On the heels of the publication of the human genome, |Celera| Genomics announced that it has completed sequencing the mouse genome. Since the mouse genome has a very large degree of overlap with the human genome, comparing the two genomes should yield important clues in understanding how human genes function.
Celera used its now-famous whole genome shotgun approach which helped it make such quick strides in sequencing the human genome. Celera used laboratory mice as the source of the genes it sequenced.
Now, Celera will turn to refining its mouse genome, annotating and analyzing the role of specific genes. Eventually extensive laboratory research will try to discern the function of specific genes by knocking them out of mice and then observing how the genetically modified mice are changed by the procedure.
Source:
The crucial mouse genome is assemblled, says Celera, the company which delivered the human genome on Monday. New Scientist, February 14, 2001.