A conceptual database model for genomic research

We describe a conceptual model for genome databases that facilitates the process of building, maintaining, and disseminating physically anchored genetic linkage maps. The model has been implemented as a relational database at the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC). Development of consensus maps using disparate data from different reference pedigrees or laboratories is supported. The model is of use to quantitative and population geneticists interested in loci that affect phenotypes and marker-assisted selection, and it is sufficiently flexible for centralized, species genome databases facilitating comparative mapping. The MARC genome database is used to assemble, maintain, and disseminate physically anchored genetic linkage maps for cattle, swine, and sheep currently based on more than 100,000 genotypes from 1,000 markers. Integrated with linkage analysis software, this database permits frequent updates of physically anchored genetic linkage maps.