The dbGaP data browser: a new tool for browsing dbGaP controlled-access genomic data

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Data Science

Background:

• Accessing controlled-access genomic data in dbGaP previously required lengthy data access requests and local data examination.
• Existing resources offered only summary statistics or aggregate allele frequencies, not individual-level data.
• The scientific community requested a resource for viewing dbGaP data without full download and review processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a user-friendly, view-only resource for accessing dbGaP data.
• To provide access to individual-level genotype, sequence, and phenotypic data.
• To streamline the process of exploring controlled-access genomic datasets.

Main Methods:

• Development of the dbGaP Data Browser interface.
• Integration of summary-level and individual-level data from dbGaP.
• Implementation of a simplified controlled-access mechanism for general research use (GRU) studies.

Main Results:

• The dbGaP Data Browser provides researchers with direct, view-only access to dbGaP data.
• The browser facilitates exploration of genotype, sequence, and phenotype data.
• A simplified controlled-access process is now available for GRU studies.

Conclusions:

• The dbGaP Data Browser serves as a valuable tool for researchers needing to explore genomic datasets.
• This resource is expected to reduce unnecessary data download requests.
• The tool supports responsible genomic data sharing while maintaining data security.