sdrf:terms

Resolve ontology terms and accessions for SDRF columns via OLS and databases.

11|9|Updated Mar 18, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/bigbio/sdrf-skills --skill sdrf-terms
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: sdrf:terms
Source: https://github.com/bigbio/sdrf-skills/tree/main/skills/sdrf-terms
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/bigbio/sdrf-skills --skill sdrf-terms

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps annotators and AI assistants select, verify, and map controlled-vocabulary ontology terms and accessions for SDRF columns, reducing ambiguity and ensuring values conform to the SDRF specification and accepted ontologies.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Spec-driven ontology selection: Reads the TERMS.tsv mapping to determine which ontology or database to search for each column and applies primary and fallback choices.
  • OLS-powered lookup and specificity checks: Demonstrates how to use OLS searches, embedding searches, and ancestor/child navigation to evaluate term specificity and choose appropriate terms.
  • Cross-ontology mapping and special databases: Provides procedures for mapping terms across EFO/MONDO/DOID, enforcing UNIMOD accessions for modifications, and consulting Cellosaurus for cell line accessions.
  • Use Case: Convert a vague user label like "cancer" or "HeLa" into validated ontology accessions, SDRF-formatted values, and alternatives for more or less specificity before validation.

Quick Start

Find the most appropriate ontology term and accession for the SDRF column characteristics[disease] given the search "breast cancer".

Frequently Asked Questions about sdrf:terms

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I find the correct ontology term and accession for an SDRF column?

To find ontology terms for SDRF columns, this Skill reads the TERMS.tsv mapping to determine the correct source, then uses OLS search and hierarchy navigation to select and verify the appropriate accession for your annotation workflow.

What is the best way to resolve a cell line accession for SDRF annotation?

The best way to resolve cell line accessions for SDRF annotation is using Cellosaurus cross-references. This Skill consults Cellosaurus to convert vague labels like HeLa into validated cell line accessions conforming to SDRF specifications.

How do I map disease ontology terms across EFO, MONDO, and DOID for SDRF?

Mapping disease ontology terms across EFO, MONDO, and DOID for SDRF involves cross-ontology mapping procedures. This Skill applies these mappings to convert user labels like cancer into validated, SDRF-formatted ontology accessions.

Does SDRF annotation require UNIMOD accessions for modifications?

Yes, SDRF annotation enforces UNIMOD accessions for modifications. This Skill enforces UNIMOD accession requirements during annotation workflows, ensuring modification values conform to the SDRF specification.

Can I check ontology term specificity using OLS during SDRF annotation?

You can check ontology term specificity using OLS searches, embedding searches, and ancestor/child navigation. This Skill demonstrates these OLS techniques to evaluate term specificity and choose appropriate terms for SDRF columns.

Why does my SDRF validation fail when using vague labels instead of ontology accessions?

SDRF validation fails with vague labels because the specification requires controlled-vocabulary ontology terms. This Skill reduces ambiguity by selecting, verifying, and mapping user labels into validated accessions before validation.