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The PCR Primers database - Important updates.
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The PCR primers database is a practical database of fully tested and optimized
primers for PCR reactions. The database contains all the data items required
to reproduce precisely the reaction conditions of the submitting author and
contact details in case of a need.
* The database is now sercheable:
The database can now be searched through WWW by using extremely powerful
seach utilities of the SRS at the Netherlands EMBnet node at CAOS/CAM
http://www-srs.caos.kun.nl/srs/srsc
Searches can be on almost any of the data record fields, including the
target, sequence, species, contributing author etc.
Many thanks to Jack Leunissen who has set-up this service.
* Modification to a data field tag:
The accession number tag has been changed to ACCESS, just to make more
sense to the interpretaion of the tag
* Addition of a data field:
There is now a data field for literature cross-reference. Whenever
possible, the reference which is given is linked with the appropriate
Medline entry. The tag for this field is REFXRF.
* Additions to the WWW pages:
Some information and appropriate links were added on subjects related to
the design of primers. Any further input from experienced users is
welcome. In the near future I intend to include a methods page that will
link to information on those methods which are often requested on the
network.
Each of the informative web pages (excluding the home page) now has a
special feedback form. Any additional information or comments from users
is highly welcome.
* Data submissions:
The database relies heavily on submissions from users. The importance to
the users community will increase with the increase in entry numbers.
Users are encouraged to submit primers to the database. Submissions can
be made either through the WWW or by using a text based submission form.
If you maintain large numbers of primers in a spreadsheet or small
database or a simple but organized text file, please contact me. I can
process large numbers of entries from almost any format.
Summary of access means:
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The database home page can be accessed directly at:
http://www.ebi.ac.uk/primers_home.html
The data and documentation can be obtained through anonymous ftp to:
ftp.ebi.ac.uk under: /pub/databases/primers/
Searches at the CAOS/CAM server:
http://www-srs.caos.kun.nl/srs/srsc
Users who have no other means of connection besides email, can now use the
EMBL-EBI automatic mail server to retrieve the database files and
documents. To start working with the mail server in general, send a
message containing the word "HELP" either in the subject line or in the
body of message, to: netserv at ebi.ac.uk Here are the commands which are
available for the primers database:
Here is a summary of all the available commands for the primers database,
that can be specified in an email message sent to netserv at ebi.ac.uk
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To obtain send the command
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A general help file HELP PRIMERS
The database fields definitions file GET PRIMERS:DEFINITIONS
A bogus filled entry as an example GET PRIMERS:EXAMPLE
An electronic data submission form GET PRIMERS:SUBMISSION.FORM
The actual data file with the entries GET PRIMERS:PRIMERS
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Dear colleague, please do not forget, this database will NOT be created
by journal scanning and active searching, but from direct submissions from
researchers only. The key to the success of this database is your
submissions, so do set aside some spare time and send your primers.
Our email: primers at ebi.ac.uk
WWW : http://www.ebi.ac.uk/primers_home.html
fax : +44 1223 494468
Phone : +44 1223 494437
I highly welcome any questions, corrections, remarks or discussions concerning
the PCR Primers database (Email is the most preferred way).
Best wishes. Good luck with your PCR experiments.
Yours,
Benny Shomer
Email: bshomer at EBI.ac.ukhttp://www.ebi.ac.uk/ebi_docs/staff/benny.html
