posted 03-27-2000 09:45 AM         

First, there is 'I-RACE' - the sequence is elongated based on the LEADS databases that Compugen has been developing since 1998. A combination of public and private domain EST and mRNA data, LEADS now represents over 70,000 unique genes. A query sequence is elongated according to the best available transcript in LEADS.
Next, the expression pattern of the sequence is analyzed using SAGE - the popular method to quantify mRNA presence in libraries, based on the 3' end. Even short ESTs or incomplete sequences may have SAGE tags, and tell you allot about the possible tissues where your candidate is expressed.
Then, the elongated sequence is compared for homology in a very nice and useful page, which includes comparisons all major protein, DNA, and domain databases, all neatly organized into a split-screen format with clear graphic designation of 'significance'.
Last, a summary page is presented - giving you all these results, numbers, and graphs as one clear text summary of your query. Sometimes this is all you may need...
Additional services, such a ORF prediction, primer design, and proprietary SAGE libraries, complete the picture of a useful, highly focused site. Currently every new user can enjoy up to 6 free searches.