The University of Pittsburgh has developed the Phenogrid, a visualization tool designed to explore relationships between collections of phenotypes and model organisms. This tool allows researchers to compare phenotypic profiles of patients or known diseases with those of various model organisms, facilitating the identification of suitable models for biomedical research. The Phenogrid displays results in a grid format, with phenotypes in rows and models in columns, ordered by similarity. This innovative tool enhances the interpretation of complex phenotype-model comparisons, supporting advancements in disease research and model selection.
Description
The Phenogrid is a sophisticated visualization tool that supports the comparison of multiple phenotypes associated with complex human diseases to corresponding profiles in model systems, including mice, flies, zebrafish, and cell lines. It uses semantic algorithms to present similarity information in an easily interpretable grid format. Each cell in the grid represents the strength of similarity between an input phenotype and a corresponding model, with detailed descriptions accessible via mouse-over. User controls allow for customization of sort orders, similarity calculations, and organism selection.
Applications
• Disease gene prioritization
• Biomedical research
• Model organism selection
• Phenotype comparison
Advantages
The Phenogrid facilitates the comparison of complex phenotypic profiles with multiple model systems using advanced semantic algorithms for accurate similarity calculations. It provides a dense, easily interpretable display that enhances result interpretation and supports the selection of appropriate models for disease research. Additionally, the tool offers user-friendly controls for customization and detailed exploration, making it a valuable asset for biomedical research and model organism selection.
Invention Readiness
The Phenogrid is currently at the prototype stage. It has been developed collaboratively with partners and has been presented at various conferences and workshops. The tool has garnered interest from potential licensees and is ready for further development and commercialization.
