dbSNP, also known as the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Database, is a widely used and comprehensive database that catalogs single nucleotide variations (SNVs), short insertions and deletions (indels), and other small-scale genetic variations in various organisms. It was initially developed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in collaboration with the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and other research organizations.
The primary purpose of dbSNP is to serve as a reference for researchers in the field of genomics and genetics. It provides a centralized resource for capturing, organizing, and curating information about genetic variations across different species, including humans, animals, and plants. The database contains an extensive collection of SNVs and indels, along with their genomic location, allele frequency, functional annotations, and other associated information.
Scientists and researchers utilize dbSNP to investigate the genetic basis of diseases, understand the evolutionary history of populations, and perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to uncover relationships between genetic variations and various traits or disorders. The database serves as a vital tool for the interpretation of genomic variants, allowing researchers to compare and analyze variations across different samples and identify potentially significant variants.
Overall, dbSNP plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of genetic variations and their implications in a diverse range of biological processes and human health.
