Prototheca-ID

Prototheca-ID performs molecular identification of Prototheca species by DNA sequence-based typing of the mitochondrially encoded CYTB gene.

Key Features:

• CYTB-based sequence typing: Performs DNA sequence-based typing specifically targeting the mitochondrially encoded CYTB gene for species-level identification.
• Prototheca-focused analysis: Specializes in processing and analysis of protothecal sequence data to address inadequacies of general bioinformatic tools for these organisms.
• Speciation of isolates: Provides fast and reliable species assignment of Prototheca isolates based on CYTB sequence data.
• Sequence deposition: Maintains an open Prototheca-ID database for deposition of sequences and associated metadata.
• Annotation curation: Curates and improves sequence annotations to mitigate scarcity and flawed entries in existing sequence databases.
• Reference dataset expansion: Expands existing sequence records to support more conclusive identifications in future studies.

Scientific Applications:

• Clinical diagnostics: Supports molecular diagnosis and species-level identification in cases of protothecosis.
• Taxonomy and systematics: Enables species delimitation and taxonomic studies of Prototheca using mitochondrial CYTB sequences.
• Surveillance and epidemiology: Facilitates tracking and surveillance of Prototheca species through expanded reference sequences and metadata.
• Database curation and research support: Improves reference database quality and reproducibility for Prototheca research.

Methodology:

DNA sequence-based typing of the mitochondrially encoded CYTB gene; deposition of sequences and associated metadata into a curated Prototheca-ID database; curation and improvement of sequence annotations.