Automatic generation of links between heterogeneous genomic databases

Abstract

Our goal was to study the feasibility of a system to create links between heterogeneous genomic databases. We developed a test program to build up relationships between the Genome Data Base and the Genetic Sequence Data Bank. We analyzed keywords, probes and cytogenetic locations extracted from both banks to create a network of links. The activation of the network generates new linkage data between those banks. Considering the quantity of new links created (over 50000), we could not make an exhaustive analysis of the results but the tests we performed make us think that our links are accurate. However, we also noticed that the system lacks some sensitivity, mainly due to the use of biological abbreviations or synonyms. Therefore, we propose as a conclusion some ways of enhancing the retrieval efficiency of our system.<>