A pharmacogene database enhanced by the 1000 Genomes Project

Human genetic variation is likely to be responsible for a substantial fraction of the variability in complex traits including drug response. Single nucleotide polymorphisms have been implicated in drug response using genome-wide association studies as well as candidate-gene approaches. A more comprehensive catalogue of human genetic variation should complement the current large-scale genotypic dataset from the International HapMap Project, which focuses on common genetic variants. The 1000 Genomes Project is an international research effort that aims to provide the most comprehensive map of human genetic variation using next-generation sequencing platforms. Owing to the lack of convenient tools, however, it is a challenge for the pharmacogenetic research community to take advantage of these data. Here, we present a new database of some pharmacogenes of particular interest to pharmacogenetic researchers. Our database provides a convenient portal for immediate utilization of the newly released 1000 Genomes Project data in pharmacogenetic studies.