Ensembl Database

Overview

Access and query the Ensembl genome database, a comprehensive resource for vertebrate genomic data maintained by EMBL-EBI. The database provides gene annotations, sequences, variants, regulatory information, and comparative genomics data for over 250 species. Current release is 116 (April 2026).

Heads-up (verified June 2026): Release 116 is the final release served by the classic REST API at https://rest.ensembl.org. The endpoint stays online with no announced sunset date but receives no further data updates; Ensembl's new platform replaces it with GraphQL and GA4GH refget for sequence access. For current research the REST API documented here still works; plan migration for long-lived pipelines.

When to Use This Skill

This skill should be used when: