How to handle assembly changes in UCSC?

Accessing UCSC Genome Browser

• Navigate to the UCSC Genome Browser website.

 

• Ensure you're familiar with the current assembly by checking the homepage for recent updates or changes.

Selecting the Genome Assembly

• On the UCSC main page, locate and click on the "Genomes" link to view available assemblies.

 

• Select the desired organism from the drop-down menu to populate the list of available assemblies.

Switching Between Assemblies

• Use the assemblies drop-down list found on the genome browser interface to choose a different assembly version.

 

• After selecting an assembly, the browser will automatically reload to reflect the new assembly context.

Verifying Assembly Details

• Click on the "Track" settings or the "Assembly" details link if available to get more information about the selected assembly.

 

• Review the provided metadata, including any updates to sequencing data or annotation changes.

Customizing Track Display

• Go to the "Tracks" section to modify how data is shown under the selected assembly.

 

• Select or deselect available tracks based on your research focus to customize the display.

Exporting Data

• For further analysis, locate the "Table Browser" or download options, which are typically found within navigation menus.

 

• Follow the instructions to export data in formats such as FASTA or BED, ensuring it pertains to your chosen assembly.

Maintaining Updates

• Regularly check the UCSC Genome Browser news updates or mailing lists for announcements of new assemblies.

 

• Consider setting up alerts for updates if your research requires frequent utilization of the latest assembly data.