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.