UTILIZATION OF SPECIALIZED HARDWARE FOR DNA SEQUENCE ANALYSIS

DCRT正在提供应用生物系统公司的Inherit(Tm)系统 作为NIH内部研究社区的共享资源。这个系统 采用客户端/服务器架构，使用Apple Macintosh计算机作为 客户端平台。科学家可以从ABI购买客户端软件，并 通过NIH网络访问Inherit(Tm)系统。 为了加快结果速度，Inherit(Tm)使用了高度专门化的硬件。 快速数据查找器(FDF)并行处理器可以执行并行模式 在大型数据库中以超过1500万次的速度匹配搜索 每秒字符数。这一速度允许在数小时内完成任务 这通常需要几天时间使用功能强大的Unix(Tm)工作站。 该系统最适合于：(1)中到大序列的组装： (2)在基因和蛋白质数据库中搜索序列同源性；以及(3) 快速搜索基因基序，如调控元件。一个整体 模式描述语言允许构造非常复杂的查询。 DCRT已经向ABI提供了相当大的反馈，以改善客户端用户 界面，并探索了将客户端软件移植到 其他平台，如Unix(Tm)工作站或NIH COVUX/SGI 服务器。 该项目突出了NIH网络的潜力，将带来强大的 和复杂的资源通过台式计算机传输到科学家的 台式电脑。 Inherit是应用生物系统公司的商标。 Unix是X-Open的商标。

DCRT is making available an Applied Biosystems, Inc. Inherit (tm) system as a shared resource to the NIH intramural research community. This system employs a client/server architecture using an Apple Macintosh computer as the client platform. Scientists can purchase client software from ABI and access the Inherit (tm) system over the NIH network. To speed results, Inherit (tm) makes use of highly specialized hardware. The Fast Data Finder (FDF) parallel processor can perform parallel pattern matching searches through large databases at a rate of over 15 million characters per second. This speed permits completion in hours of tasks that often require days using powerful UNIX (tm) workstations. The system is best suited to: (1) assembly of medium to large sequences: (2) searching gene and protein databases for sequence homologies; and (3) rapid searches for genetic motifs such as regulatory elements. An integral pattern description language permits construction of very complex queries. DCRT has provided considerable feedback to ABI to improve the client user interface, and has explored the possibility of porting client software to additional platforms, such as UNIX (tm) workstations or the NIH CONVEX/SGI server. This project highlights the potential of the NIH network to bring powerful and sophisticated resources through desktop computers to the scientist's benchtop. Inherit is a trademark of Applied Biosystems, Inc. UNIX is a trademark of X-Open.