RBP Image Database

RBP Image Database catalogs subcellular localization of human RNA binding proteins using systematic immunofluorescence to support studies of RNA metabolism and post-transcriptional regulation.

Key Features:

• Coverage: Localization data are provided for 301 human RNA binding proteins (RBPs).
• Cell lines: Imaging data were collected in two human cell lines, HepG2 and HeLa.
• Immunofluorescence: Data derive from systematic immunofluorescence studies using a highly validated collection of RBP antibodies.
• Organelle markers: A panel of 12 markers identifying specific organelles and subcellular structures was used to map localization.
• Imaging repository: The database contains approximately 250,000 microscopy images representing RBP–marker pairs.
• Annotation vocabulary: Localization features are annotated with a manually curated controlled vocabulary to ensure consistent descriptions.

Scientific Applications:

• Post-transcriptional regulation studies: Correlating RBP localization with RNA metabolism to investigate mechanisms of post-transcriptional gene expression control.
• Functional inference: Inferring potential cellular functions of RBPs based on subcellular distribution across organelle markers.
• Disease mechanism investigation: Studying localization changes of RBPs to explore links between RNA metabolism dysregulation and disease etiology.

Methodology:

Systematic immunofluorescence imaging of 301 RBPs in HepG2 and HeLa using validated RBP antibodies and a panel of 12 organelle/subcellular markers, with images annotated by a manually curated controlled vocabulary.