About ROSSA
Rodent Open Science Skeletal Archive
The Rodent Open Science Skeletal Archive (ROSSA) is a comprehensive resource designed to advance skeletal biology research through open data sharing, collaborative analysis, and global networking. ROSSA brings together three essential components that address the critical needs of the skeletal research community: data preservation, discovery tools, and research infrastructure connectivity.
Rationale for Building ROSSA
Rodent models have long been central to understanding human skeletal disease. The clinical phenotyping of most patients is highly limited, making it impossible to use patient data to identify the causal determinants of skeletal diseases. Even when DNA sequencing has been used to identify the causal gene in patients with rare monogenic skeletal diseases, once identified, rodents remain the go-to animal model to understand how genetic abnormalities lead to disease pathology and test the efficacy of candidate interventions. Unlike humans, the skeletal phenotyping performed on rodent animal models is comprehensive and impactful at elucidating mechanisms of skeletal regulation. Therefore, we believe a repository that archives and shares rodent skeletal phenotyping data will truly advance our knowledge of human skeletal diseases.
Over the last 40 years, a vast range of experimental questions have been tested in rodents to understand mechanisms of human skeletal disease. The range of experimental questions include: 1) genetic (global knockout, conditional knockout, disease model), 2) therapeutic impact (small molecules, biologics, probiotics, dietary changes, fecal transplants, stem cell transplantation), and 3) procedures that challenge the skeleton such as gonadectomy or unloading. The abundance of bone phenotyping data being generated combined with the diversity of experimental questions being tested makes for an incredibly rich data source.
Features of the ROSSA
In its very first iteration, the ROSSA contains three major features designed to advance skeletal phenotyping research and collaboration.
Data Submission Portal
Efficiently submit skeletal phenotyping datasets through our user-friendly interface
Advanced Data Center
Explore and analyze studies with powerful tools and advanced analytical approaches
Core Facility Registry
Connect with phenotyping facilities worldwide and access specialized expertise
Database
Comprehensive storage and management of skeletal phenotyping research data
Data Submission
Current Experimental Approaches Being Accepted
Future Experimental Approaches in the Pipeline
- Mechanical Loading/Unloading Studies
- Comparing Animal Diets (Testing Nutrients, Phytochemicals, Probiotics)
- Circadian Rythmn Studies (Comparing different light/dark cycles)
Currently Accepted Skeletal Phenotyping Analyses Approaches
We have focused on collecting phenotyping analysis approaches that are widely and routinely used by members of the scientific community (detailed below). Please contact us, if you believe we should include other analysis types.- Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry
- Microcomputed Tomography
- Bone Histomorphometry
- Mechanical Strength Testing
- Clinical Chemistry Analytes
Data Center
Discover, Explore, and Analyze Across Studies
Actively under construction, we are designing ROSSA's data center to enable advanced querying capabilities with specific focus areas such as genetic studies, drug studies, thematic topics in the field. The data center will be highly interoperable with other databases thereby allowing rapid learning of subject areas. The datacenter will provide users the ability to download the original data files contributed by investigators and the processed data in box plots and table views. Studies across different analysis types will be experimental to control ratio normalized and viewed as a scatter plot or table view with options to change measurment paramaters. This powerful tool will transform how researchers interact with and derive insights from skeletal phenotyping studies.
Individual Study Exploration
- Access to Original Data Files
- Study Synopis Page
- Downloadable Datasets with Proper Attribution
Cross-Study Analysis Capabilities
- Multi-study data visualization through interactive scatter plots
- Comparative analysis tools across different conditions
- Meta-analysis support with harmonized data standards
Advanced Discovery Features
- Search functionality across studies by phenotype
- Filter studies by experimental parameters
- Identify similar studies and experimental replicates
Core Facility Registry
Connecting Skeletal Phenotyping Expertise with Investigators
ROSSA's Core Facility Registry addresses a critical need in the skeletal research community: connecting researchers with specialized bone phenotyping expertise and equipment. Core facilities can showcase their unique capabilities, while researchers can easily identify the right partners for their specific phenotyping needs. This registry strengthens the global skeletal research network and ensures that cutting-edge phenotyping capabilities are accessible to researchers worldwide.
Facility Profiles Include:
- Contact information and institutional affiliations
- Phenotyping Service offerings and collaborative opportunities
Benefits for Research Community:
- Democratizes access to specialized equipment
- Facilitates collaborations between institutions
- Reduces barriers to comprehensive phenotyping
- Promotes standardization of analytical approaches
- Supports researchers with limited resources
Data Storage
Your Data is Safe with Us
The data submitted to ROSSA will be stored and managed by staff at The University of Connecticut's High Performance Computing Facility (HPC). This is a state of the art facility directed by Dr. Ion Moraru, who has experience at managing repositories for a variety of national consortia. The data will be securely backed up in three geolocations.
ROSSA will store your data in two ways. First, all of your original data files (spreadsheet and image files) are uploaded into ROSSA and stored as object storage in their original form. This is to ensure authenticity of the original data and provide a crucial reference for reading the data into database tables. Spreadsheet data will also be read into database tables (PostgreSQL database) to enable efficient searching via the datacenter and through API access by those interested.
Security & Reliability:
- Triple redundancy with secure backups across three geographic locations
- Enterprise-grade security protocols and access controls
- Disaster recovery and business continuity planning
Data Accessibility:
- Efficient searching through the integrated datacenter interface
- API access for programmatic data retrieval
- Original files always available as authoritative reference
- Structured database queries for complex research needs
Performance Benefits:
- High-performance computing infrastructure
- Optimized database queries for large datasets
- Scalable architecture to grow with research needs
- Fast data retrieval and analysis capabilities
Vision for the Future
ROSSA represents a paradigm shift toward open, collaborative skeletal research. By integrating data submission, analysis tools, and research infrastructure in a single platform, we're creating an ecosystem that accelerates discovery and fosters innovation. Our commitment to open science ensures that valuable research data remains accessible, driving progress in understanding skeletal biology and developing new treatments for bone diseases.
Join us in building the future of skeletal research—submit your data, explore our growing repository, and connect with the global community of researchers dedicated to advancing bone health.