Computation Core

Abstract - COMPUTATION COMPONENT The Computation Component of the Gene Expression Database (GXD) project supports GXD by maintaining and extending its sophisticated informatics infrastructure. GXD is a rich resource of mouse developmental gene expression data through which researchers can discover expression patterns crucial for understanding the function of genes and the molecular mechanisms that underlie human development, health, and disease. The GXD infrastructure maintained by the Computation Component contains relational databases, data loading and QC software components, an interactive curatorial interface, a modern web interface, and multiple bulk data dissemination components. We will evolve the system to enable the new functionality described in the Curation and Technology Development Components. This will include: ensuring the robustness of GXD’s information infrastructure through regular maintenance; improving performance by upgrading our indexing technology stack and parallelizing index distribution; upgrading our curation interface to a modern web-based platform; refining/retraining our relevance classifier to be more sensitive to scRNA-seq studies; enhancing the representation of mouse anatomy to encompass developmental differentiation; and extending metadata capture to include expression in specific cell types. In achieving these aims, we will apply industry best practices such as agile development methods, automatic regression testing, regular maintenance schedules, and comprehensive quality control measures.