diArk - a resource for eukaryotic genome research

diArk catalogs curated genome assemblies, EST and cDNA datasets for eukaryotes to support evaluation and comparative analysis of sequenced genomes.

Key Features:

• Extensive Database Coverage: diArk 2.0 contains data for over 880 eukaryotic species and more than 2350 genome assembly files.
• Detailed Metadata Provision: Provides per-assembly metadata including sequencing methods, read-assembly techniques, sequencing coverage, GC-content, and assembly statistics.
• EST and cDNA Data: Includes substantial EST and cDNA datasets alongside genome assemblies.
• Next-Generation Sequencing Data: Houses assemblies produced using next-generation sequencing technologies, including datasets from large mammalian genomes.
• Focused Content and Inclusion Criteria: Includes only projects with available genome assembly data or substantial cDNA datasets and excludes projects still in planning or currently being sequenced, distinguishing its scope from resources such as GOLD, NCBI Genome, NHGRI, and ISC.
• Direct Access to Assembly Files: Provides direct access to genome assembly files for downstream analysis.

Scientific Applications:

• Genomics: Supports selection and comparative evaluation of genome assemblies for genomic studies.
• Comparative Genomics: Enables comparative analyses across a broad range of eukaryotic species.
• Evolutionary Biology: Facilitates studies of genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships using assembled genomes and cDNA data.
• Bioinformatics: Supplies assembly files and associated metadata for analyses involving read-assembly techniques and assembly quality assessment.
• Assembly Evaluation: Aids critical assessment of genome assemblies using metrics such as sequencing coverage and GC-content.

Methodology:

Curates and organizes genome assembly files and associated metadata, applying inclusion criteria that restrict entries to completed projects with substantial assembly or cDNA data.