Introduction to Genetic Linkage Analysis

Abstract

Advances in molecular methodology have resulted in the successful genetic mapping and isolation of the genes responsible for numerous simple Mendelian disorders such as cystic fibrosis, neurofibromatosis, and Huntington disease. Recently, researchers have begun to successfully study diseases with more complex inheritance, such as breast cancer. This paper will provide a basic introduction to the strategies and methods commonly used in the localization of genes resulting in disease.