CODES: A computerised approach to the analysis and management of 1D SDS PAGE gel protein image information

A computerised approach called CODES has been developed, which provides a way for analysing and managing 1D SDS PAGE protein information in terms of digitisation, quantification, normalisation, storage, retrieval and visualisation with an application domain focused on the skin mucus of ranched Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts. This approach used a scientific grade image capture instrument AlphaImager HP, preprocessed digitised protein gel images in a standard approach, quantified protein gel images using gel image analysis software, normalised gel protein images, established a databank to store proteomics information and investigated skin mucus proteins by analysing changes in proteins during the smoltification period of Atlantic salmon. A new prototype system called NeVPAS web application, to implement the CODES approach, has been developed to support biologists in order to investigate changes in Atlantic salmon smolts skin mucus proteins and to determine the optimal time to release smolts to the sea. The application of the CODES approach and NeVPAS is not limited to Atlantic salmon but is also suitable for other species and can be extended to 2D SDS PAGE gel images.