title: Potential for expanded power in linkage studies using the ALLEGRO and MERLIN software programs.
abstract: Multipoint linkage analysis in complex diseases requires the use of fast algorithms that can handle many markers and a large number of moderately sized pedigrees with unknown mode of inheritance. This need has led to the development of several competitive software programs. We recently completed a genomic screen of neural tube defects using GENEHUNTER-PLUS and the more recent ALLEGRO. The ALLEGRO software was found to offer expanded power for linkage studies, particularly for childhood onset diseases like neural tube defects, though the results must be treated with caution.
authors.affiliation: Center for Human Genetics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rampersaud
authors.forename: W K
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: E R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Hauser
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Speer
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D019295:Computational Biology / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D015810:Linkage Disequilibrium; D008126:Lod Score; D008297:Male; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000235:genetics; D010375:Pedigree; D012984:Software