Hymenoptera Genome Database: 2014 Update

The Hymenoptera Genome Database (HGD; http://HymenopteraGenome.org) is a genome informatics resource for hymenopteran insect species. HGD includes genomic data of two honey bee species (Apis mellifera and A. florea), two bumble bee species (Bombus terrestris and B. impatiens), nine ant species (Acromyrmex echinatior, Atta cephalotes, Camponotus floridanus, Cardicondyla obscurior, Harpegnathos saltator, Linepithema humile, Pogonomyrmex barbatus, Solenopsis invicta, Wasmannia auropunctata) and a parasitoid wasp (Nasonia vitripennis). Users may access data through genome browsers (GBrowse and JBrowse), BLAST searching and data download. Datasets include genome assemblies, computed and manually-annotated genes, protein homologs, cDNA sequences, non-coding RNA sequences, RNAseq-based expression data and genetic markers. Pre-computed orthologs are linked across genome browsers. We are currently developing a new BioMart interface to provide more flexible tools for retrieving functional sequences and annotations across hymenopteran species.

We have deployed new community annotation tools for the bee species and several ant species using WebApollo, and are in the process of implementing WebApollo for all the species hosted at HGD. WebApollo provides a robust web-based annotation system that updates changes to annotations in real time, allowing for an unprecedented level of collaboration during annotation projects.

In addition to providing a central location for hymenopteran genomes, HGD includes genomes of bee pests and pathogens. We have recently added the genome and eight RNASeq libraries of Varroa mite (Varroa destructor).  We have generated de novo and reference-based RNASeq assemblies, and are using the assemblies in gene prediction. The data are searchable via BLAST and genome browsers.