The entire genetic code of a mouse is called a genome. Because mice are commonly used in laboratory research, the mouse genome is a hot topic among scientists and researchers. A number of scientific organizations have worked on sequencing the mouse genome, and scientists are currently studying the genomes of several different mouse species. One of the most sequenced species is the laboratory mouse.
The sequencing of the mouse genome takes a long time and a lot of effort in the lab. A collaborative effort is required, as with genome sequencing projects for other organisms, with multiple labs splitting up the work of sequencing the genome and verifying work done by other labs. Some labs publish their sequencing results as soon as they are completed so that the scientific community can see them right away.
There are several reasons why researchers are interested in sequencing the mouse genome. The genome sequence allows researchers to find more genes of interest, which can be used to study genetic disorders in mice as well as genetic manipulation. Many labs work with mice that have been bred to have specific traits or that have been genetically manipulated for various research purposes, and a better understanding of the mouse genome gives researchers more tools to work with.
The mouse genome sequencing project also provides genetic material that can be compared to genetic material from other organisms. This data can be used to figure out when different mouse species diverged from a common ancestor, as well as what genes mice share with other organisms. Many organisms share a significant portion of their genome with others, as evidenced by numerous sequencing projects; flies and humans, for example, have more in common than meets the eye.
Those interested in following the latest developments in the mouse genome sequencing project can visit one of several websites that track the project’s progress. Several of these websites offer downloadable files of the sequenced portions of the genome, as well as links to scientific papers that have been published as more information about the mouse genome is discovered by geneticists. Many members of the scientific community working around the world will be interested in these papers because they cover a wide range of topics, some of which are potentially applicable to human medicine.