ABSTRACT
Glycomics targets released glycans from proteins, lipids and proteoglycans. High throughput glycomics is based on mass spectrometry (MS) that increasingly depends on exchange of data with databases and the use of software. This requires an agreed format for accurately recording of experiments, developing consistent storage modules and granting public access to glycomic MS data. The introduction of the MIRAGE (Mimimum Requirement for A Glycomics Experiment) reporting standards for glycomics was the first step towards automating glycomic data recording. This report describes a glycomic e-infrastructure utilizing a well established glycomics recording format (GlycoWorkbench), and a dedicated web tool for submitting MIRAGE-compatible MS information into a public experimental repository, UniCarb-DR. The submission of data to UniCarb-DR should be a part of the submission process for publications with glycomics MSn that conform to the MIRAGE guidelines. The structure of this pipeline allows submission of most MS workflows used in glycomics.
Author contributions: M.A.R.-M. designed and lead the development of the database; J.M. O.H, and P.A. contributed to the UniCarb-DR implementation and designed the database and web interface; C.J. and N.G.K. contributed to the design of the upload forms, C.J., V.V., K.M., C.A., R.L.M, T.Z. contributed with data for beta-testing of the data submission tool and feedback; N.P.A, D.S. and K.F.A.-K. contributed to the setting up the communication with GlyTouCan; F.Le. contributed with design of Proteios for glyco MS data; W.B.S, D.K., P.M.R., M.W, C.K., N.H.P, K.F.A.-K, F. Li. and N.G.K. formed the advisory core that contributed with feedback on repository design, advised in implementation of glycomic MS/reporting guidelines and design of databases and coding; K.F.A.-K and N.G.K jointly received the funds for UniCarb-DR and GlyTouCan communication; F.Li. and N.G.K. jointly received funds for development of the UniCarb-DR infrastructure and structured the manuscript; N.G.K. proposed the UniCarb-DR concept and managed the project. M.A.R.-M. F.Li and N.G.K. jointly wrote the manuscript with input from the other authors. All authors signed of on the final version.