International Milk Genomics Consortium – Knowledge Management Tools

The International Milk Genomics Consortium's state-of-the-art Knowledge Management Portal has moved from concept to reality.  Whereas previous demonstrations of the IMGC Portal at prior Consortium meetings have been dedicated to the potential capabilities that building a milk genomics portal might allow for, the emphasis of this presentation is to demonstrate the content that is currently available in the Portal, and how leading international experts in nutrition, genomics, bioinformatics, lactation and other milk-related academic disciplines can contribute and review ongoing research in these areas.

Presently the Portal contains over 10 million biologically-related concepts-referred to in the Portal as "Thoughts". These concepts are mappings from well-established and curated sources such as Integrated Taxonomic Information System, PubMed, Gene Ontology, Entrez Gene, and others. 

The IMGC portal unites scientists from across the milk research spectrum. Through the Portal, authors can identify the subsets of mammalian genomes responsible for milk creation and digestion; and distinguish and associate the actions and nutritional benefits by which mammalian milk genes and their products evolved.  Discussion about future directions will include integration of the IMGC Portal with other knowledge sources and utilities, and publishing protocols for authors within the IMGC.