The mouse genome database (MGD): genetic and genomic information about thelaboratory mouse

The Mouse Genome Database (MGD) focuses on the integration of mapping, homo logy, polymorphism and molecular data about the laboratory mouse. Detailed descriptions of genes including their chromosomal location, gene function, disease associations, mutant phenotypes, molecular polymorphisms and links to representative sequences including ESTs are integrated within MGD, The a ssociation of information from experiment to gene to genome requires carefu l coordination and implementation of standardized vocabularies, unique nome nclature constructions, and detailed information derived from multiple sour ces. This information is linked to other public databases that focus on add itional information such as expression patterns, sequences, bibliographic d etails and large mapping panel data. Scientists participate in the curation of MGD data by generating the Chromosome Committee Reports, consulting on gene family nomenclature revisions, and providing descriptions of mouse str ain characteristics and of new mutant phenotypes, MGD is accessible at http ://www.informatics.jax.org.