jViz.Rna - An Interactive Graphical Tool for Visualizing RNA Secondary Structure Including Pseudoknots

Abstract

In order for structure prediction researchers to better understand the results of their algorithms and to enable life science researchers to interpret RNA structure easily, it is helpful to provide them with a flexible and powerful tool for RNA secondary structure visualization. jViz.Rna is a multi-platform visualization tool capable of displaying RNA secondary structures encoded in a variety of file formats. A single structure can be shown using the linear Feynman, circular Feynman, dot plot, and classical structure visualization models. The resulting drawings are dynamic and can easily be further modified by the user. Any of the drawings produced can be saved to disk enabling easy dissemination. The unique usage of a spring model for classical structure drawing allows for clear visualization of pseudoknots with minimal overlaps. The addition of a locality tool allows for the isolation of pseudoknotted regions or other regions of interest