ARS | Publication request: The MaizeGDB Genome Browser

Submitted to: Maize Genetics Conference Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: January 27, 2009
Publication Date: March 12, 2009
Citation: Sen, T.Z., Andorf, C.M., Campbell, D.A., Schaeffer, M.L., Harper, E.C., Lawrence, C.J. 2009. The MaizeGDB Genome Browser [abstract]. Maize Genetics Conference Abstracts. p. 28.

Technical Abstract: MaizeGDB (http://www.maizegdb.org) is the community database for maize genetics and genomics. As part of a larger effort to develop MaizeGDB into a more sequence-centric resource, we recently implemented a genome browser. The GBrowse platform was chosen for this endeavor based on results of a survey we conducted to learn about community members’ desired functionalities and impressions of existing genome visualization software. Data from MaizeSequence.org, PlantGDB, and MaizeGDB are the basis for the initial release. Here I will present the features of the MaizeGDB Genome Browser and describe how the browser is connected with MaizeGDB data as well as off-site resources. I also will demonstrate a number of the browser’s unique features and functionalities: e.g., the Locus Lookup tool approximates a given locus’ genomic coordinates based on its genetic map position. Along with other tailor-made tools and views of the maize genome unique to the MaizeGDB Genome Browser, this sort of feature provides maize researchers with an accurate picture of the genome, thus enabling researchers to spend less time on the computer and more time testing hypotheses at the bench.