BACs, with an average insert size of 150 kb, could be an important mapping resource in establishing a sequence-level map. Release 2.2 of GSDB, due in August, will feature an alignment representation of sequence information. GDB release 6.0, due in early fall, will contain linkage, physical, and RH map data and information on reagents such as clones and ESTs. An enhanced WWW interface for GDB 6.0 will also be ready at the same time. Many major laboratories involved in the Human Gene Map Initiative have developed their own WWW servers.
All laboratories have a responsibility to provide their data to at least one public database.
Identification systems by various consortia should ensure that all materials, such as clones and arrayed libraries, are traceable to their source. Although the idea of a single, integrated database sounds appealing, this is probably not feasible. Attendees argued that a set of databases supporting different types of query represents a richer overall resource, as long as connections are transparent to the user. In 1995 and 1996, it will allocate 40 million ECUs to transnational genome research projects in the European region. Merck's continuing involvement is seen as essential to the rapid assembly of a public-domain gene map.