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Of rats and men.
Christopher K Patil1, Steven A McCarroll
1Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Cell
|August 6, 2013
Summary
Selective breeding of rats created genetic variation for complex traits. Sequencing 25 inbred rat genomes reveals how artificial selection impacted rat genetics.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Animal Models
- Genomics
Background:
- Selective breeding of rats has produced diverse models for physiological, behavioral, and disease studies.
- This diversity is valuable for investigating the genetic basis of complex traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand the genomic impact of artificial selection in rats.
- To analyze the genetic variation across 25 inbred rat strains.
Main Methods:
- Genome sequencing of 25 inbred rat strains.
- Comparative genomic analysis to identify signatures of selection.
Main Results:
- Identification of genomic regions shaped by artificial selection.
- Characterization of genetic variation relevant to complex traits in rats.
Conclusions:
- Artificial selection has significantly influenced the genomes of inbred rat strains.
- These findings provide insights into the genetic architecture of complex traits and the evolution of model organisms.
