VNTRfinder

VNTRfinder detects and analyzes sequence length variation in tandem repeat arrays to characterize polymorphic tandem repeats across inter-specific and intra-specific genomic contexts.

Key Features:

• Detection of Sequence Length Variation: Identifies variations in sequence length within tandem repeat arrays to characterize allelic differences.
• Prediction of Polymorphic Tandem Repeats: Predicts which tandem repeats are likely to be polymorphic when comparable sequences are unavailable for direct comparison.
• Comparative Analysis Across Sequences and Genomes: Describes observed tandem repeat variation across multiple sequences, strains, or genomes for inter- and intra-specific comparisons.
• Algorithmic Identification and Description: Employs a suite of algorithms to detect and describe tandem repeat array variation.
• Scalable Sequence Analysis: Supports analysis of long and numerous sequences to enable broader genomic surveys of tandem repeats.

Scientific Applications:

• Population Genetics: Enables characterization of tandem repeat variability within and between populations and strains.
• Evolutionary Studies: Facilitates comparisons of tandem repeat variation across species for evolutionary inference.
• Clinical and Functional Investigations: Identifies candidate variable tandem repeats for studying potential functional effects and clinical relevance.

Methodology:

Operates on genomic sequence data and applies a suite of algorithms to identify and describe sequence length variations in tandem repeat arrays across multiple sequences or genomes, and predicts polymorphic tandem repeats when comparable sequences are absent.