Background 1 2 3 Although, AS databases are available in the public domain, not many contain AS information for multiple eukaryotes 
      (a comparison summarized in AVATAR web site). Therefore, it is important to document AS information for multiple 
      eukaryotes. Hence, we developed AVATAR containing AS information for six eukaryotes. Here, we describe AVATAR development, 
      its content and utility. Methodology Dataset used 4 5 Identification of AS Figure 1 Step 1:
      Alignment of EST and mRNA with the genome sequence 6 Figure 1 Step 2:
      Clustering EST and mRNA Figure 1 Step 3:
      Detection of AS sites The mapping of EST alignment with genome sequence to intron positions helps to identify skipped exons and 
					included exons.
       Searching AVATAR AVATAR can be queried using keywords. The keywords include accession number, gene name, gene isoform, gene location, 
      cytogenetic locations, chromosome number and number of AS events. The database search produces AS visuals for queried gene.
       Utility to the Biological Community AVATAR is a collection of AS information for 6 eukaryotic organisms. The database can be queried simultaneously for 6 
      organisms. It can also be searched using gene names and desired number of AS events. EST sequences are error prone resulting 
      in the detection of aberrant transcripts. Frequency of EST alignment at a specific site provides improved detection in AVATAR.
       Caveats AS information on paralogous genes in eukaryotic genomes are not included in AVATAR due to the difficulty in identifying 
      their corresponding chromosomal locations using EST sequences.       Future developments New EST sequences are generated in laboratories every day. Hence, it is a time consuming to keep AS databases updated due 
      to the growth of genome and mRNA sequences. Hence, we are in the process of developing a computer agent which can update AVATAR 
      automatically. We also plan to include tumor specific AS data.