Review of DIP

Review of DIP

Title: Database of Interacting Proteins

Date Reviewed: 05/21/01

Description:
DIP is a database that enables the user to view known protein-protein interactions in a text or graphical interface. The user can expand the chain of interactions from each interacting protein to identify potential novel cascades.

The site is really a program or a bioinformatics tool. It enables the user to make sense of the complex wealth of information on protein-protein interactions. This site is currated and interactions are limited to proteins whose physical interaction has a functional outcome.

Strengths:
The output is fully controlled by the user and therefore is as complex or simple as needed. Annotations of the proteins are easily accessible and not cluttered.

Weaknesses:
The frames can be confusing even on a 15" screen. I did not immediately notice the table in bottom frame when receiving graphical output from the site.

Some of the floating molecules are labelled with accession numbers, others with names, others with codes. There should be a preference for that, and it should be consistent.
The default view on the graphical interface is for floating molecules. THis is annoying. THey should just be movable by the user.

Comprehensiveness:
"These values are calculated on the fly"
Number of:
Proteins 5042
Organisms 79
Interactions 7969
Unique experiment describing an interaction 9207
Articles 1110

STAT6 was not found

The annotations are basic. However, these annotations serve their purpose by indicating fully the identity of the interacting proteins. Links are provided to sites with more comprehensive annotations.

The curration of the site makes the information less comprehensive but more reliable (quality not quantity)

Timeliness:
The website was last updated on January 16, 2001 and they make this information available to the user.

Ease of Use:
Site is small and therefore easy to use. It is easy to find the search of the database. Multiple input and output formats are possible. The graphics are exceptional.

Responsiveness:
Very quick

Overall Evaluation: 4.5 stars

Reviewer: John Pratt

Email: jpratt01@tufts.edu