BioVR: a platform for virtual reality assisted biological data integration and visualization

Background: The effective visualization and presentation of biological data is of critical importance to research scientists. The increasing rate at which experiments generate data has exacerbated the visualization problem. While biological datasets continue to increase in size and complexity, the shift to adopt new user interface (UI) paradigms has historically lagged. Consequently, a major bottleneck for analysis of next-generation sequencing data is the continued use of the UIs primarily inspired from single-type and small-scale data in 1990's. Results: We have developed BioVR, an easy-to-use interactive, virtual reality (VR)-assisted platform for visualizing DNA/RNA sequences and protein structures using Unity3D and the C# programming language. It utilizes the cutting-edge Oculus Rift, and Leap Motion hand detection, resulting in intuitive navigation and exploration of various types of biological data. Using Gria2 and its associated gene product as an example, we present this proof-of-concept software to integrate protein sequence and structure information. For any residue of interest in the Gria2 sequence, it can be quickly visualized in its protein structure within VR. Conclusions: Using innovative 3D techniques, we provide a VR-based platform for visualization of DNA/RNA sequences and protein structures in aggregate, which can be extended to view omics data.