The laboratory rat is rapidly gaining momentum asa mammalian genetic model organism. Althoughtraditional forward genetic approaches are wellestablished, recent technological developments haveenabled efficient gene targeting and mutant generation.Here we outline the current status, possibilities andapplication of these techniques in the rat. The first drafts of the human genome were completedalmost a decade ago [1,2]. Knowing the sequence,however, does not mean that we understand the code. Tounderstand the function of the genome, the use of geneticmodel organisms is crucial.
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