Harmonizing mouse anatomy terminology: a common language?

Area of Science:

• Comparative anatomy
• Biomedical research
• Animal models

Background:

• Mouse anatomy terminology lacks standardization, leading to inconsistencies in disease model descriptions.
• Current anatomical annotations often use outdated or human-centric terms, lacking clear authority.
• Limited comprehensive references force researchers into "do-it-yourself" interpretations, risking inaccuracies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the critical gap in standardized mouse anatomical terminology.
• To propose the formation of expert working groups for anatomical literature review.
• To develop consensus-based terminologies aligned with the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria (NAV).

Main Methods:

• Formation of expert working groups including comparative anatomists and disease model developers.
• Systematic review of anatomical literature for each mouse organ system.
• Development of consensus-based terminologies based on the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria (NAV).

Main Results:

• Harmonized anatomical descriptions for mouse models.
• Improved consistency and reliability in anatomical data.
• Enhanced integration and interoperability of anatomical data across databases.

Conclusions:

• Standardized mouse anatomical terminology is essential for accurate disease modeling.
• Consensus-based terms aligned with NAV will improve data consistency and reliability.
• Harmonization efforts will facilitate robust data mining and translational research.