Scaling Genomic Data Management with TileDB

Population genomics, with its complex data from large-scale initiatives like national biobanks, holds great promise for advancing medical research and treatment discovery. However, traditional variant call file (VCF) formats struggle to handle the vast scale and diverse queries required in this field, limiting their efficacy. TileDB-VCF offers an innovative solution by utilizing a multidimensional array-based architecture to efficiently store, access, and manage variant data, overcoming the limitations of VCF files in handling large datasets. This approach not only addresses issues like the "N+1" problem and enables rapid sample addition but also facilitates integration with other omics data and supports AI and machine learning applications. Furthermore, TileDB-VCF enhances data security, sharing, and compliance, making it a valuable tool for institutions like Rady Children’s Hospital’s Institute of Genomic Medicine, which reported significant cost savings and improved data management by adopting this solution.