Implementing the gEAR for Data Sharing within the HRP

The HRP takes a multi-investigator, multi-species, multi-omic (methods of tracking gene expression, or instructions), and cell type‐specific approach to define the underpinnings of differences among hair cell regeneration in the chick, fish, and mouse with the aim of identifying keys for hair cell regeneration in mammals. Consequently, the consortium generates large amounts of data that are difficult to visualize, conceptualize, and analyze. The gEAR portal (gene Expression Analysis Resource, umgear.org) allows for simple visualization of multi-omic, multi-species datasets in the public or private domain—without the need for advanced informatics skills. In the first two years of funding from the HRP, we focused primarily on developing tools for multi-omic, multi-species data upload and visualization. Numerous features were added, and all available HRP datasets were uploaded for sharing within the consortium. In parallel, all tools and features developed for the consortium were made available in the public domain—leading the gEAR to be a primary portal for multi-omic data sharing and visualization within the field. With the next two years of funding committed (years three and four), the vast majority of our efforts will be focused on (a) the continued upload of HRP and public datasets, and (b) the development and integration of analysis tools.