The Data Integration and Analysis Facility supports research activities based on large-scale biological data analysis, such as genomic sequence, expression data, and imaging data analysis. To achieve this, the facility maintains high-performance computers with large-capacity storage systems. It accordingly supports the development of data analysis pipelines and database construction based on these systems, and also sets up websites to distribute data worldwide as well as providing basic technical support. In addition to computational analysis, the Data Integration and Analysis Facility supports NIBB's information infrastructure, the maintenance of the institute’s network systems and provides computer/network consultation for institute members.
Representative instruments
Our main computer system is the Biological Information Analysis System (BIAS) (Figure 1), which consists of a high-performance cluster system (HPE Apollo r2800, 20 nodes/800 cores, 192 GB memory/node), a shared memory parallel computer (HPE ProLiant DL560, 72 cores, 3TB memory; HP ProLiant DL980 G7, 80 cores, 4TB memory), a high-throughput storage system (DDN SFA7700X, 1.52PB+880TB), and a large capacity storage system (DELL PowerEdge R620, 720TB). All subsystems are connected via a high-speed InfiniBand network, so that large amounts of data can be efficiently processed. Some personal computers and color printers are also available for use. On this system, we provide various biological databases and data retrieval/analysis programs, and support large-scale data analysis and database construction for institute members and collaborative researchers. We have provided support in the construction and maintenance of published databases of various model and non-model organisms in particular. These include XDB (
Xenopus laevis), PHYSCObase (
Physcomitrella patens), iNewt (
Pleurodales waltl), The Plant Organelles Database, MBGD (microbial genomes), DB-HABs (harmful algal blooms), and ChaetoBase (
Chaetoceros gracilis).
The facility also provides network communication services. Most of the PCs in each laboratory, as well as all of the above-mentioned service machines, are connected by a local area network, which is linked to the high-performance backbone ORION network connecting the three research institutes in Okazaki. Many local services, including sequence analysis, file sharing, and printer services, are provided through this network. We also maintain a public World Wide Web server that hosts the NIBB home page (
https://www.nibb.ac.jp/en/).
Figure 1. Biological Information Analysis System
Research activity conducted by Ikuo Uchiyama
Associate Professor Ikuo Uchiyama is the principal investigator of the Laboratory of Genome Informatics. For more details, please refer to the laboratory page.
