With the completion of the human genome project, modern molecular-based research is now generating vast amounts of complex data that must be collected, aggregated, and correlated in order to facilitate the discovery of next generation diagnostics and therapeutics.
While high-throughput genomics technologies and other advances are accelerating these findings, the lack of centralized, easy-to-use infrastructure to handle this growing tidal wave of data has put a huge burden on researchers.
The caBIG® program is addressing this challenge by developing a novel standards-based IT infrastructure and a broad collection of interoperable analysis tools to help researchers to find connections between diverse data sets that are difficult or impossible to find using conventional tools and methods.
caBIG® tools for discovery and development, such as the microarray and biobanking management systems mentioned below, provide researchers with the ability to:
- Perform integrated analysis of gene expression, sequences, SNPs, pathways, and images
- Store, annotate, and access microarray, biospecimen, and other data
- Compare data from independent studies performed at different institutions by integrating cancer data repositories
caArray is a microarray data management system that guides the annotation and supports the exchange of array data. Specifically, this tool:
- Provides both web browser-based and programmatic access to microarray data
- Facilitates integration of array data with diverse data types including clinical, imaging, tissue, and other functional genomics data through harmonization with relevant caBIG® models
- Connects to analytical tools like geWorkbench and GenePattern
caTissue Suite is a biobank managing system designed to collect, manage, process, annotate, request, and distribute biospecimens and associated information. Specifically, this tool:
- Allows users to find and request specimens needed for use in molecular correlative studies
- Manages tissue, fluid, cell, and molecular biospecimen information
- Provides a means for collecting, processing, storing, and distributing specimens for correlative science cancer research
- Provides browser-based and programmatic access to biospecimen data
Cancer Molecular Analysis (CMA) Portal
The caBIG®-enabled Cancer Molecular Analysis (CMA) Portal provides tools and resources that enable cancer researchers to explore, visualize, and integrate genomic characterization, sequencing, and clinical data from a variety of data sets. The Portal allows researchers to:
- Use analysis programs developed at three different organizations, and to access data produced by more than 10 different institutions, all by a unified web interface
- Access clinical characteristics such as survival data and tumor staging, and correlate those with mutation and other genomic data
- Conduct cross-platform queries, helping them to find correlations between research and clinical data that would be difficult, if not impossible, to find using conventional means
Complete caBIG® Discovery and Development Product Inventory
- caArray - Array data management system
- caTissue Suite - Biobanking management system
- Cancer Molecular Analysis Portal (CMA)
- Cancer Genome-Wide Association Studies (caGWAS) - Genome-wide data management system
- geWorkbench - Microarray gene expression and sequence data management
- Lab Viewer (CTODS) - Virtual clinical data repository
- National Biomedical Imaging Archive (NBIA) - In vivo image repository
For a complete list of caBIG® tools, see our "Finding the Right Tools" section
Access to Genetic Variants Speeds Disease Research
Genome-wide association studies are helping to speed disease research and foster collaboration. The caGWAS model is being used in the CGEMS and CVRG projects
Building the right support system: caBIG® in Action at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Despite the hurdles it faced as a developing cancer center, UAMS is now in the process of adopting one of the most extensive caBIG® implementations in the United States.
caBIG® Imaging Suite Builds its "Image" at RSNA
At the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting, almost 60,000 imaging professionals had the opportunity to hear about the functional benefits of a caBIG® suite of tools that address their needs
caBIG® Connectivity To Enable Collaborative Stroke Research
Do interventions have a measurable effect on patient outcomes? Increasingly, in an age of "evidence-based medicine", physicians and health care providers are being challenged to show improved clinical outcomes
caBIG® Imaging Tools Are Now Available Online
For the first time, the core product line of caBIG® imaging tools will be available online with downloadable software
FAQ: geWorkbench
Frequently Asked Questions about geWorkbench, a microarray gene expression and sequence data management tool
GenePattern: Integrated Genomics
Widely acclaimed as a powerful platform for multidisciplinary genomic analysis, GenePattern enables researchers to more efficiently conduct complex, multi-step gene expression analysis
Streamlining Genomics Research
Columbia University leads development of geWorkbench, a customizable desktop bioinformatics platform
The National Cancer Imaging Archive and caIMAGE: Enabling Standardization and Collaboration
caBIG® imaging tools promote the connection of imaging databases across cancer centers, research labs, and hospitals to foster research collaboration and more personalized treatment
