Building an integrated mouse genome database: a view from the front line

The mouse is important as a model for human genetic processes and diseases due to the high degree of similarity between the two genomes. Here, the authors review their experiences and attempt to relay some of the lessons learned, technical and otherwise, in their efforts to build the Mouse Genome Database (MGD). The topics discussed include: the Mouse Genome Project; developing the MGD; online databases; Macintosh computer databases; flat file databases; the encyclopedia of the mouse genome; database types