
AbstractBackgroundMany systems biology studies leverage the integration of multiple data types (across different data sources) to offer a more comprehensive view of the biological system being studied. While SQL (Structured Query Language) databases are popular in the biomedical domain, NoSQL database technologies have been used as a more relationship-based, flexible and scalable method of data integration.ResultsWe have created a graph database integrating data from multiple sources. In addition to using a graph-based query language (Cypher) for data retrieval, we have developed a web-based dashboard that allows users to easily browse and plot data without the need to learn Cypher. We have also implemented a visual graph query interface for users to browse graph data. Finally, we have built a prototype to allow the user to query the graph database in natural language.ConclusionWe have demonstrated the feasibility and flexibility of using a graph database for storing and querying immunological data with complex biological relationships. Querying a graph database through such relationships has the potential to discover novel relationships among heterogeneous biological data and metadata.
Databases, Factual, Ontology, Influenza vaccine, QH301-705.5, Research, Systems Biology, Immunology, Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics, R858-859.7, Information Storage and Retrieval, Knowledgebase, Graph database, Biology (General), Language, Semantic Web
Databases, Factual, Ontology, Influenza vaccine, QH301-705.5, Research, Systems Biology, Immunology, Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics, R858-859.7, Information Storage and Retrieval, Knowledgebase, Graph database, Biology (General), Language, Semantic Web
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 2 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
