The Arabidopsis Information Resource: A curated reference resource for translational plant biology

Arabidopsis thaliana has been the object of intensive study for more than half a century and was the first plant genome to be fully sequenced in 2000. Since then, extensive suites of experimental tools (e.g. mutant stocks, sequence variation libraries and various ‘omics’ data) have been generated by the research community for probing the functions Arabidopsis’ ~30K genes . Founded in 1999, the Arabidopsis Information Resource (TAIR, www.arabidopsis.org), employs trained biocurators who extract published experimental information from the literature and integrate data to present a comprehensive view of Arabidopsis gene function. With sustained support from the research community, TAIR is able to continuously add data to produce a ‘gold standard’ annotated plant genome that serves as a key reference species for translational biology. Curators from TAIR will demonstrate how to use data and tools in TAIR with an emphasis on recent updates and new tools such as the JBrowse genome browser.  Additionally, we will introduce a newly developed online phylogenetics resource, PhyloGenes (www.phylogenes.org), and demonstrate how it can be used to infer the functions of unknown genes in any plant species. We encourage participants to bring their own computers and data for hands-on activities. There will also be an opportunity after the presentation for one-on-one consulting.

Advance registration is required.  Registration is limited to current faculty, staff, students, and postdoctoral scholars at Stanford University.