EmAtlas: a comprehensive atlas for exploring spatiotemporal activation in mammalian embryogenesis

The emerging importance of embryonic development research rapidly increases the volume for a professional resource related to multi-omits data. However, the lack of global embryogenesis repository and systematic analysis tools limits the preceding in stem cell research, human congenital diseases and assisted reproduction. Here, we developed the EmAtlas, which collects the most comprehensive multi-omics data and provides multi-scale tools to explore spatiotemporal activation during mammalian embryogenesis. EmAtlas contains data on multiple types of gene expression, chromatin accessibility, DNA methylation, nucleosome occupancy, histone modifications, and transcription factors, which displays the complete spatiotemporal landscape in mouse and human across several time points, involving gametogenesis, preimplantation, even fetus and neonate, and each tissue involves various cell types. To characterize signatures involved in the tissue, cell, genome, gene and protein levels during mammalian embryogenesis, analysis tools on these five scales were developed. Additionally, we proposed EmRanger to deliver extensive development-related biological background annotations. Users can utilize these tools to analyze, browse, visualize, and download data owing to the user-friendly interface. EmAtlas is freely accessible at http://bioinfor.imu.edu.cn/ematlas.

Automated summary

The lack of global embryogenesis repository and systematic analysis tools hinders the progress of research in stem cells, human congenital diseases, and assisted reproduction. EmAtlas provides a comprehensive collection of multi-omics data and multi-scale tools to explore the spatiotemporal activation during mammalian embryogenesis.