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.