Genome Navigator Patrick Mar and Jennifer Maurer

Overview  For the geneticist who wishes to visualize DNA before conducting an experiment, the Genome Navigator is a desktop application that allows the 3D viewing and manipulation of genetic sequences and subsequences. Our software will replace current 2D viewers and will be usable across a wider variety of genomes.

Operational Concept  Main concept: a graphical 3D viewer that permits the user freedom of motion around an input genetic sequence as well as the ability to modify the sequence  Evolutionary concept: design will plan for adaptability within a larger future framework – possibly as a tool for a larger desktop application

System Requirements  Desktop application w/ 3D capabilities  Later releases will have database support for download of genetic sequences – will require network/internet connection  A Viewer with flexibility of up, down, left, right motion as well as variation of viewing angles  Users will be able to select, highlight, add, delete subsequences

Architecture  Option 1: Completely contained desktop application – most feasible, least useful in terms of genomic sequence availability  Option 2: Desktop application with database support – most risky, very useful. Client-server architecture only involved in obtaining genomic sequences  Option 3: Web server interface with backend database support – medium risk, very useful but requires more maintenance work on our part, also graphics will suffer

Life Cycle Plan  Users/Clients: research & educational institutions  Developers/Maintenance – CSE 403 team  Life Cycle Model: combination of spiral and design-to-schedule models  We will handle risks in the following order: sequence input/download, 3D viewing, moving, manipulation, database support  Business Plan: focus is on research, not profit, CSE 403 students to provide cheap labor  Business Plan: focus is on research, not profit, CSE 403 students to provide cheap labor  Research and Educational potential large, likely to grow

Feasibility  All previously mentioned architectures are achievable, some more so than others  Risks include: time, team’s lack of biological background, programming inexperience, any database designed within allotted time cannot possibly be comprehensive  Success of project may depend in large part to success in designing good graphical representations

Qualifications  Both of us have research experience in computational biology  Jennifer has experience with 3D Graphics  Patrick has experience with web interfaces and databases