Rat-mouse and rat-human comparative maps based on gene homology and high-resolution zoo-FISH.
The laboratory rat, Rattus norvegicus, and the laboratory mouse, Mus musculus, are key animal models in biomedical research. A deeper understanding of the genetic interrelationsships between Homo sapiens and these two rodent species is desirable for extending the usefulness of the animal models. We present comprehensive rat-human and rat-mouse comparative maps, based on 1090 gene homology assignments available for rat genes. Radiation hybrid, FISH, and zoo-FISH mapping data have been integrated to produce comparative maps that are estimated to comprise 83-100% of the conserved regions between rat and mouse and 66-82% of the conserved regions between rat and human. The rat-mouse zoo-FISH analysis, supported by data for individual genes, revealed nine previously undetected conserved regions compared to earlier reports. Since there is almost complete genome coverage in the rat-mouse comparative map, we conclude that it is feasible to make accurate predictions of gene positions in the rat based on gene locations in the mouse.
Nilsson
S
S
Department of Cell and Molecular Biology-Genetics, Göteborg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Helou
K
K
Walentinsson
A
A
Szpirer
C
C
Nerman
O
O
Ståhl
F
F
D000818:Animals; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000235:genetics; D002877:Chromosomes, Human / Q000235:genetics; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005796:Genes / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D051379:Mice; D021101:Radiation Hybrid Mapping; D051381:Rats