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, 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.

The top key questions that these resources can answer:

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

1. What drugs may treat conditions related to type 2 diabetes?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