The Immersive Graph Genome Explorer: Navigating Genomics in Immersive Virtual Reality

Abstract

Genome graphs, a new frontier of genomics, have begun to redefine how we approach the reference genomes. These spatial representations of genetic variation are an important step forward in capturing the genetic diversity of life, but are visually challenged by highly variable regions. To make complex graph genomes usable towards visualization, we present a cross-platform immersive virtual reality (iVR) system to enable 3DUI graph genome interaction and analysis. We explore iVR design through a variety of graph-network based interaction tools developed with genomics experts and discuss our implementations of visualizing genome variation within the Unity Game Engine. Lastly, we share our Immersive Graph Genome Explorer (IGGE) and reflect on iVR's interaction potential for serious applications in genomics.