2022 Updates to the Rat Genome Database: A FAIR Resource.

The Rat Genome Database (RGD, https://rgd.mcw.edu) has evolved from simply a resource for rat genetic markers, maps, and genes, by adding multiple genomic data types, extensive disease and phenotype annotations, and developing tools to effectively mine, analyze and visualize the available data, to empower investigators in their hypothesis-driven research. Leveraging its robust and flexible infrastructure, RGD has added data for human and eight other model organisms (mouse, 13-lined ground squirrel, chinchilla, naked mole rat, dog, pig, African green monkey/vervet, and bonobo) besides rat to enhance its translational aspect. This article presents an overview of the database with the most recent additions to RGD's genome, variant and quantitative phenotype data. We also briefly introduce VCMap, an updated tool that explores synteny between species as an improvement to RGD's suite of tools, followed by a discussion regarding the refinements to the existing PhenoMiner tool that assists researchers in finding and comparing quantitative data across rat strains. Collectively, RGD focuses on providing a continuously improving, consistent, and high-quality data resource for researchers while advancing data reproducibility and fulfilling FAIR data principles.