The Rat Genome Database (RGD) is a primary community database and bioinformatics resource dedicated to the curation and dissemination of genetic, genomic, and phenotype data for the laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus). Established in 1999, the database is primarily hosted at the Medical College of Wisconsin and is funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The RGD was originally created to support the Rat Genome Project by providing a centralized repository for mapping and sequencing data. Since its inception, its scope has expanded significantly to include comprehensive data on rat strains, quantitative trait loci (QTLs), genes, and their associations with biological pathways and diseases. A key feature of the database is its focus on "comparative genomics," providing integrated data for other species—including humans, mice, dogs, and pigs—to facilitate the translation of findings from rat models to human health.
The database utilizes standardized ontologies, such as the Gene Ontology (GO), Disease Ontology (DO), and Mammalian Phenotype Ontology (MP), to categorize and link biological information. This structured approach allows researchers to perform complex queries across different data types. Tools provided by the RGD include genome browsers, pathway visualization software, and various analytical suites designed to assist in the identification of genetic drivers for complex physiological traits, particularly in the fields of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and renal function.
As a collaborative resource, the RGD integrates data from various international research efforts and provides a platform for the standardized nomenclature of rat genes and strains, ensuring consistency across the global scientific literature. It serves as a critical tool for biomedical researchers utilizing the rat as a model organism for understanding human biology and pathology.
