Mouse Genome Database (MGD): Knowledgebase for mouse-human comparative biology

The Mouse Genome Database (MGD; http://www.informatics.jax.org) is the community model organism knowledge base for the laboratory mouse, a widely used animal model for comparative studies of the genetic and genomic basis for human health and disease. MGD is the authoritative source for biological reference data related to mouse genes, gene functions, phenotypes and mouse models of human disease. MGD is the primary source for official gene, allele, and mouse strain nomenclature based on the guidelines set by the International Committee on Standardized Nomenclature for Mice. MGD's biocuration scientists curate information from the biomedical literature and from large and small datasets contributed directly by investigators. In this report we describe significant enhancements to the content and interfaces at MGD, including (i) improvements in the Multi Genome Viewer for exploring the genomes of multiple mouse strains, (ii) inclusion of many more mouse strains and new mouse strain pages with extended query options and (iii) integration of extensive data about mouse strain variants. We also describe improvements to the efficiency of literature curation processes and the implementation of an information portal focused on mouse models and genes for the study of COVID-19.

Automated summary

The Mouse Genome Database serves as a community model organism knowledge base for laboratory mice, providing authoritative biological reference data related to mouse genes, gene functions, phenotypes, and mouse models of human disease. It follows official guidelines for gene, allele, and mouse strain nomenclature and curates information from biomedical literature and datasets contributed by investigators. Major enhancements have been made to content and interfaces at MGD, including improvements in the Multi Genome Viewer, inclusion of more mouse strains, and integration of extensive data about mouse strain variants.