Harnessing the power of pangenomics to strengthen SMSR operations and resources

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT – Curation and Informatics Component The proposed project aims to establish a bioinformatics component within the Special Mouse Strain Resource (SMSR) program at The Jackson Laboratory by taking advantage of advances in genomic technologies for resource development and operations. By developing a pangenome resource that incorporates diverse strain chromosomal assemblies and variant sets, the SMSR will enhance its strain resources, improve genetic quality control operations, and support the research community in their use of these strains for genetic analysis of complex traits and disease modeling. The project will involve the implementation of computational tools, data curation, and management approaches, as well as the creation of an interactive portal for users to explore the pangenome and compare it to the human reference genome. Through these efforts, the SMSR will expand its user base, and enhance its own operational and research capabilities, in alignment with the NIH Strategic Plan for Data Science and data management policies.