THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM sure there are many readers of The Gleaner who would like to be informed that the April 1, 2004 issue of the journal Nature is a special issue featuring the genome sequence of the rat, specifically the species commonly known as the Brown Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) the animal of choice used in the study of physiology and pharmacology. This issue of Nature is now available for free access in its digital version. Nature's web address is <htttp;//www.nature.com.> where the special feature is available at www.nature.com.nature focus/ratgenome/index.html. Apart from the scientific papers on the genome sequence and related subjects there is quite a variety of other interesting articles available at the web site that may be of interest to many readers, students, and teachers.
In the genome sequencing, work that has made huge advances in recent years the lab rat is the third mammal to have had the complete genome sequence mapped, the other two being mouse and man. The sequence for the rat which has around 25,000 genes is said to have among them about 90 per cent matches in the mouse and man, which, according to scientists, is an indication that most genes that are related to human diseases have matching counterparts in the rat.
Understanding the differing levels of strengths and weaknesses in the genes shared between human beings and rats will allow researchers to make more informed choices about the specific tests for which lab rats are more or less suitable for use in investigating human diseases and drugs to combat them.
I am, etc.,
SAMUEL B. BANDARA
samuel.bandara@uwimona.edu.jm
Library
University of the West Indies, Mona
Via Go-Jamaica
