NetAffxTM Expression Array Comparison Tool: Instantaneous Search of an Expansive Cross-Species Catalog

Affymetrix has an expansive and ever-growing catalog of more than 150 expression and DNA microarray products, spanning across more than 40 different genomes. We continue to support our catalog with rich annotations to reflect the current knowledge base of the scientific community, however yielding terabytes of annotation data. The sheer size and multi-dimensionality of this biological data makes online instantaneous search queries unachievable in a standard relational database framework.

We introduce here the NetAffx Expression Array Comparison Tool, built with the Apache Lucene and Solr indexing and search framework. This search engine technology together with client-side browser libraries allows prospective and current users to rapidly explore cross-sections of functional data relevant to their biological experiment. Users can simply input gene symbols, pathways, Gene Ontology (GO), or Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms into a single search box. In an instant, the tool returns tailored coverage statistics and an interactive visual interface where users can compare and contrast content. Additionally, the tool utilizes NCBI's Homologene homolog data enabling users to query across species thus aiding in translational studies.

The NetAffx Expression Array Comparison Tool is freely available at http://www.affymetrix.com/estore/analysis/compare/index.affx