New Bioinformatics Resource in Beta Testing

[A. Jamie Cuticchia]

For over a decade the GDB Human Genome Database has been a
peer-reviewed resource for human genetic mapping. In the spirit of
GDB, we are beta-testing a new set of genomic resources.

One project, APR, was created to promote the sharing of information
focused on records stored in publicly accessible databases. The idea
for this came from the longstanding discussion in the scientific
community regarding inaccuracies or inconsistencies in public data.
This component of our system allows researchers to connect additional
information (including documents and citation links) to records in
GenBank.

These annotations are stored in a separate database and are linked to
GenBank based on the accession number of the selected record. Through
the APR, software users directly access GenBank and when records are
retrieved, those records with annotations are indicated in the APR
viewer. While this release focuses on GenBank as a proof-of-principal
we envision extending its scope to allow for the sharing of community
information related to records in other databases.

This is a beta period is our first step toward our public release
which we hope will continue to spur the creation of human annotated
biological information.

We are especially interested in reaching out to new investigators for
feedback, and ask you to forward this message on to those whom you
feel might be interested in this resource.

In the same manner as GDB, access to APR is free and this research is
currently being supported by the internal research and development
funds of the not-for-profit RTI International (a trade name of the
Research Triangle Institute).

Requests for more information and requests for accounts can be
addressed directly to me at Jamie#gdb.org. (Replace # with @ sign)

Cheers,

A. Jamie Cuticchia, Ph.D.

GDB Human Genome Database
Hosted at

RTI International
3040 Cornwallis Road
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
919-316-3511 (voice)