As you may remember, six months ago COSMIC launched new, improved beta download files. These new files contain the same gold standard data found in COSMIC's current files, but presented in a more accessible and interoperable manner. COSMIC aims to to lead by example in encouraging data to be FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) compliant, and as part of this goal, COSMIC will be phasing out its current files for COSMIC v100. We want to help make this transition as smooth as possible, so keep reading to find out what changes have been made, why they've been made, and how these changes will benefit you.
The main benefits for you!
- Increased interoperability between data sets: → IDs assigned for genes, mutations, samples and more
- Increased findability of data by gene, classification or samples: → Stable IDs between versions
What does "beta" mean?
These new files have been named "Beta" to help you distinguish them from the files you are used to, but they represent the final version and the content and layout are stable.
What's new?
- A new, clear, consistent naming convention which all files follow
- Full project name with no abbreviations
- Release version and assembly clearly included
- Each project and product have been packaged with ReadMe files individually
- Refined columns within the files
- Repetitive columns removed
- Empty columns removed
- Improved IDs
- Consistent across both web pages, download files and webpages
- We now have 10 COSMIC identifiers: COSMIC Phenotype Id (COSO), COSMIC Gene Id (COSG), COSMIC Sample Id (COSS), COSMIC Structural Id (COST), COSMIC CNV Id (COSCNV), COSMIC Fusion Id (COSF), Legacy Mutation Id (COSM/COSN), COSMIC Paper Id (COSP), COSMIC Study Id (COSU), COSMIC Genomic Mutation Id (COSV).
Phase out timeline
We will be phasing out current file formats in May 2024 in line with release v100, meaning that, we will be retiring our current download files and only the new style files will be available to download.
Transition support
With this in mind, here’s how the COSMIC team is helping to ease this transition:
- For the v99 update, both file types are available to download
- You can watch our recent on-demand Labroots webinar for more detailed information on the exact changes made
- Register for our latest Labroots webinar and submit your burning questions to be answered by our expert panel
- You can contact the COSMIC team directly for support here (they'd love to hear from you!)
→ Get the details on COSMIC's latest release here.
