A while ago, I tried to deposit ITS sequences in GenBank, but I couldn't find a direct option. There was only the option of IGS and not ITS. There was another way to deposit, but it required information about DNA regions I couldn't identify. The person responsible for these deposits no longer works in research, and I'm no longer in contact with them.
Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions in bacterial ribosomal DNA are often referred to as Intergenic Spacer (IGS) regions in prokaryotic contexts, which explains why you encountered only the IGS option during submission to GenBank. For bacterial endosymbiont sequences, submit them under the prokaryotic ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and IGS category.
To submit, access the NCBI Submission Portal at https://submit.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/. Select the option for prokaryotic rRNA/IGS submissions. Prepare your sequences in FASTA format, ensuring each begins with a definition line starting with '>' followed by a unique identifier, then the sequence on the next line. Include metadata such as organism name, isolate or strain, collection date, and geographic location. Feature annotations for rRNA and spacers are automatically applied during processing.
If the portal requires DNA region information you cannot identify, provide as much detail as possible about the sequence origin, such as the host organism for the endosymbiont. GenBank staff can assist with annotation during review.
Regarding your prior contact with support, attempt to create a new ticket via the NCBI support form at https://support.nlm.nih.gov/support/create-case/. Describe your issue clearly, including the bacterial nature of the sequences and the confusion between ITS and IGS terminology.
Kevin
Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy.
version 2.3.6
Have you followed the insturctions for GenBank submissions here: https://submit.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/about/genbank/
In any case it would be best to work with GenBank help desk so they can help you directly. You can create a ticket using web form here: https://support.nlm.nih.gov/support/create-case/ Please be aware that it may take up to a week for them to respond but they definitely will.
Yes, I tried asking support for help, but I received a rude response. I was too embarrassed to ask again.
That is unfortunate. Perhaps try one more time to see if you can reach a more considerate help desk person with this try. In dealings with NCBI help desk I have always found them to be professional.