Ensembl 2022

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Eukaryotic Annotation

Background:

• Ensembl provides flexible infrastructure for genomic data access and annotation at scale for eukaryotic life.
• Increasing sequencing of diverse species necessitates efficient annotation of new genome assemblies.
• Ensembl offers deep annotation for key species and continuously updates reference vertebrate genomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the largest annual release of newly annotated genomes in Ensembl history.
• To introduce scalable comparative analysis methods for new genome assemblies.
• To expand annotation to non-vertebrate eukaryotes for the first time.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Ensembl Rapid Release platform for expedited annotation of new assemblies.
• Developed a novel method for generating comparative analyses at scale.
• Annotated diverse non-vertebrate eukaryotic genomes.
• Continued improvement and updates for high-value reference vertebrate genomes.

Main Results:

• Achieved the greatest annual number of newly annotated genomes in Ensembl's history.
• Successfully annotated non-vertebrate eukaryotes, expanding genomic data accessibility.
• Implemented scalable comparative analysis for a wider range of species.
• Provided updated annotation for reference vertebrate genomes.

Conclusions:

• Ensembl's infrastructure efficiently delivers genomic annotation at scale, now encompassing a broader diversity of eukaryotic life.
• New methods and platforms enhance the speed and scope of genome annotation and comparative analysis.
• Freely available Ensembl data, software, and tools support programmatic access and further research.