BlastoDB: first release of a community-driven multi-omics and epidemiological resource for Blastocystis biology and subtyping [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]

BlastoDB (https://www.blastodb.com/) is developed as an open-access, community-driven resource dedicated to Blastocystis, one of the most common yet understudied intestinal protists. BlastoDB will offer the scientific community up-to-date, curated information on Blastocystis by integrating epidemiological data, microbiome profiles, multi-omics datasets (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics), reference sequences for subtypes, protocols, microscopy images, and related metadata. In this initial release, we describe the data model, database architecture, curation pipelines, and web interface, which together facilitate subtype classification, comparative and integrative analyses, and cross-study synthesis of epidemiological and experimental data. We outline submission and governance workflows designed to support community contributions, training activities, and sustainable curation under the “Blastocystis under One Health” COST Action (CA21105). Finally, we highlight planned extensions, including expanded metagenomic and metatranscriptomic content, automated genome quality assessments, metagenome-assembled genomes, and geospatial and analytical dashboards. BlastoDB provides a central, FAIR-aligned hub for Blastocystis data, images, and protocols, reducing technical barriers and fostering a collaborative ecosystem for studying this globally prevalent protist.