Dataset Information

ProbOnto: ontology and knowledge base of probability distributions.

ABSTRACT:

Motivation

Probability distributions play a central role in mathematical and statistical modelling. The encoding, annotation and exchange of such models could be greatly simplified by a resource providing a common reference for the definition of probability distributions. Although some resources exist, no suitably detailed and complex ontology exists nor any database allowing programmatic access.

Results

ProbOnto, is an ontology-based knowledge base of probability distributions, featuring more than 80 uni- and multivariate distributions with their defining functions, characteristics, relationships and re-parameterization formulas. It can be used for model annotation and facilitates the encoding of distribution-based models, related functions and quantities.

Availability and implementation

http://probonto.org

Contact

mjswat@ebi.ac.uk

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

SUBMITTER: Swat MJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5013898 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

ProbOnto: ontology and knowledge base of probability distributions.

Swat Maciej J MJ Grenon Pierre P Wimalaratne Sarala S

Bioinformatics (Oxford, England) 20160403 17

<h4>Motivation</h4>Probability distributions play a central role in mathematical and statistical modelling. The encoding, annotation and exchange of such models could be greatly simplified by a resource providing a common reference for the definition of probability distributions. Although some resources exist, no suitably detailed and complex ontology exists nor any database allowing programmatic access.<h4>Results</h4>ProbOnto, is an ontology-based knowledge base of probability distributions, f ...[more]

PMID: 27153608

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Project description:BackgroundOntologies are key enabling technologies for the Semantic Web. The Web Ontology Language (OWL) is a semantic markup language for publishing and sharing ontologies.ObjectiveThe supply of customizable, computable, and formally represented molecular genetics information and health information, via electronic health record (EHR) interfaces, can play a critical role in achieving precision medicine. In this study, we used cystic fibrosis as an example to build an Ontology-based Knowledge Base prototype on Cystic Fibrobis (OntoKBCF) to supply such information via an EHR prototype. In addition, we elaborate on the construction and representation principles, approaches, applications, and representation challenges that we faced in the construction of OntoKBCF. The principles and approaches can be referenced and applied in constructing other ontology-based domain knowledge bases.MethodsFirst, we defined the scope of OntoKBCF according to possible clinical information needs about cystic fibrosis on both a molecular level and a clinical phenotype level. We then selected the knowledge sources to be represented in OntoKBCF. We utilized top-to-bottom content analysis and bottom-up construction to build OntoKBCF. Protégé-OWL was used to construct OntoKBCF. The construction principles included (1) to use existing basic terms as much as possible; (2) to use intersection and combination in representations; (3) to represent as many different types of facts as possible; and (4) to provide 2-5 examples for each type. HermiT 1.3.8.413 within Protégé-5.1.0 was used to check the consistency of OntoKBCF.ResultsOntoKBCF was constructed successfully, with the inclusion of 408 classes, 35 properties, and 113 equivalent classes. OntoKBCF includes both atomic concepts (such as amino acid) and complex concepts (such as "adolescent female cystic fibrosis patient") and their descriptions. We demonstrated that OntoKBCF could make customizable molecular and health information available automatically and usable via an EHR prototype. The main challenges include the provision of a more comprehensive account of different patient groups as well as the representation of uncertain knowledge, ambiguous concepts, and negative statements and more complicated and detailed molecular mechanisms or pathway information about cystic fibrosis.ConclusionsAlthough cystic fibrosis is just one example, based on the current structure of OntoKBCF, it should be relatively straightforward to extend the prototype to cover different topics. Moreover, the principles underpinning its development could be reused for building alternative human monogenetic diseases knowledge bases.

Project description:BACKGROUND:Inherited mutations in glyco-related genes can affect the biosynthesis and degradation of glycans and result in severe genetic diseases and disorders. The Glyco-Disease Genes Database (GDGDB), which provides information about these diseases and disorders as well as their causative genes, has been developed by the Research Center for Medical Glycoscience (RCMG) and released in April 2010. GDGDB currently provides information on about 80 genetic diseases and disorders caused by single-gene mutations in glyco-related genes. Many biomedical resources provide information about genetic disorders and genes involved in their pathogenesis, but resources focused on genetic disorders known to be related to glycan metabolism are lacking. With the aim of providing more comprehensive knowledge on genetic diseases and disorders of glycan biosynthesis and degradation, we enriched the content of the GDGDB database and improved the methods for data representation. RESULTS:We developed the Genetic Glyco-Diseases Ontology (GGDonto) and a RDF/SPARQL-based user interface using Semantic Web technologies. In particular, we represented the GGDonto content using Semantic Web languages, such as RDF, RDFS, SKOS, and OWL, and created an interactive user interface based on SPARQL queries. This user interface provides features to browse the hierarchy of the ontology, view detailed information on diseases and related genes, and find relevant background information. Moreover, it provides the ability to filter and search information by faceted and keyword searches. CONCLUSIONS:Focused on the molecular etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of genetic diseases and disorders of glycan metabolism and developed as a knowledge-base for this scientific field, GGDonto provides comprehensive information on various topics, including links to aid the integration with other scientific resources. The availability and accessibility of this knowledge will help users better understand how genetic defects impact the metabolism of glycans as well as how this impaired metabolism affects various biological functions and human health. In this way, GGDonto will be useful in fields related to glycoscience, including cell biology, biotechnology, and biomedical, and pharmaceutical research.

Dataset Information

ProbOnto: ontology and knowledge base of probability distributions.

Motivation

Results

Availability and implementation

Contact

Supplementary information

Publications

ProbOnto: ontology and knowledge base of probability distributions.

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