From Understudied to Understood: Multi-Omics Analysis with MiniENCODE Exemplified by Zebrafish

Abstract: The ENCODE project provides a comprehensive map of genomic activity in humans and mice. However, its extensive toolbox can be too costly and technically challenging for smaller research communities. This presents a hurdle for understudied model organisms where resource constraints and complex omics data integration further compound the challenge. To bridge this gap, our study introduces a miniENCODE project, using the zebrafish as an exemplar. We collected, generated and integrated datasets from three experimental assays across developmental stages and adult tissues. This analysis is facilitated by our newly developed miniODP database, a computational tool designed for the integration and visualization of multi-omics data. Utilizing these methods, we have cataloged over 52,000 candidate enhancers, identified various stage-specific, tissue-specific, and constantly active enhancers, and experimentally validated a subset of heart-specific enhancers. We have delineated key transcription factors and their corresponding regulatory networks across developmental stages and adult tissues. This study not only delivers valuable regulatory insights for the zebrafish research community but also illustrates how an integrative approach can aid in understanding complex regulatory mechanisms even with limited resources. This strategy could empower scientific communities working with various understudied model organisms to expedite their genomic research without overstretching their resources.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.