RNASeqMetaDB: a database and web server for navigating metadata of publicly available mouse RNA-Seq datasets

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Gene targeting generates mutant mouse models for studying gene function and human diseases.
• High-throughput sequencing technologies, particularly RNA-Seq, have produced numerous datasets from these models.
• Publicly available RNA-Seq datasets are vast but often difficult to access and utilize effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a centralized, curated database of metadata for RNA-Seq experiments from mutant mouse models.
• To develop a user-friendly web server for navigating and querying this database.
• To facilitate the reuse of existing RNA-Seq data for research.

Main Methods:

• Collected and manually curated metadata associated with RNA-Seq experiments from mutant mouse models.
• Organized the curated metadata into a searchable database named RNASeqMetaDB.
• Developed a web server interface for database access and data querying.

Main Results:

• RNASeqMetaDB provides a comprehensive collection of metadata for RNA-Seq studies on mutant mouse models.
• The web server allows users to search datasets using various parameters including genes, diseases, and tissue types.
• Summary statistics reveal global patterns and trends in RNA-Seq studies.

Conclusions:

• RNASeqMetaDB enhances the accessibility and reusability of valuable RNA-Seq data.
• The database and web server support research in gene function, disease modeling, and comparative genomics.
• This resource aids researchers in efficiently identifying relevant datasets for their specific interests.