THe Biom: a platform for visualization and exploration of cancer transcriptomic biomarkers identified by robust feature selection

TL;DR

THe Biom is a platform that helps researchers explore and visualize cancer biomarkers identified using robust gene selection methods.

Contribution

The novel contribution is an interactive platform for exploring and comparing cancer transcriptomic biomarkers across stages and types.

Findings

THe Biom integrates HEFS results from six TCGA cancers across stages I to IV.

The platform allows users to track biomarker changes and shared features across cancer types.

THe Biom is publicly accessible for both online and local use.

Abstract

The identification of robust transcriptomic biomarkers remains a key challenge in oncology. To tackle this problem, hybrid ensemble feature selection (HEFS) methods have been developed to improve the stability of gene signatures by combining multiple algorithms and data perturbations. However, their results are often difficult to explore, interpret and reuse. To bridge this gap, we developed THe Biom (TCGA HEFS Biomarkers), an interactive application for visualization and comparative analysis of gene signatures across tumor stages and cancer types. The platform enables users to examine cancer-specific biomarkers, track changes across disease progression, and highlight shared features among signatures. THe Biom was built using previous HEFS analyses of six TCGA cancers across stages I to IV, and additional signatures can be added by users.

Availability and implementation: THe Biom is freely available online at https://thebiom.compbio.ulaval.ca/, or for local use along with source code and datasets at https://github.com/MilanPicard/the_biom.

Figures