GRCm38

GRCm38 is the official designation for the reference genome assembly of the laboratory mouse (Mus musculus). It represents a snapshot of the mouse genome at a particular point in time, compiled from sequencing data from multiple inbred strains. This assembly is crucial for researchers studying mouse genetics, as it serves as a standardized map to which experimental data can be aligned and compared. The GRCm38 assembly superseded earlier versions, incorporating improvements in sequence accuracy, gap filling, and the representation of repetitive regions and chromosomal structure. It includes sequences for all 19 autosomes and the X and Y sex chromosomes. The designation GRCm38 indicates it was generated by the Genome Reference Consortium (GRC) and is the mouse assembly version 38. Updates to the reference genome are released periodically to reflect new scientific discoveries and technological advancements in sequencing and assembly. Researchers rely on GRCm38 for tasks such as gene annotation, variant identification, comparative genomics, and the interpretation of experimental results in the context of the mouse genome. Its availability and continuous improvement are vital for advancing our understanding of mammalian biology and disease.