Extending MapMan: application to legume genome arrays

Motivation: Based on a gene classification into hierarchical categories (‘BINs’), MapMan was originally developed to display Arabidopsis thaliana</it> gene expression in a functional context. We have created a bioinformatics system to extend MapMan to any organism by using a new BIN structure based on the KEGG database. Gene sequences are assigned to this ontology by homology relationships in four reference databases: KEGG, COG, Swiss-Prot and Gene Ontology. We applied this system to tailor MapMan to the GeneChips of two model legumes, Glycine max</it> and Medicago truncatula</it>. We also developed a module to identify the most relevant pathways involved. Availability: All mapping files, pathway pictures and the analysis method are available at <inter-ref locator="http://bioinfoserver.rsbs.anu.edu.au/" locator-type="url">http://bioinfoserver.rsbs.anu.edu.au/</inter-ref> Contact: <inter-ref locator="georg.weiller@anu.edu.au" locator-type="email">georg.weiller@anu.edu.au</inter-ref>