Trackplot: a fast and lightweight R script for epigenomic enrichment plots

• DOI: 10.1093/bioadv/vbae031
• Publication Date: 2024-02-29T08:25:42Z
• Authors: Anand Mayakonda; Frank Westermann
• Keywords: Epigenomics

Abstract Motivation BigWig files serve as essential inputs in epigenomic data visualization. However, current R packages for visualizing these are limited, slow, and burdened by numerous dependencies. Results We introduce trackplot, a minimal script designed the rapid generation of integrative genomics viewer (IGV) style track plots, profile heatmaps from bigWig files. This offers speed, owing to its reliance on bwtool, resulting performance gains several magnitudes compared equivalent packages. The is lightweight, requiring only data.table bwtool primary Notably, plots generated base graphics, eliminating need additional trackplot queries University California Santa Cruz (UCSC) genome browser gene models thereby enhancing reproducibility analyses. extends support general transfer format (GTF) further versatility. tool addresses gaps existing visualization approaches offering simplicity, dependencies, presenting valuable asset researchers fields epigenomics. Availability implementation implemented made available under MIT license at https://github.com/PoisonAlien/trackplot.