In December 2007, the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine released Acyr_1.0, a 6.2x coverage assembly of the genome sequence of Acyrthosiphon pisum (pea aphid). The pea aphid genome is estimated to be 525 Mbp organized as 4 chromosomes. This release was produced by assembling whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequences using the Atlas genome assembly system. The genomic DNA used for library construction was purified from a partially inbred clonal line (LSR1.AC.F1). None of the contigs have been placed on chromosomes in this first version of the assembly.

The NCBI Map Viewer provides graphical displays of features on the Acyrthosiphon pisum genome sequence assembly. Map features that can be seen along the sequence include NCBI contigs (the Contig map), the WGS sequences (the Component map), and the location of aligned transcripts from Acyrthosiphon pisum (rnaAps), other aphids (rnaAph), and other insects (rnaIns). The gene on sequence map includes both known genes and putative genes based on supported Gnomon gene predictions. The complete set of Gnomon predicted gene models can be viewed on the ab initio map. Further documentation is provided on the Aphid genome data and search tips page and through the links below to describe the resource features and methods used, tutorials, and statistics.

The Search bar or the BLAST search link above can be used to find annotation or sequence in the assembly. The sequence-based maps for any contig of interest can then be displayed. Results are indicated in a tabular format. The results table includes links to a contig graphical view where the gene or marker can be seen in the context of additional data. For genes, a particularly useful display includes the Gene, RefSeq transcript, rnaAps, and rnaAph sequence maps. Use the "Maps & Options" window to configure each display.

Other genomes can also be viewed in the NCBI Map Viewer. The Map Viewer home page provides a current list. Also consider reviewing the resources listed on the Genomic Biology site.

Available Documentation:

• NCBI Handbook: Map Viewer chapter - resource description
• NCBI Handbook: Map Viewer Exercises - tutorials and examples
• Map Viewer Help - details about navigation and customizing your display
• Genome Assembly - description of genome assembly and annotation process
• Gnomon - description of NCBI's Hidden Markov Model (HMM) ab initio prediction program

Subscribe to the MapView-announce list to receive messages about changes in NCBI's Map Viewer.