The International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) is a collaborative effort among 19 research institutions to uncover the functions of every protein-coding gene in the mouse genome. With the advances in genome sequencing, the entire genome of many species, including mice, has been published. However, the majority of genes still have unknown functions.

The IMPC aims to bridge this knowledge gap by systematically knocking out each of the approximately 20,000 genes in the mouse genome. These knockout mice then undergo standardized physiological tests across various biological systems to infer gene function. The resulting data is freely available on the IMPC website for researchers to explore.

This data can be utilized to investigate basic biology mechanisms, identify new therapeutic targets, or narrow down gene candidates in patients. The IMPC has already made significant discoveries in previously unexplored areas of the genome, uncovering new genes related to deafness, diabetes, and rare diseases. The project not only aims to understand the function of every gene but also to provide transformative insights into the genetic basis of disease, ultimately leading to improved clinical diagnosis and treatment