Database challenges for genome information in the post sequencing phase

Abstract

Genome sequencing projects are making available to scientists complete records of the genetic make-up of organisms. The resulting data sets, along with the results of experiments that seek systematically to find new information on the functions of genes, will present numerous opportunities and challenges to biologists. However, the complexity and variety of both the data and the analyses required over such data sets also pose significant challenges to computer scientists charged with providing effective information management systems for use with genome data. This paper presents models for the sorts of information that are being produced on genomes and genome-wide experiments, and outlines a project developing an information management system aimed at supporting analyses over genomic data. This information management system replicates data from other sources, with a view to providing an integrated environment for performing complex analyses.