LasDB: A collective database for laboratory animal strain resources.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical research
• Animal models
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• The need for a centralized, comprehensive repository of laboratory animal strains is critical for advancing scientific research.
• Existing resources were fragmented, hindering efficient access to diverse animal models for experimentation.
• The development of a unified database aims to streamline the identification and utilization of specific animal strains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the most comprehensive database of laboratory animal strains, stocks, and mutant embryonic stem-cell lines globally.
• To create a searchable online platform, the Laboratory Animal Strain Resources Database (LasDB), for easy access to this information.
• To support open usage and full resource sharing of all available laboratory animal strains.

Main Methods:

• Construction of the LasDB using MySQL database software.
• Development of an easy-to-use interface for user interaction and data retrieval.
• Systematic integration of data for various laboratory animal strains worldwide.

Main Results:

• The LasDB currently contains data for 21,596 mouse strains, 2,062 rat strains, and numerous other species including monkeys, hamsters, dogs, and rabbits.
• The database encompasses inbred, outbred, mutant, and genetically engineered strains.
• The LasDB is designed for continuous improvement with regular updates of new laboratory animal strain information.

Conclusions:

• LasDB represents the first systematic effort to integrate global laboratory animal strain data into a single, accessible database.
• This initiative significantly enhances the potential for open usage and resource sharing within the scientific community.
• The database is poised to become an invaluable tool for researchers requiring specific animal models for their studies.