BMC Genomics 2006, 7:116 http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2164/7/116 PFrigoumroete5r sequence comparison between the genes encoding two transcripts Promoter sequence comparison between the genes encoding two transcripts. Abbreviated promoter region for the gene corresponding to one transcript, ENSANGP00000011456 as printed when compared to a second, ENSANGP00000020273. Nucleotides that are part of a conserved DNA sequence motif (of length greater than or equal to the specified motif search length: 12 bp in this example) that is found in both transcripts are indicated in blue. Numbered positions where known transcription factor binding sites occur are highlighted in green. Visualization of transcription profiles The transcription profiles for a gene set can be viewed in batch by using the analysis menu from the data-mining interface after a gene set has been selected. The resulting graphs print transcriptional expression according to devel- opmental stage: larvae, male sugar-fed adults, female sugar-fed adults, and female blood-fed adults 3, 24, 48, 72, 96 hours and 15 days after a bloodmeal (Figure 8). Keyword distribution A keyword distribution listing all keywords found in a gene set, as gathered by Ano-Xcel [5], and their respective frequency of occurrence, can be constructed by using the analysis menu from the data-mining interface (Figure 9). Import gene set A gene set can be imported by entering a list of gene iden- tifiers in ENSANGG, ENSANGP, ENSANGT, Probeset ID, or Celera form, or by choosing from a list of pre-defined gene sets. Pre-defined gene sets consist of groups of genes that have been linked to similar function or regulation in existing literature (Figure 10). Users can submit gene sets for automatic and immediate listing as a pre-defined gene set from the same page. Gene sets can be exported from the data-mining interface by using the analysis menu. Submit a microarray study The angaGEDUCI database has the capacity to store and integrate additional Affymetrix microarray studies that examine gene expression in An. gambiae. The Submit Study link provides a short form for uploading microarray data and specifications. Utility and Discussion The angaGEDUCI database identifies genes that meet stage- and tissue-specific expression criteria, and incorpo- rates keyword searching and promoter sequence analysis into one unified data-mining tool. A case study best illus- trates the utility of this integration. In this example, we will identify genes linked to the complex regulation of phenoloxidase, an enzyme involved in the melanization of invading parasites and micro-organisms as part of Page 5 of 11 (page number not for citation purposes)