Integrated microsatellite markers suitable for genetic studies of cytokine genes

A panel of 13 highly informative dinucleotide repeats which are genetic markers for 17 cytokine genes and receptors is described. The marker panel is designed for use in fluorescence based semi-automated genotyping, with primers designed and labelled such that all 13 markers can be analysed in a single lane of a gel. Cytokine and cytokine receptors have a potential role in many diseases and pathological processes. Evidence suggests that cytokine production in vivo is influenced by polymorphisms within regulatory sequences of these genes. Genetic investigation of disease genes often requires genotyping of very large numbers of individuals. This panel of markers will, therefore, provide a useful tool to those wishing to undertake family-based linkage analysis studies of cytokine genes or large-scale association studies.