GANT

GANT (Gene and Annotation Navigation Tool) is a desktop deployed gene-centric genome browser. It has the unique ability to gather gene structure and annotation from multiple sources and present them together in an easy-to-navigate interface. Additional features are included such as the ability to add your own custom annotation and design primers with lightning speed.

We are continually developing and improving GANT so please let us know if you have any questions, comments, suggestions or problems!

Share GANT! | FAQ | Screenshot | Plugins and Drivers | GANT Help Documentation

GANT Pricing

All prices are per computer. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and PayPal.
Call us toll-free at 1-888-382-2850 to obtain an academic or corporate primer picking code.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does GANT cost?
2. How does GANT differ from other genome browsers?
3. When designing primers, I am asked for a code...why do I need a code and how do I get one?
4. Can GANT be used on Windows and Mac?
5. Why can't I load my gene of interest?
6. My annotation seems to have disappeared and I can't see it anymore, where did it go?
7. GANT is telling me that a new version is available, what do I do?
8. How do I add more visible annotation to a gene in GANT?
9. I have a really good idea for GANT, what should I do?
10. I think I found a bug in the GANT software, how can I get it fixed?
11. How can I display my own personal data in GANT?
12. How do I install GANT?

1. How much does GANT cost?
   All the fundamental gene searching and browsing capabilities are absolutely FREE! Primer picking is the only service with a small fee (see pricing) after your initial primer picking code expires.
   
   
2. How does GANT differ from other genome browsers?
   Great question...afterall, there are several to choose from. However, no other browser offers the rich user-interation as GANT. GANT is a desktop-deployable application which means it runs locally on your computer instead of from a remote web server. Once you install GANT, you have immediate access to all that GANT has to offer. Plus, the data gathered by GANT is managed by plugins so it is very versatile. With the proper plugin, GANT can gather data from any datasource, even your own proprietery source!
   
   
3. When designing primers, I am asked for a code...why do I need a code and how do I get one?
   The primer design in GANT is made possible by a server managed by Bio::Neos, Inc. There is a small fee (see pricing) for each installation of GANT to maintain use of the server. When you initially download GANT, you get a unique code which enables 10 free uses of our primer server. After your initial code expires, you may purchase a new code from us to continue use of the server. Simply call us toll-free at 1-888-382-2850.
   
   
4. Can GANT be used on Windows and Mac?
   YES! GANT is built using Sun Java technology and can be used on any platform with the Java environment installed. Mac OS X computers have Java pre-installed so there is no additional work needed to install GANT. Many Windows computers have Java installed, but you can check by visiting this Java installation verification page. If you do not have Java installed, you may download it here.
   
   
5. Why can't I load my gene of interest?
   The most common cause for a gene not loading is because of a communications failure. If you are using a genomic plugin* that requires an internet connection, make sure you have an active internet connection and try to restart GANT and load the gene again. If you are still having problems, please email support@bioneos.com or call 1-888-382-2850 with a description of the problem and any error messages that are appearing.
   
   *UCSC is the default genomic plugin and it requires an internet connection
   
   
6. My annotation seems to have disappeared and I can't see it anymore, where did it go?
   There are three display modes for annotation tracks: full, small and hidden.

   Full: Every piece of annotation is displayed in its own distinct rectangle lined up appropriately above the gene. The annotation is cascaded so it is all visible.	Small:The annotation track is condensed to the height of a single layer. If multiple instances of the same type of annotation exist, they will overlap.	Hidden: As the name suggests, all annotation is hidden.

   
   There are two ways to change the display mode of annotation:
   
   1. Click "Options > Annotation Options...".
      Select the annotation type from the drop-down list.
      Select the desired mode from the Display Mode drop-down list.
      Click "OK".
      
   2. Mouse-over the Annotation track and a set of three boxes will appear to the right:
      
      The left box will set the mode to Small, the middle to Full, and the right to Hidden.
      
   
   
7. GANT is telling me that a new version is available, what do I do?
   If you would like to download and use the new version of GANT, you can press the 'Download' button from the 'Update Available' window that is appearing in GANT ("Help > Check for Updates..."). This will download and run the installer for the new version of GANT.
   
   
8. How do I add more visible annotation to a gene in GANT?
   You can extend GANT and add more visible annotation by downloading additional available plugins. A list of currently available plugins can be found at our plugins page.
   
   
9. I have a really good idea for GANT, what should I do?
   Tell us about it! We are always looking for ways to improve our software. If you think you have an idea to make GANT better, let us know. If it is functionality that you would like ASAP, we can develop a custom plugin for you.
   
   
10. I think I found a bug in the GANT software, how can I get it fixed?
    You can either email us at support@bioneos.com or you can document the bug in our Bug Repository*
    
    *You will need to register with our bug repository to document bugs
    
    
11. How can I display my own personal data in GANT?
    If you have your own in-house data that you want to display in GANT, you can contact us and we can write a custom plugin so your data shows up as an annotation track in GANT. Contact us at support@bioneos.com or call us at 1-888-382-2850.
    
    
12. How do I install GANT?
    After you have downloaded the installer, locate the 'gant-setup.jar' file that was downloaded and double-click it. The installer will automatically start. Follow the on screen steps to complete the installation. For more detailed information, please see the GANT Help Documentation.
    

GANT Screenshot

Above is a screenshot of GANT with the "FBLN5" gene loaded. Notice each type of annotation is displayed above the gene and is separated by a horizontal dashed line. The zoom buttons towards the top allow you to zoom in closer to the gene to see the finer details including the nucleotides and amino acids.