Guide to the UCSC Genome Browser

This tutorial is aimed at the biologist who is interested in exploring protein-coding genes using the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) Genome Browser. It is geared towards those who have little or no experience using the UCSC Genome Browser and for more advanced users who are not familiar with many of the gene-oriented browser features. Using the example of a human gene, PPP1R1B, the reader is guided through a step-by-step process for finding and visualizing protein-coding genes in the context of the human genome and a wide variety of genomic data. The user is shown how to use the UCSC Genome Browser to locate a Mammalian Gene Collection (MGC)^1–3 clone of the gene and how to order the clone from suppliers. Some common queries are presented with step-by-step instructions for implementing them, and a list of resources including tutorials, exercises and other informational material on using the UCSC Genome Browser are provided.

About the Authors

Authors: Rachel A. Harte, Mark Diekhans, W. James Kent, & David Haussler (Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz)

Cover Image: Paul Cowan/Bigstock.

Citation: Harte, R. A., Diekhans, M., Kent, W. J. & Haussler, D. Guide to the UCSC Genome Browser. Cambridge, MA: NPG Education, 2010.

Last Updated: January 17, 2014