EXPRESSO: a multi-omics database to explore multi-layered 3D genomic organization

Nucleic Acids Res. 2024 Nov 5:gkae999. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkae999. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

The three-dimensional (3D) organization of the human genome plays a crucial role in gene regulation. EXPloration of Regulatory Epigenome with Spatial and Sequence Observations (EXPRESSO) is a novel multi-omics database for exploration and visualization of multi-layered 3D genomic features across 46 different human tissues. Integrating 1360 3D genomic datasets (Hi-C, HiChIP, ChIA-PET) and 842 1D genomic and transcriptomic datasets (ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, RNA-seq) from the same biosample, EXPRESSO provides a comprehensive resource for studying the interplay between 3D genome architecture and transcription regulation. This database offers diverse 3D genomic feature types (compartments, contact matrix, contact domains, stripes as diagonal lines extending from a genomic locus in contact matrix, chromatin loops, etc.) and user-friendly interface for both data exploration and download. Other key features include REpresentational State Transfer application programming interfaces for programmatic access, advanced visualization tools for 3D genomic features and web-based applications that correlate 3D genomic features with gene expression and epigenomic modifications. By providing extensive datasets and tools, EXPRESSO aims to deepen our understanding of 3D genomic architecture and its implications for human health and disease, serving as a vital resource for the research community. EXPRESSO is freely available at https://expresso.sustech.edu.cn.

Plain language summary

EXPloration of Regulatory Epigenome with Spatial and Sequence Observations (EXPRESSO) is a multi-omics database that provides insights into the three-dimensional (3D) organization of the human genome across 46 different tissues. It integrates over 2200 various genomic and epigenomic datasets to reveal how the 3D genome organization influences gene regulation. Key features include visualization tools to explore 3D genomic features like compartments, domains, stripes and loops, as well as applications to analyze relationships between genome structure and gene expression. It also provides application programming interface for easy data access. EXPRESSO serves as a valuable resource for researchers studying how genome architecture impacts gene regulation in both health and disease.