Protocol Table of Contents

Background - Bioinformatics/Database - MutaJAX

To meet the informatics requirements of the NMF we will develop a new database, 'MutaJax', with the capacity both for workflow management and dissemination of all data generated by this facility. We will also expand an existing resource, the International Mouse Strain Resources (IMSR), to provide investigators with Internet access to information on mutants generated at the facility. IMSR could serve as the central clearinghouse for public access to mutant mouse resources from any NIH-supported mutagenesis and phenotyping facility should NIH decide that such a strategy will advance the longer-term objectives of the neuroscience mutagenesis facilities. Our ability to provide a central informatics resource for a system of facilities is already recognized; The Jackson Laboratory is providing a similar function by serving as the Informatics, Coordination and Service Center (ICSC) for NCRR's regional system of Mutant Mouse Regional Resource Centers (MMRRC).

MutaJax will provide:

  1. internal management of data associated with all aspects of workflow including animal management, mutagenesis treatment, and sample tracking,
  2. a central repository for all genetic data generated by the NMF, as well as all protocols and instrumentation associated with phenotyping and mutagenesis and,
  3. Internet access to information on mutant mice generated by the NMF (or any other facility supported by this RFA), including strain data, strain availability information, and strain tracking information, through an existing Web-accessible database, the International Mouse Strain Resources (IMSR).