The researchers cloned and studied the rat BAT3 gene, which is involved in interactions with a potential tumor suppressor protein. They found that the N-terminal region of the tumor suppressor is crucial for this interaction. The BAT3 gene is expressed in various tissues in rats, with higher levels in the testis. Interestingly, the expression of BAT3 is reduced in certain transformed cells compared to normal cells. This study provides insights into the function and regulation of the BAT3 gene in rats.