ena-database

Query ENA nucleotide data and metadata via REST APIs and FTP.

21|1|Updated Mar 19, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/OwnLabAI/ownlab --skill ena-database-ownlabai
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: ena-database
Source: https://github.com/OwnLabAI/ownlab/tree/main/mart/skills/scientific-skills/ena-database
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/OwnLabAI/ownlab --skill ena-database-ownlabai

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Access and integrate ENA nucleotide sequence data and metadata via REST APIs and FTP for genomics workflows.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • REST Portal API access to search and retrieve studies, samples, runs, assemblies, sequences, taxon data, analyses, and cross-references.
  • Browser API, Taxonomy REST API, and xref services support; enables bulk downloads via FTP or Aspera.
  • Supports multiple data formats (JSON, TSV, XML; FASTQ/FASTA) for easy integration into pipelines.

Quick Start

Query ENA Portal API to fetch sample records by study_accession and download related FASTQ files.

Frequently Asked Questions about ena-database

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I retrieve ENA nucleotide sequences and metadata for a genomics workflow?

To retrieve ENA nucleotide sequences and metadata, you can query accession or study identifiers via the REST Portal API and Browser API. This returns records in JSON, TSV, or XML formats to integrate directly into genomics pipelines.

Can I bulk download raw reads and assemblies from the ENA database?

Yes, you can bulk download raw reads, assemblies, and sequences from the ENA database using FTP or Aspera. This supports large-scale data retrieval for high-throughput genomics workflows.

What response formats does the ENA Portal API support for sequence data retrieval?

The ENA Portal API supports multiple response formats for sequence data retrieval, including JSON, TSV, and XML. FASTQ and FASTA files are also supported for downloading raw reads and assemblies.

Does the ENA REST API provide taxonomy and cross-reference data by accession?

Yes, the ENA REST API provides taxonomy and cross-reference data by accession. It integrates the Taxonomy REST API and xref services to retrieve taxon data and cross-references for studies, samples, and runs.

What is the best way to fetch sample records by study accession and download FASTQ files?

The best way to fetch sample records by study accession and download FASTQ files is querying the ENA Portal API. You retrieve the sample metadata in JSON or TSV, then use the returned accessions to download FASTQ files via FTP or Aspera.

Are there limitations when using ENA Browser API versus Portal API for data retrieval?

The ENA Browser API and Portal API differ in scope for data retrieval. The Portal API searches studies, samples, and assemblies comprehensively, while the Browser API provides specific record views, so Portal API is preferred for broad pipeline integration.