[Bioinformatics and GenEnv database in biological risk management].
Identification and molecular typing of environmental isolates by molecular techniques requires knowledge of the genetic characteristics of the microbe species being examined. The introduction of automated sequences has greatly speeded up the entire sequencing process as well as improved the accuracy of the collected information. Bioinformatics tools have become indispensable not only for setting up research studies, but also for storing, organizing and managing enormous quantities of sequencing data. Despite its great advantages, the use of bioinformatics is hindered by difficulties in learning how to use its software tools. The GenEnv database was developed to provide operators involved in biological risk management with a user-friendly tool for sequence analysis. Presently, there are over 20.000 sequence records, and over 9000 bacterial species represented in the database. The initial gene set comprises rDNA16S, rpoB, gyrB. The system allows sequence-driven microbe identification as well as the development of study protocols for research on specific microbe species. Nucleotide sequences are represented graphically. The GenEnv database was designed as a tool for public health operators but also offers wide prospects for scientific research.
Romano Spica
Vincenzo
V
IUSM: Istituto Universitario di Scienze Motorie, Dipartimento Scienze Movimento Umano e Sport-Sezione di Igiene, Roma. vrs@iusm.it
Santoni
Daniele
D
Paparini
Andrea
A
Giammanco
Giovanni Maurizio
GM
Canali
Alessandro
A
Orsini
Massimigliano
M
Castrignanò
Tiziana
T
D019295:Computational Biology; D030541:Databases, Genetic; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008331:Management Information Systems; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011634:Public Health; D012308:Risk Management; D012984:Software