dkNET Webinar "Using Knowledge Graphs within Biomedical Knowledge Portals: The Biomedical Translator and the Common Fund Knowledge Center"

Join dkNET Webinar on Friday, April 11, 2025, 11 am - 12 pm PT

Presenter: Jason Flannick, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School

Abstract

Knowledge graphs (KGs) have emerged as a powerful framework for integrating and exploring biomedical data. In this webinar I will discuss two resources that aim to integrate biomedical knowledge -- the NCATS Biomedical Translator (https://ui.transltr.io) and the Common Fund Data Ecosystem Knowledge Center (CFDE KC; cfdeknowledge.org) -- as case studies in the challenges and opportunities associated with using KGs to guide basic and translational discovery. I will begin by outlining the vision behind Translator, including the establishment of KG standards and semantic precision. I will provide practical examples of Translator use cases, drawing explicit comparisons with alternative approaches like large language models (LLMs) to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. I will then introduce the CFDE KC, which addresses similar challenges through a different complementary strategy. I will review the use of KGs within the CFDE KC and contrast them with other access mechanisms of data within the CFDE. I will conclude by synthesizing broader lessons learned from these two experiences, offering insights into the nuanced role KGs should play in future biomedical resource development. Ultimately, I suggest strategies for combining the strengths of KGs, LLMs, and statistical data integration to maximize translational impact and user adoption in biomedical research.

Top questions these resources can answer:

NCATS Biomedical Translator (https://ui.transltr.io)

1. What drugs may treat conditions related to type 2 diabetes?
2. What chemicals may decrease the activity of SLC30A8?

Common Fund Data Ecosystem Knowledge Center (CFDE KC) (cfdeknowledge.org)

1. What exercise-related molecular mechanisms may underlie type 2 diabetes?
2. What variants are observed from sequencing pediatric patients in the Kids First project, and what are the phenotypes of patients in which they are observed?

Dial-in Information: https://uchealth.zoom.us/meeting/register/R1NDDLmAR62qkPqOVhd7vg

Date/Time: Friday, April 11, 2025, 11 am - 12 pm PT

Upcoming webinars schedule: https://dknet.org/about/webinar