PESNPdb: A comprehensive database of SNPs studied in association with pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy specific disorder that can be life threatening for mother and child. Multiple studies have been carried out in an attempt to identify SNPs that contribute to the genetic susceptibility of the disease. Here we describe PESNPdb (http://bejerano.stanford.edu/pesnpdb), a database aimed at centralizing SNP and study details investigated in association with pre-eclampsia. We also describe a Placenta Disorders ontology that utilizes information from PESNPdb. The main focus of PESNPdb is to help researchers study the genetic complexity of pre-eclampsia through a user-friendly interface that encourages community participation. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.