The Integrated Genomic Database (IGD)s

Mapping genes using human pedigrees involves analysing the co-segregation of polymorphic markers with a trait phenotype. This technique exploits the pattern of meiotic recombination in the family to deduce the likely location of the unknown gene. In some cases, it is possible to visualize the transmission of haplotypes within a family and identify Banking loci, but more usually, genetic locations are estimated with statistical methods. Although genetic analysis in this way is supported by a variety of efficient and novel algorithms, implemented in a variety of programs, the rate limiting step continues to be the integration of data and software tools. The Integrated Genomic Database (IGD) approach offers an opportunity to remove the bottleneck and enhance the productivity of the linkage analyst. In this paper, we describe an approach to this problem using the IGD methods. We demonstrate the feasibility of IGD to increase the productivity of gene mapping projects and to facilitate communication between the clinic and the laboratory.