Orthology for comparative genomics in the mouse genome database

Area of Science:

• Comparative genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Genomics

Background:

• The Mouse Genome Database (MGD) is a key resource for the laboratory mouse.
• It facilitates the use of mice in studying human health and disease.
• Comparative genomics, particularly human-mouse orthology, has been integral to MGD since its inception.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe current comparative genomics data within MGD.
• To review the historical development and refinement of orthology representation in MGD.
• To highlight the extended use of orthology data in modeling human biology using mice.

Main Methods:

• Inclusion of comparative genomics data, focusing on human-mouse orthology.
• Development and application of novel algorithms for ortholog identification.
• Integration of orthologs from additional model organisms.
• Refinement of orthology representation within the MGD resource.

Main Results:

• MGD has enriched its comparative genomics data over 25 years.
• Novel algorithms and expanded ortholog data have improved MGD's utility.
• Orthology data in MGD now better supports the use of mice as models for human biology.
• The resource provides a comprehensive view of current comparative data and historical refinements.

Conclusions:

• MGD is a vital international data resource for the laboratory mouse.
• The continuous refinement of comparative genomics and orthology data enhances the mouse model's utility for human disease research.
• MGD's evolution demonstrates its commitment to advancing biological research through robust data integration and analysis.