What’s New at SoyBase

SoyBase, the USDA-ARS soybean genetics and genomics database, provides a comprehensive collection of data, analysis tools and links to external resources of interest to soybean researchers. SoyBase is an actively curated database with new data regularly being incorporated, including updates to the controlled vocabularies (ontologies) for soybean growth, development and phenotypic traits, soybean genes, QTL, and genome sequences and annotations. Some notable recent additions include an improved search tool, and >100 gene expression and genome methylation studies. The data in SoyBase are provided through intuitive interfaces, and are linked together wherever possible to allow easy identification and browsing of related subjects.

The SoyBase home page contains the SoyBase Toolbox, which provides quick access to a search of SoyBase, the SoyCyc metabolic pathways, a comprehensive data download page, a genome BLAST tool, and direct links to the genetic maps and genome sequence browser. An extensive navigation menu and site description for all sections of SoyBase is provided. Searching at SoyBase uses an underlying trait-based approach to return all information related to the search term. Numerous data types are available including genetic and QTL maps, the reference genome sequence with annotation tracks covering genetic markers, genome organization, and gene annotation and expression. Pedigrees for entries in the Soybean Uniform Trials are available. SoyBase also includes an extensive RNA-Seq gene atlas, innovative tools for identifying fast neutron-induced mutants affecting genes or traits of interest, and several 'omics tools, for example a GO Term Enrichment tool, that enable sophisticated queries on lists of genes.