GDB report
The Genome Database
Since December 1996 the Genome Database (GDB) has been using computational methods to integrate the maps stored in the database into a single "comprehensive map". The integration method aligns maps containing common markers, then projects the positions of all markers in the maps onto a single map framework (for more details about the method of integration see http://www.gdb.org/gdb/uCoordTech.html.
This integrated map was initially used only to enhance searches for markers in a region. It allows a region to be defined by pairs of markers as well as by cytogenetic bands, and allows one to compare the positions of markers which are not in the same map. Since July 1997 users have been able to view sections of the integrated map, either from a map query or as an option to display results from a standard query. Mapview, GDB's graphical map viewing tool, can be used to view sections of the comprehensive map or a comparison of primary maps stored in the database showing alignments based on common markers.
The comprehensive map has been used to estimate the distance of each marker from pter in megabases, by a linear transformation between the comprehensive map length and the estimated megabase length of the chromosome. This information is then displayed in GDB for each localization of an object. A new search tool (http://www.gdb.org/gdb/regionSearch.html) allows the user to perform simple searches for markers in a defined region, or within a specified distance of a single marker.
As the GDB project approaches its termination early in 1999 the entry of maps and other data will continue, although at a slower rate. We expect that data loading will cease some time in the autumn of 1998, at which point the comprehensive map will be recalculated from the available data. The database will remain available for querying for the foreseeable future.
The current GDB statistics for chromosome 1:
626 genes
7065 amplimers
1537 associated with a gene
884 polymorphic
5168 clones
678 polymorphic