Tech Notes

Q. How do I add buttons to the Gene Inspector to query databases?

A. There are two ways to add links to public databases in the Gene Inspector windows:

1. During custom genome import process:

1. Select "Import Genome" from the file menu and select "Create a Custom Genome".
2. Click "Next" and follow the instructions. After selecting the genome files, you will be able to add web links.
   
   
   
   
3. Click "Add Link" or "Add Standard Link" under "Gene Links" section. Adding a link allows you to enter a link manually. You can also test the link before going on.

Adding a standard link allows you to choose web links from a compiled list of common links for more than 50 organisms. Check the box to the left of the link(s) you wish to add, and click "OK". Double-click on the link line to edit and test it.

Upon completion of the genome import, buttons linking to public databases will appear in the Gene Inspector windows.



2. Alternatively, you may add links to any genome after installation. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the genome in GeneSpring.
2. Select "Genome Manager" from the File menu. Click "Inspect".
3. Select the "Web Links" tab. Click "Add Link" to add a customized link, or "Add Standard Link" to add links from a compiled list of links.
   
   
   
   
4. Double-click on the link line to edit it and test it, if necessary.
   
   
   
   
5. To edit the entry used to retrieve information on the web link, select the FIELD name inserted between <> in the link (see image above, the term <GENBANK…> has been highlighted), select another Annotation to use from the pull-down menu below, and click "Insert Annotation".
6. Click "Test Link" to make sure the link works before closing the window.

If a button is inactive in the Gene Inspector window, this probably means that the annotation field selected for the link (for instance, GenBank Accession ID) is empty for that particular gene.