The gene expression database (GXD) is being developed to store and int
egrate expression information for mouse development. GXD addresses man
y issues that apply to gene expression databases in general, and its d
ata structures and supporting software tools are generalized in design
and thus readily adaptable to other life stages and species. integrat
ion of GXD With the mouse genome database (MGD) and interconnections w
ith other relevant databases will place the gene expression data into
the larger biological and analytical context. Here, we describe the de
sign and implementation of GXD and illustrate, in particular the gene
expression annotator, an electronic system for submitting expression d
ata to the database. (C) 1997 Academic Press Ltd.