Life sciences domain analysis model

Abstract

Objective: Meaningful exchange of information is a fundamental challenge in collaborative biomedical research. To help address this, the authors developed the Life Sciences Domain Analysis Model (LS DAM), an information model that provides a framework for communication among domain experts and technical teams developing information systems to support biomedical research. The LS DAM is harmonized with the Biomedical Research Integrated Domain Group (BRIDG) model of protocol-driven clinical research. Together, these models can facilitate data exchange for translational research.

Materials and methods: The content of the LS DAM was driven by analysis of life sciences and translational research scenarios and the concepts in the model are derived from existing information models, reference models and data exchange formats. The model is represented in the Unified Modeling Language and uses ISO 21090 data types.

Results: The LS DAM v2.2.1 is comprised of 130 classes and covers several core areas including Experiment, Molecular Biology, Molecular Databases and Specimen. Nearly half of these classes originate from the BRIDG model, emphasizing the semantic harmonization between these models. Validation of the LS DAM against independently derived information models, research scenarios and reference databases supports its general applicability to represent life sciences research.

Discussion: The LS DAM provides unambiguous definitions for concepts required to describe life sciences research. The processes established to achieve consensus among domain experts will be applied in future iterations and may be broadly applicable to other standardization efforts.

Conclusions: The LS DAM provides common semantics for life sciences research. Through harmonization with BRIDG, it promotes interoperability in translational science.

Figure 1

The Unified Modeling Language class diagram of the Life Sciences Domain Analysis Model (LS DAM) highlighting core areas. The full LS DAM class diagram is shown to illustrate the breadth and depth of the current model. Circles designate regions of the diagram containing classes related to core areas including those described here: Experiment core, Specimen core, Molecular Biology core and Molecular Databases core. Dark gray classes are harmonized to the Biomedical Research Integrated Domain Group. Light gray classes are unique to the LS DAM. Adapted from the Experiment Model Implementation Guide with NCI CBIIT permission.

Figure 2

(A) Diagram of the Experiment core classes. Classes included in the Experiment core are shown with their associations. Dark gray classes are harmonized to the Biomedical Research Integrated Domain Group. Light gray classes are unique to the Life Sciences Domain Analysis Model. Adapted from the Experiment Model Implementation Guide with NCI CBIIT permission. A HyperText Markup Language view of the Experiment core is available. (B) Example Experiment classes. Experiment and ExperimentalFactor classes are shown with attributes, associations, cardinalities and data types to illustrate details in the Life Sciences Domain Analysis Model which are not shown in the diagram of the Experiment core.

Figure 3

The Biomedical Research Integrated Domain Group (BRIDG) and the Life Sciences Domain Analysis Model (LS DAM) share Subject. The BRIDG Subject class is an example of a touch point between BRIDG and the LS DAM which facilitates traversing and simultaneous utilization of both models. Dark gray classes are harmonized to BRIDG. Light gray classes are unique to the LS DAM. Adapted from the Experiment Implementation Guide with NCI CBIIT permission.