2022 updates to the Rat Genome Database: a Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) resource

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Comparative Genomics

Background:

• The Rat Genome Database (RGD) has expanded beyond rat genetic data.
• It now incorporates diverse genomic data types and extensive disease/phenotype annotations.
• RGD aims to support hypothesis-driven research through data mining, analysis, and visualization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of RGD's recent updates and expanded data.
• To highlight the inclusion of data for human and eight additional model organisms.
• To introduce new and refined tools for data exploration and analysis.

Main Methods:

• Integration of diverse genomic data types (genome, variant, quantitative phenotype).
• Development and refinement of analytical tools: Virtual Comparative Map (VCMap) and PhenoMiner.
• Expansion of the database to include data for multiple species.

Main Results:

• RGD now supports data for rat, human, and eight other model organisms.
• Recent additions include updated genome, variant, and quantitative phenotype data.
• Enhanced tools (VCMap, PhenoMiner) improve comparative and quantitative data analysis.

Conclusions:

• RGD provides a continuously improving, high-quality data resource.
• The database adheres to Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) data principles.
• RGD advances data reproducibility and supports translational research across multiple species.