Search PubMedSearch

PubMed · 2726769

Computer-simulation methods in human linkage analysis.

Abstract

In human linkage analysis, many statistical problems without analytical solution could be solved by ad hoc Monte Carlo procedures were efficient computer-simulation methods available for members of family pedigrees. In this paper, a general method is described for randomly generating genotypes at one or more marker loci, given observed phenotypes at loci linked among themselves and with the markers. The method is based on a well-known expansion of the multivariate probability of genotypes, given phenotypes, into a product of conditional univariate probabilities that may be viewed as corresponding to conditionally independent univariate random variables. This representation allows a recursive evaluation of the univariate probabilities that can be implemented in a surprisingly simple manner by carrying out successive "risk calculations" with respect to marker genotypes, given observed phenotypes and marker genotypes already generated. Potential applications to various unresolved problems are discussed. The method is applied to 28 published families analyzed for genetic linkage between hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy I and the Duffy (FY) blood group locus and confirms heterogeneity of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy I. An implementation of the simulation methods developed in the LINKAGE program package will be available later in 1989.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

J Ott. 1989. Computer-simulation methods in human linkage analysis.. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.86.11.4175

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

Transcription factors, translocations, and leukemia.

The frequent occurrence of TF gene involvement in translocations associated with leukemia is remarkable, although not yet explained. The wide variety of TFs involved in these translocations and the different stages of cellular maturation argue against a unifying mechanism. Recombinases, active during B-cell and T-cell development, have been implicated in gene arrangements involving TCR genes and in the SIL/SCL rearrangement, which involves two genes not normally rearranged. However, other mechanisms must clearly be active in generating these molecular abnormalities and perhaps they relate to the multistep maturation and differentiation processes and continuous cell turnover seen in hematopoietic cells. The difficulties in obtaining human solid tumor samples may make it more difficult to identify translocations involving TF genes in solid tumors. Recently, the cytogenetic analysis of solid tumors has improved and specific cytogenetic abnormalities have been associated with specific types of tumors. With advanced techniques, such as fluorescent in situ hybridization (a technique that does not depend on cell growth) and PCR, abnormalities involving TF genes will be discovered. Abnormalities of TF genes, other than translocations, have been seen in a broad variety of nonhematopoietic malignancies. The p53 protein has been shown to bind DNA in a sequence-specific fashion and interact with a variety of DNA tumor virus oncoproteins. The broad range of cell types that harbor p53 abnormalities suggests that TF abnormalities will likely be implicated in many solid tumors. We have detailed several examples of how gene rearrangements that accompany chromosomal translocations in acute leukemia can alter the expression or activity of cellular TFs. Several translocations generate fusion RNA transcripts and fusion TF proteins with altered functional characteristics. Other translocations result in the expression of a gene not normally detectable in hematopoietic cells or alter the level of its expression, or affect the promoter usage or exon structure of the gene (Table 2). Studies are underway in many laboratories to characterize the biologic activity of these abnormal TFs and it remains to be proven that these molecular abnormalities are directly linked with leukemogenesis. The identification of abnormal fusion transcripts and proteins may allow specific therapies to be directed against "tumor-specific" DNA, mRNA, or protein targets. Therapeutic strategies based on antisense or ribozyme technology may be used to turn off expression of these genes and inhibit leukemia cell growth. Immunologic methods can also be used to direct therapy against the malignant cells.

Chromosomes, Human

Preferential mutation of the neurofibromatosis type 1 gene in paternally derived chromosomes.

An interesting feature of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is its high mutation rate of 1 x 10(-4) per gamete per generation. The molecular basis for frequent NF1 mutation in unknown; the gene is not deletion prone. We have found that in all ten families examined, the apparent new NF1 mutation occurred on the paternally-derived chromosome. The probability of observing this result by chance is less than 0.001 assuming an equal frequency of mutation of paternal and maternal NF1 genes. We hypothesize a role for genomic imprinting that may either enhance mutation of the paternal NF1 gene or confer protection from mutation to the maternal NF1 gene.

Chromosomes, Human