LINKAGE programs: linkage analysis for monogenic cardiovascular diseases

Identification of the genes for a human disease provides significant insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of the disease. A human disease gene can be identified by its chromosomal location (positional cloning). Linkage analysis is a key step in positional cloning. For monogenic disorders with a known inheritance pattern, model-based linkage analysis is effective in mapping the disease location. Therefore, model-based linkage analysis can provide a powerful tool to positional cloning of some specific molecular determinants that co-segregate with disease phenotypes in the isolated samples (e.g., large and multiplex impaired pedigrees). This chapter describes model-based human genetic linkage analysis as implemented in the LINKAGE computer package. First, we introduce the basic concepts and principles for genetic analysis of monogenic disorders. Then, we demonstrate the usages of the programs by analyzing several examples of hypothetical pedigrees with the inheritance modes of autosomal-dominant, autosomal-recessive, and genetic heterogeneity.