title: LINKGEN: a new algorithm to process data in genetic linkage studies.
abstract: Genetic linkage studies using whole genome scans are useful approaches for identifying genes related to human diseases. In general, these studies require genotyping of a large number of markers, which are used in statistical analysis. Recent technology has allowed easy genotyping of a large number of markers in less time; therefore, interface programs are required for manipulation of these large data sets. We present a new algorithm, which processes input data in LINKAGE format from data analyzed by automated genotyping systems. The algorithm was implemented in PERL script and R environment. Validation was performed with genotyped data from 127 individuals and 720 microsatellite markers of two whole genome scans. Our results showed a significant decrease in data processing time. In addition, this algorithm provides unbiased allele frequency estimation used for linkage analysis. LINKGEN is a freely available online tool and allows easier, faster, and reliable manipulation of large genotyping data sets.
authors: Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Tessália Vieira de Camargo, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, Campinas SP, Brazil.
authors: Rodrigo
authors: R
authors: Secolin
authors: Cristiane S
authors: CS
authors: Rocha
authors: Fábio R
authors: FR
authors: Torres
authors: Marilza L
authors: ML
authors: Santos
authors: Cláudia V
authors: CV
authors: Maurer-Morelli
authors: Neide F
authors: NF
authors: Santos
authors: Iscia
authors: I
authors: Lopes-Cendes
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D015894:Genome, Human; D006801:Humans; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA / Q000379:methods*; D012984:Software