Analysis of rat genetic and genomic data

The Palmer lab hosts a NIDA-funded National Center of Excellence to examine the role of genetic differences in a variety of complex rat behaviors related to drug abuse (www.ratgenes.org). As of 2025, we have phenotyped and genotyped over 20,000 rats as part of this project, and have secured funding through 2029. In addition, we have previously collected similar data from thousands of rats, mice and zebra fish for other collaborative projects. In addition to genotypes at millions of SNP markers, and complex behavioral observations spanning weeks to months, we are also examining RNASeq (www.ratGTREx.org), single nucleus RNASeq, Epigenetic, microbiome and metaboloic data from these populations. The analysis, integration and development of new methods for analysis create numerous opportunities for bioinformatics projects and interactions with the bench scientists who are creating these data. We also collecting and analyzing human genetic data and are exploring various methods for integrating human and non-human datasets.