In 1999 we have created a TSHR mutation database compiling TSHR mutations with their basic characteristics and associated clinical conditions (www.uni-leipzig.de/innere/tshr). Since then, more than 2887 users from 36 countries have logged into the TSHR mutation database and have contributed several valuable suggestions for further improvement of the database. We now present an updated and extended version of the TSHR database to which several novel features have been introduced: 1. detailed functional characteristics on all 65 mutations (43 activating and 22 inactivating mutations) reported to date, 2. 40 pedigrees with detailed information on molecular aspects, clinical courses and treatment options in patients with gain-of-function and loss-of-function germline TSHR mutations, 3. a first compilation of site-directed mutagenesis studies, 4. references with Medline links, 5. a user friendly search tool for specific database searches, user-specific database output and 6. an administrator tool for the submission of novel TSHR mutations. The TSHR mutation database is installed as one of the locus specific HUGO mutation databases. It is listed under index TSHR 603372 (http://ariel.ucs.unimelb.edu.au/~cotton/glsdbq.htm) and can be accessed via www.uni-leipzig.de/innere/tshr.

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We describe the development of a novel tool that facilitates the design and visualization of pedigrees using a special Internet application. The tool is programmed in Java, using a PHP script as an interface. This web-based tool is used to generate, edit, and/or view pedigrees. The advantage of our novel tool is that it is based on a notation that allows the representation of any given number of generations, family members per generation, and multiple clinical or genetic features of an individual family member. In addition, the notation allows us to minimize the storage space by 100% to 500% and to standardize the presentation of family trees and segregation analysis for inheritance of mendelian disorders or even complex traits. This pedigree tool has been implemented with a database of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) mutations (http://www.uni-leipzig.de/innere/tshr/).

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