Celera launches proprietary SNP database
Celera's proprietary SNP Reference Database, part of its web-based Discovery System, is fully integrated with the genome, gene, and protein structure data in Celera's Genome Reference Database and linked to specific base pair locations on the genome. The database also features allele frequency, population data, validation status, and trace data for all variations.
"The advantages of using the whole genome shotgun technique for sequencing genomes are uniform SNP coverage of the genome and the fact that every SNP is mapped to its exact genome location," said J. Craig Venter, Celera's president and chief scientific officer. "Combining the genetic variation information from Celera's diverse donor pool with the annotated human genome and other publicly available sources should give researchers a better understanding of the variations in the genetic code and should enable pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic researchers to discover improved drug therapies through enhanced knowledge of the genetic basis of disease, drug efficacy, and drug toxicity in individuals."
To augment its database, Celera has also entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with the University of Wales College of Medicine, Institute of Medical Genetics at Cardiff, which grants Celera and its subscribers access to the college's Human Gene Mutation database (HGMD). The HGMD is a comprehensive database of inherited lesions in more than 1000 human genes that includes information about the disease-related genes including gene name, published scientific research on each gene, and the gene's chromosomal location.
After the period of exclusivity, the HGMD will be made publicly available through the existing Cardiff website. New proprietary information will, during the period of exclusivity, continuously replenish older information. In addition to the HGMD, Celera has also integrated dbSNP (including information from the SNP Consortium) and variation information from literature mining.
For more information: J. Craig Venter, President and Chief Scientific Officer, Celera Genomics Group, 45 W. Gude Dr., Rockville, MD 20850. Tel: 240-453-3000 or 877-235-3721. Fax: 240-453-4000.
Edited by Laura DeFrancesco
Managing Editor, Bioresearch Online
Source: Celera Genomics