How to Cite

Citing EnzymeBase and the entries within it

EnzymeBase is an index, not a replacement for the underlying research it points to. When an entry is linked to a published paper or thesis, cite that original source directly. Cite EnzymeBase itself when you are referring to the catalogue as a resource, for example when describing where a set of candidate compounds was compiled from.

Citing the platform

EnzymeBase. Retrieved [date], from https://enzymebase.com

Citing an individual entry

Each entry page includes its target, source, and method, along with a “Last updated” date. Where an entry is linked to a published source, that source’s own citation takes precedence, whether that source is the EnzymeBase maintainer’s own work or a third party’s. An entry curated from someone else’s published research credits that research’s original authors for the finding; EnzymeBase and its maintainer should only be credited for the act of cataloguing it, for example “compiled in EnzymeBase from [original citation].” Where an entry is not yet linked to a published source (its status is “In review” or “In development”), it should not be cited as a validated finding. See Data & Contribution Policy for what each status means.

Citing a specific version

An entry’s content can change over time, most often when its status moves from “In review” to “Validated,” or if it is later marked “Retracted or amended.” When citing an entry, include the “Last updated” date shown on its page, not just an access date, so the citation points to a specific version of the record rather than whatever the page happens to say later.

EnzymeBase does not yet mint a separate DOI or archived snapshot for each entry. Until it does, the “Last updated” date is the closest thing to a stable version marker available.

License

Entries marked “Validated” are made available under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license, consistent with other open enzyme databases. This means you are free to reuse and adapt the data, provided you give appropriate credit. Content that has not yet reached “Validated” status is not covered by this license and should not be reused as a data source.

Questions about reuse or attribution can be sent through Get Involved.