About

An Oxford grid is a powerful comparative-mapping tool. In its simplest form, it comprises a square divided into a number of rectangles, each representing two chromosomes (one from each of two species), with the length of the sides proportional to the length of those two chromosomes. Each locus is represented by a point indicating its location on the relevant chromosome of both species.

Any genetic map can be presented in an Oxford grid. The most powerful maps are those based on complete genome sequence. For species that are not yet fully sequenced, the next best thing is a single integrated LDB-type map.

This site presents web-based grids generated by software developed in python at ANGIS. It also provides programs for creating similar grids developed in C at Oxford.

The grids provide a convenient point of access for comparative mapping data, enabling users to move from a region of interest on a particular chromosome of a particular species, to the orthologous regions of any other species, linking up with relevant sequence and annotation data when available. Breakpoints can be visualized readily.

The maps currently presented on this site are based on molecular maps of human, mouse and dog, and linkage and physical maps of other species. In the near future, the linkage and physical maps will be replaced with a single LDB-style integrated map for each non-sequenced species.

Contacts

Frank Nicholas: Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney frankn@vetsci.usyd.edu.au

Jo Dicks, John Innes Centre, Norwich jld@bbsrc.ac.uk

Jonathan Usmar, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney jonathan@vetsci.usyd.edu.au