Osprey: A Network Visualization System
https://doi.org/10.1186/gb-2002-3-12-preprint0012
© BioMed Central Ltd 2002
Received: 14 November 2002
Published: 21 November 2002
Abstract
We have developed a software platform called Osprey for visualization and manipulation of complex interaction networks. Osprey builds data-rich graphical representations that are color-coded for gene function and experimental interaction data. Mouse-over functions allow rapid elaboration and organization of network diagrams in a spoke model format. User-defined large-scale data sets can be readily combined with Osprey for comparison of different methods.
Keywords
Rationale
The rapidly expanding biological datasets of physical, genetic and functional interactions present a daunting task for data visualization and evaluation [1]. Existing applications such as Pajek allow the user to visualize networks in a simple graphical format [2], but lack the necessary features needed for functional assessment and comparative analysis between datasets. Typically, interaction networks are viewed within a graphing application, but data is manipulated in other contexts, often manually.
To address these shortfalls, we developed a network visualization system called Osprey that not only represents interactions in a flexible and rapidly expandable graphical format, but also provides options for functional comparisons between datasets. Osprey was developed with the Sun Microsystems Java Standard Development Kit version 1.4.0_02 [3], which allows it to be used both in standalone form and as an add-on viewer for online interaction databases.
Network Visualization
Representative Osprey network with genes colored by GO process and interactions colored by experimental system.
Searches and Filters
Network Layout
Layout options in Osprey. A. Circular B. Concentric circle with 5 rings C. Dual ring with highly connected nodes on the inside. D. Dual ring with highly connected nodes outside. E. Spoked dual ring.
Color Representations
Osprey allows user defined colors to indicate gene function, experimental systems and data sources. Genes are colored by their biological process as defined by standardized Gene Ontology (GO) annotations. Genes that have been assigned more than one process are represented as multicolored pie charts. Osprey currently recognizes 29 biological processes derived from the categories maintained by the GO Consortium [7]. Interactions are colored by experimental system along the entire length of the edge between two nodes. If a given interaction is supported by multiple experimental systems, the edges are segmented into multiple colors to reflect each system. Alternatively, interactions can be colored by data source, again as multiply colored if more than one source supports the interaction. When combined with filter options, a network can be rapidly visualized according to any number of experimental parameters.
Osprey Download
A personal copy of the Osprey Network Visualization System Version 0.9.9 for use in not-for profit organizations can be downloaded from the Osprey web page at http://biodata.mshri.on.ca/osprey. Registration is required for the sole purpose of enabling notification of software fixes and updates. A limited version of Osprey used for online interaction viewing can be used at The GRID website http://biodata.mshri.on.ca/grid. For implementation of Osprey as an online viewer for other online interaction databases please contact the authors.
Declarations
Acknowledgment
We thank Hosam Abdulrrazek for his contributions to our layout algorithms, and Lorrie Boucher, Ashton Breitkreutz and Paul Jorgensen for suggestions on Osprey features. Development of Osprey was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. MT is a Canada Research Chair in Biochemistry.
Authors’ Affiliations
References
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