapping of TIS codons at nearly single-nucleotide resolution. GTI-seq has the potential to reveal a comprehensive and unambiguous set of TIS codons across the entire transcriptome.
TISdb provides tools to search for TIS positions and the associated open reading frames (ORFs) based on multiple GTI-seq datasets. Some filters are available to gain different reliability of the results. Flexible search engine offers different input format. Result output includes table coordinates and images for easy visualization.
1). Global mapping of translation initiation sites in mammalian cells at single-nucleotide resolution. Lee S, Liu B, Lee S, Huang SX, Shen B, and Qian SB. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2012; 109(37):E2424-32.
2). Cotranslational Response to Proteotoxic Stress by Elongation Pausing of Ribosomes. Botao Liu, Yan Han, Shu-Bing Qian. Molecular Cell. Volume 49, Issue 3, 453-463, 03 January 2013.
