Plant & Animal Genome IX Conference Plant & Animal Genome IX Conference
Poster: Databases
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Genetic linkage and QTL mapping experiments involve large volumes of data. These include pedigree details, genotypes and trait data all of which must be combined in different forms to suit the nuances of each analysis program. Such experiments frequently also consist of collaborations between several groups making data sharing and concurrency a key concern. To simplify the handling of such data we have developed a generic database system called resSpecies. The system is built around the concept of a pedigree table that stores details of individuals and their relationships one to another. Groups of individuals can be defined as belonging to specific analysis populations. Users are assigned permissions to submit or view data on a population by population basis. Genotypes are submitted through an inheritance checking system that identifies Mendelian inheritance errors and only allows data that conforms to correct inheritance patterns into the database. Errors are reported clearly to the user. Inconsistent typings are allowed in, but are masked from export routines. Export routines are provided to extract data in the formats required for several popular analysis packages, including crimap and the Knott & Haley QTL package. Data can also be reviewed in human-readable formats. Because the submission and export tools work against a central database, the most current data is always available to scientists for analysis. In addition, typographical errors are not introduced during the reformatting stages. The entire system is web-based making international collaborations simple to effect. resSpecies (http://www.resSpecies.org) is currently implemented for chicken, sheep, cattle, pig, mouse and turkey.