Plant & Animal Genomes XI Conference

January 11-15, 2003
Town & Country Convention Center
San Diego, CA

Bioinformatics: Databases
           Computer: Poster and Demo

MGDb: BUILDING A NEXT GENERATION MAIZE DATABASE

¹ Department of Zoology and Genetics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3260, U.S.A.

² Department of Zoology and Genetics and Department of Statistics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3260, U.S.A.

MGDb (Maize Genetics Database) is an on-going project initiated by the USDA-ARS. The goals of this project are (1) to build a next generation maize database providing curated and integrated data such as sequences, maps, genetic markers, phenotypes; and (2) to provide a comprehensive online workbench for maize biologists to analyze the data. Since our development work started on April 1, 2002, we have begun to integrate the two existing major maize databases, ZmDB (www.zmdb.iastate.edu) and MaizeDB (www.agron.missouri.edu). Data sets from ZmDB and MaizeDB have gone through a process of evaluation and excavation before being added into MGDb's re-designed schema. We have ported MaizeDB and ZmDB data into the Oracle-based MGDb. A new intuitive web interface is under development that will provide easy access to the data and related information. Analytical tools are embedded within data display to facilitate in-depth study. Other developments include protocols and standards for data sharing, i.e., XML specifications for various data types. We are developing web-based curation tools for both designated experts and general researchers. We work closely with a nation-wide MGDb Steering Committee on both the scientific and technical aspects of the database. In addition, the Steering Committee members have been serving as beta testers of MGDb as well as guiding the site development to meet the needs of the maize research community. The release of MGDb to the general public has been tentatively scheduled for spring 2003.