Understanding of the principles that underlie the complex dynamic biomolecular networks is an important goal of biocomputing science. An essential step in solving this problem is compiling and cataloging numerous data on the gene expression and transcription regulation. The group of genes involved in the lipid metabolism may serve as an interesting example of functional gene systems. The proteins encoded by these genes participate in a variety of processes essential for normal lipid homeostasis. This group contains genes of transport proteins, enzymes of both lipid biosynthesis and degradation, cell surface receptors, hormones and transcription factors. To study the main principles of organization of this functional gene system, we developed the Lipid Metabolism Transcription Regulatory Regions Database (LM-TRRD) [1], which is available via the Internet at http://wwwicg.bionet.nsc.ru/trrd/34/lipmet.htm. It is a part of a global information system on Transcription Regulatory Regions of Eukaryotic Genes (TRRD) available at http://wwwicg.bionet.nsc.ru/trrd/34/ [2]. LM-TRRD contains data on over 50 vertebrate genes. Analysis of the information contained in the LM-TRRD revealed that the following transcription factors play key roles in the regulation of the genes from the LM-TRRD database: SREBP, PPAR, RAR, RXR, HNF-4, COUP-TF, and SF-1.

1. Ignatieva E.V., et al. Mol. Biol. 1997; 31:575-591.
2. Kel A. et al. Mol. Biol. 1997; 31:521-530.