The database, CryptoDB (), is a community bioinformatics resource for the AIDS-related apicomplexan-parasite, Cryptosporidium. CryptoDB integrates whole genome sequence and annotation with expressed sequence tag and genome survey sequence data and provides supplemental bioinformatics analyses and data-mining tools. A simple, yet comprehensive web interface is available for mining and visualizing the data. CryptoDB is allied with the databases PlasmoDB and ToxoDB via ApiDB, an NIH/NIAID-fundedBioinformatics Resource Center. Recent updates to CryptoDB include the deposition of annotated genome sequences for Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis, migration to a relational database (GUS), a new query and visualization interface and the introduction of Web services.

ApiDB () represents a unified entry point for the NIH-funded Apicomplexan Bioinformatics Resource Center (BRC) that integrates numerous database resources and multiple data types. The phylum Apicomplexa comprises numerous veterinary and medically important parasitic protozoa including human pathogenic species of the genera Cryptosporidium, Plasmodium and Toxoplasma. ApiDB serves not only as a database in its own right, but as a single web-based point of entry that unifies access to three major existing individual organism databases (, and CryptoDB.org), and integrates these databases with data available from additional sources. Through the ApiDB site, users may pose queries and search all available apicomplexan data and tools, or they may visit individual component organism databases.

Antibiotic non-producing mutants were isolated from an oxytetracycline (OTC) producing strain of Streptomyces rimosus. Cosynthesis tests and feeding known intermediates of the OTC pathway allowed the classification of the mutants into several groups. The biosynthetic lesion was determined for several of the mutants. Some of the mutants deficient in the reduction of 5a,l la-dehydrooxytetracycline, the final step in the pathway, were unable to synthesize a cofactor (CSF 1) essential for this reaction. Mutations apparently in genes for enzymes of the main OTC pathway were found for three of a possible four steps between 4-aminodedimethylaminoanhydrotetracycline (4-amino-ATC) and OTC. Mutations affecting three other steps of a possible five before 4-amino-ATC were found, but unambiguous identification of these was not possible. The genes for OTC production, including those for CSFl synthesis, were located in two diametrically opposite clusters on the S. rimosus chromosomal linkage map. No evidence for plasmid-borne genes was obtained.

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