March 31, 2004

scientists respond to publication of rat genome

The work on the rat genome was conducted by an international team, led by scientists at the US Baylor College of Medicine, and reported in the journal Nature.

Dr Ian Jackson, MRC Human Genetics Unit Edinburgh, said:

“We shouldn’t think of rats as just like mice but bigger – rats and mice are quite different. They are much further apart in evolution than for example we are from some monkeys. Rats are used a lot in studies of the genetics of behaviour and psychology and in some respects they are better than mice in behavioural tests; they seem to be smarter. The rat genome sequence should be a great help in tracking down genes that affect behaviour.”

Professor John Mullins, Molecular Geneticist at the University of Edinburgh, said:

“This is really exciting news for research into heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. Rats are integral to the study of cardiovascular disease, and sequencing of the rat genome will help us to identify genes that are important to these illnesses.”

Alistair Kent, Director of the Genetic Interest Group, said:

“Given the similarities between the rat and human genome this announcement highlights the importance of animal based studies in contributing to our understanding of human disease. These studies form a bridge between basic science and work with patients that will produce effective therapies for serious diseases more quickly than may otherwise have been the case. This has to be a good thing.”