Dizeez: an online game for human gene-disease annotation

Area of Science:

• Bioinformatics
• Genetics
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Structured gene annotations are crucial for bioinformatics and statistical analyses but are sparse in public databases.
• The rapid generation of biomedical data outpaces centralized biocuration efforts.
• Novel approaches are needed to accelerate the structuring of biomedical knowledge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce Dizeez, an online game designed for structuring gene-disease associations.
• To explore the potential of online games in expanding gene annotation pace.
• To demonstrate a new model for knowledge discovery in genomics.

Main Methods:

• Development of Dizeez, a simple online game focused on gene-disease relationships.
• Recruitment of volunteers through online platforms and scientific conferences.
• Validation of annotations generated through gameplay.

Main Results:

• Preliminary results indicate Dizeez generates valid gene-disease annotations.
• These annotations are not yet available in public databases.
• Proof of principle for using online games in gene annotation.

Conclusions:

• Online games can effectively structure gene-disease associations.
• Dizeez offers a scalable solution to supplement existing biocuration efforts.
• This gamified approach accelerates the enrichment of biological knowledge bases.