GENote v.β: A web tool prototype for annotation of unfinished sequences in non-model eukaryotes

Abstract

De novo identification of genes in newly-sequenced eukaryotic genomes is based on sensors, which are not available in non-model organisms. Many annotation tools have been developed and most of them require sequence training, computer skills and accessibility to sufficient computational power. The main need of non-model organisms is finding genes, transposable elements, repetitions, etc., in reliable assemblies. GENote v.β is intended to cope with these aspects as a web tool for researchers without bioinformatics skills. It facilitates the annotation of new, unfinished sequences with descriptions, GO terms, EC numbers and KEEG pathways. It currently localises genes and transposons, which enable the sorting of contigs or scaffolds from a BAC clone, and reveals some putative assembly inconsistencies. Results are provided in GFF3 format and in tab-delimited text readable in viewers; a summary of findings is provided also as a PNG file. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.