"Registry" - what is it, definition of the term
A registry is a centralized, hierarchical data store that records configuration parameters, system settings, and metadata for operating‑system components, applications, and hardware, enabling programs to retrieve and modify information essential for proper operation.
Detailed information
The central repository for rodent genetic and phenotypic data aggregates information on laboratory strains, wild‑caught populations, and breeding lines of rats and mice. It stores identifiers, origin details, genotype descriptions, and documented traits, enabling researchers to locate and compare specimens across institutions.
Key components of the system include:
- Unique accession numbers that link each entry to a specific animal line.
- Taxonomic classification, specifying species, subspecies, and strain hierarchy.
- Genetic markers, such as single‑nucleotide polymorphisms, microsatellites, and whole‑genome sequences.
- Phenotypic annotations covering behavior, physiology, disease susceptibility, and response to experimental interventions.
- Provenance records that trace breeding history, source laboratories, and deposit dates.
Data integrity is maintained through controlled vocabularies and standardized ontologies, ensuring consistent terminology for traits and experimental conditions. Submission protocols require verification of genotype data, peer‑reviewed documentation of phenotypic observations, and compliance with ethical guidelines for animal use.
Access mechanisms provide query tools for searching by species, genetic marker, or phenotype. Export functions allow retrieval of datasets in formats compatible with bioinformatics pipelines, supporting comparative analyses and meta‑studies. Integration with international databases facilitates cross‑species data sharing, enhancing reproducibility and collaborative research on rodent models.