The sequencing of the rat genome
Rew, D. A., Oct 2004, In: European Journal of Surgical Oncology. 30, 8, p. 905-906
The Surgical Unit, Southampton University Hospital, Brintons Terrace, Southampton SO14 0YG, UK
Accepted for publication 11 May 2004
Available online 17 June 2004
Introduction
The sequencing of mammalian genomes continues apace. The common laboratory rat, Rattus norvegicus, is the third mammal after man and mouse to have its genome fully sequenced. The process and preliminary findings have recently been reported in detail.1 As this multidisciplinary and international programme proceeds, we begin to see new patterns in the evolution of mammalian biology, not least in the development of genes closely involved in the development and defence against disease. The major contribution that unsung generations of rats have made to medical and oncological research now extends into the virtual digital world of genomic databanks and comparative genomic analysis.
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