Latest Tools And Methods For Eukaryotic Genome Analysis: J. Craig Venter Institute To Train USDA Scientists

Main Category: Genetics
Also Included In: Water - Air Quality / Agriculture;  IT / Internet / E-mail
Article Date: 03 Mar 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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As part of the ongoing mission to train and educate scientists on the latest tools, methods and advances in genomics, the J. Craig Venter Institute's (JCVI) Eukaryotic Genome Annotation and Analysis Team will travel to Lubbock, TX March 3rd-5th to train 40 United States Agriculture Department (USDA) scientists at the Agricultural Research Service.

The training session will focus on the use of JCVI's eukaryotic annotation methods, and tools and computational pipeline for annotation, including the Institute's manual, open source, annotation tool, Manatee. The 40 scientists from around the United States will use real data to learn about many of the search tools and processes that JCVI scientists use to annotate, analyze and compare eukaryotic genomes. They will put together an analysis "pipeline" for the annotation of a genomic sequence, and will learn how to determine structural and functional characteristics of a genome, for example genes, gene products, genetic repeats, RNAs, etc. The USDA scientists will also gain a deeper understanding of the annotations available in publicly accessible databases.

In addition to the training, JCVI offers free annotation of prokaryotic genomes through the JCVI Annotation Service. This service has provided more than 100 investigators with more than 200 genomic sequences.

According to JCVI's Linda Hannick, "This annotation training demonstrates the practical application of bioinformatics to field science. The advent of more cost-effective, next generation sequencing technologies means that there is an ever-increasing amount of genomic data to analyze. The JCVI course equips scientists with the tools and understanding to analyze sequence data from their own projects."

The JCVI's Professional Development Program serves both scientists and non-scientists in providing adult learning opportunities about the latest tools and techniques in genomic research. To date more than 50 classes reaching more than 600 researchers have been conducted by JCVI's Professional Development Team.

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About the J. Craig Venter Institute

The JCVI is a not-for-profit research institute in Rockville, MD and San Diego, CA dedicated to the advancement of the science of genomics; the understanding of its implications for society; and communication of those results to the scientific community, the public, and policymakers. Founded by J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., the JCVI is home to approximately 400 scientists and staff with expertise in human and evolutionary biology, genetics, bioinformatics/informatics, information technology, high-throughput DNA sequencing, genomic and environmental policy research, and public education in science and science policy. The legacy organizations of the JCVI are: The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR), The Center for the Advancement of Genomics (TCAG), the Institute for Biological Energy Alternatives (IBEA), the Joint Technology Center (JTC), and the J. Craig Venter Science Foundation. The JCVI is a 501 (c) (3) organization. For additional information, please visit http://www.jcvi.org/

Source: Heather Kowalski
J. Craig Venter Institute