DrosGB: An integrated multiomics database for comparative genomics and functional annotation of 35 Drosophila species

Accurate identification of gene orthology is essential for understanding functional conservation and evolution. However, existing databases mainly focus on Drosophila melanogaster , with limited resource integration of other Drosophila species. To address this gap, we developed the Drosophila Genomics Browser (DrosGB, https://www.drosgb.com ). Built on the Python and Django frameworks, the platform utilizes MySQL for efficient large-scale dataset management, while the frontend combines DTL, HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript to provide a smooth, dynamic, interactive experience. DrosGB integrates genomic data, 876 transcriptome datasets, approximately 420,000 three-dimensional (3D) protein structures, and Gene Ontology annotations across 35 Drosophila species. To improve orthology inference, the platform integrates results from four approaches—OrthoFinder, SonicParanoid, Foldseek, and TOGA—to construct a high-confidence ortholog set. Analysis of the ortholog set revealed 6889 core genes shared by all 35 species, mainly involved in basal metabolism and intracellular transport. In addition, 200 D. melanogaster –specific genes were identified, showing significant enrichment in sperm motility and flagellar function. Based on data integration and orthology analysis, DrosGB provides eight functional modules for data exploration and comparative research, including gene ID search, rapid ortholog ID mapping, BLAST alignment, gene tree construction, get sequence, genome synteny, and a 3D structure viewer. As a comprehensive multi-omics resource, DrosGB supports comparative genomics and evolutionary studies in the Drosophila genus, offering insights into gene evolution and functional diversity. • Four tools mapped orthologs across 35 Drosophila species, showing 6889 core genes and 200 Drosophila melanogaster –specific genes. • DrosGB integrates 0.42M 3D proteins and 876 transcriptomes, covering genomic, structural, and expression profiles. • DrosGB provides species data, phylogenies, orthologs, eight tools, and results downloads for Drosophila species.

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Publication Details

Journal
hLife
Published
2026-02-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hlife.2026.02.003
Primary Topic
Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

DrosGB: An integrated multiomics database for comparative genomics and functional annotation of 35 Drosophila species

Mo Liu, Hua Cai, Xue Wu, Chuanchang Zhang et al.
hLife
Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
article

DrosGB: An integrated multiomics database for comparative genomics and functional annotation of 35 Drosophila species

Mo Liu, Hua Cai, Xue Wu, Chuanchang Zhang, Xiangrui Cai, Runxi Shen, Quan Zheng, Qi Zheng, Junhui Zhang, Haitian Hao
article en

Abstract

Accurate identification of gene orthology is essential for understanding functional conservation and evolution. However, existing databases mainly focus on Drosophila melanogaster , with limited resource integration of other Drosophila species. To address this gap, we developed the Drosophila Genomics Browser (DrosGB, https://www.drosgb.com ). Built on the Python and Django frameworks, the platform utilizes MySQL for efficient large-scale dataset management, while the frontend combines DTL, HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript to provide a smooth, dynamic, interactive experience. DrosGB integrates genomic data, 876 transcriptome datasets, approximately 420,000 three-dimensional (3D) protein structures, and Gene Ontology annotations across 35 Drosophila species. To improve orthology inference, the platform integrates results from four approaches—OrthoFinder, SonicParanoid, Foldseek, and TOGA—to construct a high-confidence ortholog set. Analysis of the ortholog set revealed 6889 core genes shared by all 35 species, mainly involved in basal metabolism and intracellular transport. In addition, 200 D. melanogaster –specific genes were identified, showing significant enrichment in sperm motility and flagellar function. Based on data integration and orthology analysis, DrosGB provides eight functional modules for data exploration and comparative research, including gene ID search, rapid ortholog ID mapping, BLAST alignment, gene tree construction, get sequence, genome synteny, and a 3D structure viewer. As a comprehensive multi-omics resource, DrosGB supports comparative genomics and evolutionary studies in the Drosophila genus, offering insights into gene evolution and functional diversity. • Four tools mapped orthologs across 35 Drosophila species, showing 6889 core genes and 200 Drosophila melanogaster –specific genes. • DrosGB integrates 0.42M 3D proteins and 876 transcriptomes, covering genomic, structural, and expression profiles. • DrosGB provides species data, phylogenies, orthologs, eight tools, and results downloads for Drosophila species.

hLife
Broad Institute (US), National University of Singapore (SG), Nankai University (CN), State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease (CN), Guangzhou Medical University (CN)
Life in Land
Openalex Percentile: Top 52%
Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
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