ODDB: Ocular Disease Database for integrated analysis of ocular disease gene drug relationships

Abstract

Ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and inherited retinal dystrophies are leading causes of vision loss worldwide, yet existing databases often address only limited aspects of these disorders. To fill this gap, we developed the Ocular Disease Database (ODDB), a web-based resource that integrates genes, biomarkers, variants, and drugs associated to ocular diseases. Data were systematically collected through literature mining of PubMed-indexed journals, the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and drug regulatory agency datasets. Multi-omics, experimental, and clinical information were harmonized using standardized integration workflows. The database is organized according to two complementary ontologies: one based on the anatomical site of pathology (cornea, retina, optic nerve) and another on gene inheritance pattern. ODDB currently covers over 170 ocular diseases, more than 1190 genes, 2400+ variants, and 386 drugs, including both approved and investigational compounds. Each record includes detailed annotations of associated genes, variants, therapeutic targets, and mechanisms of action. The platform supports interactive querying and network-based visualization of disease-gene-drug relationships. All data was internally validated for accuracy and are compliant with FAIR principles, ensuring accessibility and interoperability. ODDB (https://www.oculardiseases.fi/) provides a comprehensive and standardized reference for exploring molecular mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities in ocular diseases.