we are currently modifying the database structure such that entries can be annotated by sequence and domain content .
as the data grow , this step will be key to advancing refold as a research tool .
although the advanced query tool allows searching across much of the database , we are developing a custom interface that will allow user - configurable queries against the whole dataset as well as user customization of how the results are displayed .
we are developing functionality that will integrate data from other sources , such as the comprehensive annotation of proteins in uniprot ( 13 ) supplied in xml format .
it is important to note that a typical user of refold is an experimentalist who most probably does not possess the skills ( or indeed time ) to navigate the vast array of protein sequence ( e.g. pfam and uniprot ) and structure ( e.g. scop and pdb ) information available . in order to facilitate this task
, we will leverage data integration technologies set out in the efamily project ( ) . accordingly
, we will also make refold data available in xml format for consumption by others . in the first instance
, we are developing an xml schema that will provide a standard format for exchange .
in particular , graphical methods allowing the visualization of relationships between parameters , such as ph , pi , etc .
this means that the data becomes readily available to the community and amenable to analysis .
some validation logic is already built into the deposition process , providing both a useful service to the depositor as well as an indication on data quality to users .
the ongoing development of refold with the clear aim of providing fast and user - friendly access to refolding data , integrated with a wide array of protein resources , will serve a worldwide community of life scientists faced with the demanding challenges of producing pure , active protein .
( b ) graphical representation of data . portions of the chart can be selected to reveal the underlying data . (
( b ) search results can also be shown as a  tree - view , which structures the data hierarchically according to structural class / family / protein .
data deposition form , split into logical sections of protein ( top ) , expression ( middle ) and refolding data ( bottom ) .
 a large proportion of proteins expressed in escherichia coli form inclusion bodies and thus require renaturation to attain a functional conformation for analysis . in this process , identifying and optimizing the refolding conditions and methodology is often rate limiting . in order to address this problem , 
 we have developed refold , a web - accessible relational database containing the published methods employed in the refolding of recombinant proteins . 
 currently , refold contains > 300 entries , which are heavily annotated such that the database can be searched via multiple parameters . 
 we anticipate that refold will continue to grow and eventually become a powerful tool for the optimization of protein renaturation . 
 refold is freely available at . 
Sequence and domain annotation
Data mining tools
Interoperability with other databases
Data visualization
Data deposition and validation
Figures and Tables