Genefisher

Genefisher automates the design of PCR primers by using homologous gene sequences from related organisms to enable amplification of corresponding genes across species.

Key Features:

• Automation: Systematically generates primer candidates for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from multiple homologous sequences.
• Transparency in design parameters: Reports and exposes the design parameters used to evaluate and select primers.

Scientific Applications:

• Cross-species primer design: Enables design of primers to amplify orthologous or homologous genes in closely related organisms.
• Gene expression studies: Supports targeted amplification of genes for downstream expression analysis by PCR.
• Comparative genomics: Facilitates comparative analysis of gene sequences across species via targeted amplification.
• Evolutionary biology: Assists amplification of homologous genes for evolutionary and phylogenetic investigations.

Methodology:

Uses a set of known homologous gene sequences from related organisms and systematically designs primers that target the corresponding gene in another organism's genome, considering multiple homologues to select primers suitable for PCR amplification.