The genome of the laboratory rat in sight

2004/06/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Genetika

A team of researchers has sequenced the genome of the normal laboratory rat (“Rattus norweicus”). It is the third mammalian genome that is decoded, which was prior to man and mouse. A quarter of the human genome, rat and mouse are equal.

Scientists have stated that it can be a great step against human diseases. According to them, rats are equivalent to most genes related to human diseases. Therefore, the knowledge of the genome of this animal will be of great use for the human application of the results obtained in laboratories.

In addition, the comparison of the three known genomes will help to understand the evolution of mammals. Rats and mice have seen that they have had more mutations than humans and evolved faster.

This is due to generation time, as rodents multiply much faster. Moreover, some gene groups have developed more in rats, such as anti-toxins and olfactory receptors.