A laboratory information management system for DNA barcoding workflows

Integr Biol (Camb). 2012 Jul;4(7):744-55. doi: 10.1039/c2ib00146b. Epub 2012 Feb 17.

Abstract

This paper presents a laboratory information management system for DNA sequences (LIMS) created and based on the needs of a DNA barcoding project at the CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre (Utrecht, the Netherlands). DNA barcoding is a global initiative for species identification through simple DNA sequence markers. We aim at generating barcode data for all strains (or specimens) included in the collection (currently ca. 80 k). The LIMS has been developed to better manage large amounts of sequence data and to keep track of the whole experimental procedure. The system has allowed us to classify strains more efficiently as the quality of sequence data has improved, and as a result, up-to-date taxonomic names have been given to strains and more accurate correlation analyses have been carried out.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Automation
  • Clinical Laboratory Information Systems*
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Computational Biology / methods*
  • Computer Graphics
  • Computer Systems
  • DNA / genetics*
  • DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic / methods*
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Genes, Fungal*
  • Models, Statistical
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA / methods
  • Software

Substances

  • Fungal Proteins
  • DNA