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. The classic REST API serves release 116 (released 9 June 2026; GET /info/software → {"release": 116}).

Heads-up (verified 2026-09-23): Release 116 is the final release on the classic platform. https://rest.ensembl.org (and grch37.rest.ensembl.org) stay online with no announced sunset date but receive no further data updates; the classic website lives on as the archive https://jun2026.archive.ensembl.org. New data now appear on the new Ensembl platform at https://www.ensembl.org (formerly beta.ensembl.org, 5,200+ genomes), whose programmatic access is GraphQL (POST https://www.ensembl.org/data/graphql) plus GA4GH refget for sequences. The REST API documented here still works and is the simplest route for GRCh38/GRCh37 human work; use GraphQL for genomes or annotation updates added after release 116, and plan migration for long-lived pipelines.

When to Use This Skill

This skill should be used when: