New BER/JGI Microbial Genome Database Tool Reported in Science

Summary

The March 18, 2005, issue of Science reports on the new Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG) site at the DOE Joint Genome Institute (JGI) (p. 1701, Microbial Get Together.) This new clearinghouse (https://img.jgi.doe.gov/v1.0/main.cgi) from DOE helps researchers analyze the deluge of DNA data on microorganisms. The IMG site currently stores nearly 300 draft or completed genome sequences from archaea, bacteria, and other microbes, along with tools for sifting through the data. Visitors can get acquainted with all 2526 protein-coding genes carried by the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus, for example. Besides basic information about the gene, its protein, and its function, visitors can summon diagrams illustrating which biochemical pathways the gene influences. Browsing tools make it easy to pinpoint similar genes in different organisms and compare them side by side.