MATILDA version 3.0 (1996)

MATILDA - Mapping Accessing Transforming Information about Ligated D n As

MATILDA is designed for use on IBM-compatible PCs with dot matrix printers.

Matilda is a specialized DNA database management system that helps scientists
extract the high-level information that they need for recombinant DNA
experiments from a large sequence and genetic information database. In contrast 
with programs that only analyze DNA sequence data, it also incorporates
functional data and restriction map data. Sequence and functional data are
extracted from sequence files and from additional information provided by the
user. As recombinant DNA clones are constructed, their descriptions are added
to the database so that they can be used to describe clones constructed at
later steps.

Designed by molecular biologists, MATILDA answers specialized queries of the
kind that are needed for recombinant DNA design and analysis. For example, a
scientist can request lists of restriction enzymes which cleave a DNA near,
but not within, a particular gene of interest. Data are presented in five
classes of printed formats.

By combining sequence, functional and clone construction information in a
central database, MATILDA also provides the archival services needed for long- 
term recombinant DNA laboratory data management. MATILDA's update functions can
automatically modify an entire database to correct errors or when new
discoveries (e.g., of additional restriction enzymes or functional sites) are
made. Since data are entered and retrieved in standard formats, information
exchange between different investigators is facilitated.

Additional information about MATILDA can be found in
Isralewitz, B. and Shalloway, D. (1992), Computer assisted recombinant DNA
design and analysis with MATILDA. In Microcomputers in Biochemistry: A
Practical Approach. C.F.A. Bryce, ed. (IRL Press, Oxford) pp. 159-188.
See also
Shalloway, D., and Deering, N.R. (1984). Recombinant DNA data management at
the restriction and functional site level. Nucl. Acids Res. 12:739-750.
(Reprints can be obtained from Dr. D. Shalloway, dis2@cornell.edu).


DOWNLOADING AND INSTALLATION:

1) Download MATILDA.ZIP into the subdirectory where you wish the
   MATILDA system to be installed (e.g. MATILDA3).  
   Extract the program files using PKUNZIP.

2) INITIALIZATION: From the program directory, enter the command

   SETMAT

   This starts the configuration program to initialize the program.

   IMPORTANT!!  This program MUST be run prior to using MATILDA for the
                first time.

   SETMAT can be run again if it is ever necessary to change installation
                parameters (e.g., printer port number).

3) To start MATILDA, change to the program directory and enter
   MATILDA

4) Program documentation is located in the DOC subdirectory.
   The enzyme list in ENZLIST.EC is that used in the Shalloway laboratory as
   of March, 1996.  This includes all commercially available restriction
   enzymes of which we had knowledge; however, most entries with alternate
   isoschizomers have been commented out.