Ensembl-VEP (Variant Effect Predictor)

Introduction to VEP

VEP (Variant Effect Predictor) is a versatile and widely used bioinformatics tool developed by the Ensembl project. It is designed for annotating genetic variants by providing detailed information on the impact of variants on genes, transcripts, and proteins. VEP is an essential resource for variant interpretation in genomics research.

Key Features and Capabilities

• Variant Annotation: VEP annotates genetic variants with information on their effects, such as coding and non-coding changes, consequences on protein function, and more.
• Comprehensive Data Sources: Utilizes a vast array of genomic and functional data sources, including reference genomes, gene annotations, and regulatory regions.
• Customizable: Allows users to configure the annotation parameters, select reference datasets, and tailor the analysis to specific research questions.
• Web Interface and Command-Line Version: Offers both a web-based interface and a command-line version, catering to users with different preferences.
• Integration with Ensembl Resources: Seamlessly integrates with other Ensembl resources, providing access to a wealth of biological knowledge.
• Active Development: VEP is continuously updated to include the latest genomic information and variant annotations.

Resources and Learning Materials

• VEP Web Interface: Access the web-based VEP tool, documentation, and tutorials.
• GitHub Repository: Explore the source code, report issues, and contribute to the development.
• Ensembl Helpdesk - VEP: Obtain support and answers to frequently asked questions related to VEP.