Software Tools for Storing, Processing and Displaying Carbohydrate Microarray Data

We describe a suite of software modules to store, retrieve and display carbohydrate microarray data. Storage is in a relational database that holds all the microarray data and associated glycan, protein and experimental information. The retrieval and display software has a comprehensive system of sorters, filters and arrangers to allow highly customized presentation of data as charts, tables, 2D matrices and array graphics. Matrices allow arrangement of proteins in one axis and glycans in the other, so that comparisons can be made between the binding patterns of proteins. Sorting and filtering includes a large assortment of built-in parameters that range from glycan features to data grouping in slides and experiments but may also be completely customized to suit individual needs. Charts, tables and matrices are customizable to maximize presentation clarity. There are customizable automatic chart titles, chart axis annotation and scaling, table layouts, matrix arrangements and colour schemes for all graphics. All display output from the software can be saved or printed for permanent record.