A major challenge in analyzing the data from high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) is how to handle the huge amounts of data and variety of NGS tools and visualize the resultant outputs. To address these issues, we developed a cloud-based data analysis platform, Maser (Management and Analysis System for Enormous Reads), and an original genome browser, Genome Explorer (GE).

Maser realized a more user-friendly analysis platform especially for beginners by improving graphical display and providing the selected standard pipelines that work with built-in genome browser. All the analyses executed on Maser are recorded in the analysis history, helping users to trace and repeat the analyses. The entire process of analysis and its histories can be shared with collaborators or opened to the public. In conclusion, our system is useful for managing, analyzing, and visualizing NGS data and achieves traceability, reproducibility, and transparency of NGS analysis.

Maser is currently supported by Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).

Figure 1: Maser tutorial and user registration page

Figure 2: Maser’s Top Page (Only registered user can access)