Plant genome sequence data have been accumulating from three major sources: whole genome sequencing and assembly (Arabidopsis thaliana, rice, Medicago truncatula), genome survey sequencing (maize), and expressed sequence tags (ESTs). This data flow will likely continue, with a focus on complete sequencing of "reference species", draft sequencing of other selected species, and further EST and full-length cDNA sequencing.
Our efforts will aid in the organization and interpretation of these sequence data through the development and implementation of integrated databases and analytical tools. Results of our project will be accessible via the PlantGDB Web site, www.plantgdb.org. Our scientific goals include estimation and characterization of the plant gene space and the extent and conservation of alternative splicing in plants. These objectives will in part be pursued by further development of algorithms and statistical methods for splice site recognition and gene structure prediction.
The project will train graduate and undergraduate students in bioinformatics and plant genomics and encourage their consideration of careers in these fields. The PlantGDB database and Web site will serve both the research community by integrating data access and analysis tools and the broader community by providing tutorials. PlantGDB will also be hosting the Plant Genome Research Outreach Portal, a Web site providing access to a large number of resources and successful outreach programs.
