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MCP GeneLab Server

by sbl-sdsc

get_relationship_metadata

Read-onlyIdempotent

Retrieve descriptions of relationship properties across the NASA GeneLab knowledge graph to understand schema and write accurate Cypher queries.

Instructions

Get descriptions of properties of all relationships in the knowledge graph.

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
session_idNoSession id returned by `create_session()`. This server serves many users from one process; the session id is what keeps your output directory and generated plots private to you. Pass the SAME value on every tool call. If the server replies that the session is unknown or expired, call `create_session()` again and use the new id.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed2 schema fields changedv1.0.0
    • addedInput schema / properties / session_id
      Added value: +{
      +  "anyOf": [
      +    {
      +      "type": "string"
      +    },
      +    {
      +      "type": "null"
      +    }
      +  ],
      +  "default": null,
      +  "description": "Session id returned by `create_session()`. This server serves many users from one process; the session id is what keeps your output directory and generated plots private to you. Pass the SAME value on every tool call. If the server replies that the session is unknown or expired, call `create_session()` again and use the new id.",
      +  "title": "Session Id"
      +}
    • changedOutput schema / (root)
      Previous value: -{
      -  "$defs": {
      -    "Annotations": {
      -      "additionalProperties": true,
      -      "properties": {
      -        "audience": {
      -          "anyOf": [
      -            {
      -              "items": {
      -                "enum": [
      -                  "user",
      -                  "assistant"
      -                ],
      -                "type": "string"
      -              },
      -              "type": "array"
      -            },
      -            {
      -              "type": "null"
      -            }
      -          ],
      -          "default": null,
      -          "title": "Audience"
      -        },
      -        "priority": {
      -          "anyOf": [
      -            {
      -              "maximum": 1,
      -              "minimum": 0,
      -              "type": "number"
      -            },
      -            {
      -              "type": "null"
      -            }
      -          ],
      -          "default": null,
      -          "title": "Priority"
      -        }
      -      },
      -      "title": "Annotations",
      -      "type": "object"
      -    },
      -    "TextContent": {
      -      "additionalProperties": true,
      -      "description": "Text content for a message.",
      -      "properties": {
      -        "_meta": {
      -          "anyOf": [
      -            {
      -              "additionalProperties": true,
      -              "type": "object"
      -            },
      -            {
      -              "type": "null"
      -            }
      -          ],
      -          "default": null,
      -          "title": "Meta"
      -        },
      -        "annotations": {
      -          "anyOf": [
      -            {
      -              "$ref": "#/$defs/Annotations"
      -            },
      -            {
      -              "type": "null"
      -            }
      -          ],
      -          "default": null
      -        },
      -        "text": {
      -          "title": "Text",
      -          "type": "string"
      -        },
      -        "type": {
      -          "const": "text",
      -          "title": "Type",
      -          "type": "string"
      -        }
      -      },
      -      "required": [
      -        "type",
      -        "text"
      -      ],
      -      "title": "TextContent",
      -      "type": "object"
      -    }
      -  },
      -  "properties": {
      -    "result": {
      -      "items": {
      -        "$ref": "#/$defs/TextContent"
      -      },
      -      "title": "Result",
      -      "type": "array"
      -    }
      -  },
      -  "required": [
      -    "result"
      -  ],
      -  "title": "get_relationship_metadataOutput",
      -  "type": "object"
      -}New value: +null
  2. First observedv0.4.0

TDQS

B3.3/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and openWorldHint=false, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds almost nothing beyond that — it restates scope ('all relationships') but gives no behavioral detail such as the shape of the returned metadata. With no output schema, more disclosure would have been warranted.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

One sentence, front-loaded with the verb and scope, with zero waste. Nothing to trim.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple, read-only introspection tool this is minimally adequate: annotations cover safety and the schema covers the one parameter. However, with no output schema the description never explains what the returned 'descriptions' look like, leaving the agent guessing about the response shape.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100% and the single session_id parameter is documented in rich detail in the schema itself, so the baseline is 3. The description contributes nothing about the parameter, but nothing is missing either.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

Names a specific verb and resource ('Get descriptions of properties of all relationships') and implicitly distinguishes itself from the sibling get_node_metadata by scoping to relationships rather than nodes. Clear, though it never explicitly contrasts with that sibling.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Usage is only implied: an agent infers this is for schema introspection before writing queries, but there is no explicit when-to-use guidance, no mention of get_node_metadata / visualize_schema / get_neo4j_schema as alternatives, and no stated prerequisites.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.