SOGO: A Novel Research Framework for Crop and Livestock Genome Studies

Huge amount of genomic data of crop and livestock have been accumulated by untiring research for a couple of decades and by development of NGS. Research based on these data require high-performance computer systems and substantial bioinformatic skill. It is also necessary to share data with collaborators while hiding confidential data from third-parties. Here, we opened novel framework integrating both databases and analysis tools, named “SOGO” (https://sogo.dna.affrc.go.jp/), in May 2014. This system is opened for any researchers in universities, institutes, private companies etc., and user registration can easily be done by accessing registration form linked from top page.

SOGO integrates more than 70 databases focusing genomics of crop, insects, and livestock. SOGO also integrates analysis tools for sequence similarity search, PCR primer design, SNP mutation detection, etc. In addition, we are developing tools for GWAS on SOGO to support genome breeding of crop and livestock. These are provided as web applications, and users can use them via web browser without particular programing skills.

SOGO analysis tools are run in high-speed cluster computer to achieve complicated calculation of large data, and work with schedule and data management systems. Analysis results as well as users’ uploaded data are kept in server, and backed up automatically every day. Stored data are confidential by default, but can be set to share with particular collaborating members or to open publicly.

SOGO promotes progress both of fundamental genomics such as discovery of useful genes and of applied genomics such as development of novel crop and livestock.