LocusLink: User Question and Answer
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Problem Summary:

Gather sequence data and related information
on a particular genetic locus
  Sample User Question
Analysis/Comments
Flow Chart
Step By Step Guide
  

Sample User Question back to top

 
Where can I find an overview of the human MLH1 gene that summarizes information about the nucleotide and amino acid sequences, map location, known sequence variations, and key literature about the gene's function?
  

Analysis/Comments back to top

Instead of doing separate searches in each Entrez database, it is often helpful to begin a search in a resource that pulls together a wide variety of information from various databases, and provides a curated subset of that information as well as value-added information and links not available in the individual databases.

Flow Chart back to top

RESOURCE USED: Entrez Gene

FEATURE USED: [Organism] field, to limit search to human

NOTES: Entrez Gene is the best place to start for gene-specific searches for the organisms that are represented in that database, since it pulls together a broad range of information for each locus. The top area of each record includes official gene symbols as well as alternative symbols that have been used for the gene.

Step By Step Guide back to top

Search Entrez Gene for human colon cancer loci. Display the detailed Gene record for GeneID 4292 (human MLH1)

Browse through the following sections in the record, following links of interest:

  • Official gene symbol and name
  • Overview/summary of gene function
    • Alternative symbols by which the gene has been known
  • References to many articles discussing specific aspects of the gene's function
    • Gene Ontology
  • Relationships to homologous genes in other organisms
  • Map information and links to Map Viewer (mv)
  • Reference Sequences
  • Related sequences from GenBank
  • Additional Links to resources within and outside of NCBI


Genes User Question Return to Slides Revised 11/06/2007
Return to Colon Cancer Umbrella Page