Greetings,
I have recently transferred from the NCBI to perform a scientific
technical
support function at the NICHD.
I'm currently performing needs analysis for a laboratory which is
involved in
zebrafish sequencing and analysis. They estimate that they will
sequence
up to 3000 clones over a period of time. Based upon availability, it
appears that we will use an SGI Indy system to manage the database;
other
target platforms could be considered if necessary.
Among the functions which the database/laboratory management system
should
perform:
* Lookup by clone identifier
* Lookup by keyword
* semi-automatic insertion of new sequence records based upon email
from sequencing lab
* Storage/linkage to two-dimensional image data derived from Adobe
Photoshop. There will be an average of two images per clone, with an
estimated size of 400 by 400 pixels in 8 bit color.
* Automatic BLASTing of new sequences against the NR databases.
* Automatic detection of open reading frames, where possible.
* Comparison of new sequences with the laboratory database itself,
possibly
using BLAST.
For some clones, association of the original entry with a subsequent
full-length sequence obtained at a later date.
Clones may also in turn need be linked with radiation hybrid mapping
information managed/analyzed through a tool such as RHMAPPER.
Based upon what I have read and heard, it appears that ACEDB may be a
suitable candidate. However, it is unclear to me whether the
computational
aspects of this system can be integrated into ACEDB, and if so, how this
integration can be achieved. I would appreciate the feedback on this
question, as well as alternate recommendations for public domain and/or
commercial software solutions.
I am also interested in learning about the stability of WWW ACEDB tools
(webace?), as well as any third-party tools for performing retrieval
from
ACEDB via the WWW.
Thanks in advance,
- Jonathan
