SMART: a web-based tool for the study of genetically mobile domains

SMART (a Simple Modular Architecture Research Tool) allows the identificati on and annotation of genetically mobile domains and the analysis of domain architectures (http://SMART.embl-heidelberg.de). More than 400 domain famil ies found in signalling, extracellular and chromatin-associated proteins ar e detectable. These domains are extensively annotated with respect to phyle tic distributions, functional class, tertiary structures and functionally i mportant residues. Each domain found in a non-redundant protein database as well as search parameters and taxonomic information are stored in a relati onal database system, User interfaces to this database allow searches for p roteins containing specific combinations of domains in defined taxa.