# Reptilian Transcriptomes

> database that provides annotations of the major reptilian lineages

**Wikidata**: [Q111679729](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111679729)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/reptilian-transcriptomes

## Summary
Reptilian Transcriptomes (RpTm) is an open-access biological database that provides annotations for the major reptilian lineages. First published in 2016 and maintained by the University of Geneva and the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, it serves as a specialized resource for genomic and transcriptomic data related to reptiles. The platform originated in Switzerland and offers unrestricted access to its catalog of scientific data.

## Key Facts
- ** aliases:** RpTm.
- **Instance of:** biological database, online database, website, web portal, sequence database.
- **Main Subject:** Genome, transcriptome, and Reptilia (reptiles).
- **Maintained by:** University of Geneva, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, and the Swiss National Science Foundation.
- **Publication Date:** 2016.
- **Country of Origin:** Switzerland.
- **Access Status:** Open access / Unrestricted access.
- **Amount Cataloged:** 11 items (as of May 5, 2022, and August 8, 2022).
- **Language:** English.
- **Website:** https://www.reptilian-transcriptomes.org/reptilian-transcriptomes/Database_v2.0.html

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Reptilian Transcriptomes?
A: It serves as a centralized database providing annotations and data for the major reptilian lineages, specifically focusing on genomes and transcriptomes.

### Q: Who maintains the Reptilian Transcriptomes database?
A: The database is maintained by the University of Geneva and the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, with support from the Swiss National Science Foundation.

### Q: Is the data on Reptilian Transcriptomes free to use?
A: Yes, the database is open access with no known copyright restrictions and is classified as having unrestricted access.

## Why It Matters
Reptilian Transcriptomes addresses a critical gap in herpetology and evolutionary biology by providing a specialized, annotated repository for reptilian genetic data. While many broad genomic databases exist, few focus specifically on the diverse and evolutionarily significant class Reptilia, which includes turtles, crocodilians, squamates, and tuataras. By centralizing transcriptomes and genomes from major reptilian lineages, the database facilitates research into the evolution of amniotes, comparative genomics, and the specific biological traits of reptiles.

Maintained by reputable institutions like the University of Geneva and the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, the project ensures scientific rigor and data reliability. Its open-access nature promotes transparency and allows researchers worldwide to utilize high-quality genetic data without barriers, accelerating discoveries in reptile biology and genetics. The database's existence simplifies the complex task of gathering and standardizing genetic information across diverse species, effectively serving as a foundational tool for scientists studying reptile evolution and molecular biology.

## Notable For
- **Specialized Focus:** Distinguishes itself as a database specifically dedicated to major reptilian lineages (turtles, crocodiles, squamates, etc.), rather than general vertebrates.
- **Open Access:** Offers completely unrestricted access to its data with no known copyright restrictions, making it a freely available resource for the global scientific community.
- **Swiss Collaboration:** Represents a significant collaboration between the University of Geneva, the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, and funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation.
- **Curated Annotations:** Provides specific annotations for reptilian transcriptomes and genomes, adding value beyond raw data storage.
- **Longevity:** Originally published in 2016, the database has maintained an online presence, with records of cataloging 11 items as recently as 2022.

## Body

### Purpose and Scope
Reptilian Transcriptomes is a specialized biological database designed to provide annotations for the major lineages within the class Reptilia. Its primary focus is on the storage and dissemination of transcriptomic and genomic data. The database acts as a sequence database and a web portal, bridging the gap between raw genetic sequencing and accessible scientific analysis.

### Operational and Organizational Structure
The project is a product of Swiss scientific infrastructure. It is maintained by the University of Geneva and the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, with financial or operational support from the Swiss National Science Foundation. Its country of origin is Switzerland. The platform functions as an online database and website, accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

### Data Accessibility and Content
The database is committed to open science, holding a status of "no known copyright restrictions" and providing "unrestricted access." The user interface and data are presented in English. The database has cataloged a specific collection of data points, with 11 items recorded on both May 5, 2022, and August 8, 2022. This data is accessible through the project's official website.

### Historical Context
The database was first published in 2016. Since its inception, it has been recognized as a biosciences database on focus lists for Wikimedia projects, underscoring its relevance in the broader scientific data ecosystem. The resource can be accessed at its dedicated web domain, which hosts version 2.0 of the database.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.reptilian-transcriptomes.org/reptilian-transcriptomes/Database_v2.0.html)
2. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/2021*/https://www.reptilian-transcriptomes.org/reptilian-transcriptomes/Database_v2.0.html)
3. [Source](https://www.reptilian-transcriptomes.org/reptilian-transcriptomes/Data_download.html)