Vitiligo Information Resource database v3.

Abstract

Vitiligo is a multifaceted autoimmune skin disease characterized by the loss of epidermal melanocytes, yet its molecular basis remains poorly understood. To address the need for a specialized systems biology interface, we present VIRdb v3.0, an integrative database combining curated transcriptomics-based datasets with differentially expressed genes, a protein-protein interaction network highlighting regulatory hubs, and an enriched library of natural compounds and FDA-approved drugs targeting vitiligo-related proteins. The platform supports pathway enrichment, molecular docking, and cross-disease comparisons with autoimmune disorders to identify shared molecular signatures. Backend redevelopment using the Django framework enables scalability and real-time data integration. The updated platform now also supports z-score normalization of expression data, multi-gene pathway enrichment queries, and comparative gene-gene interaction networks for vitiligo and its comorbid autoimmune conditions. VIRdb v3.0 facilitates hypothesis generation, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic exploration, advancing vitiligo systems biology. The database is freely accessible at https://virdb.sbdaresearch.in/ .