Approaches to Gene Mapping in Complex Human Diseases Edited by Jonathan L. Haines and Margaret A. Pericak-Vance Recent years have seen a tremendous growth in statistical and laboratory methods for genetic mapping -a process by which we discover genes that contribute to heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, cancer, and other complex genetic disorders not controlled by a single gene. Approaches to Gene Mapping in Complex Human Diseases is the first book devoted to the analysis of such common, inherited diseases. This text helps the reader sort through the plethora of available resources, choose the best methodology for a given problem, and design successful gene mapping projects from the ground up. In eighteen chapters, compiled by two of the leading figures in the field, this book covers a wide range of topics -from the process of selecting families to the testing of candidate genes. It provides indispensable information on: Genetic concepts and statistics pertaining to mapping genetic disease Issues involved in collecting and handling biological samples and data Strategies for generating data in the lab Methods of analysis such as Lod score, Sib-pair, or Affected Relative-Pair Public databases and mapping resources Sources of statistical and genetic information, software, and documentation. Approaches to Gene Mapping in Complex Human Diseases clearly explains concepts and design procedures while keeping technical details to a minimum. For geneticists, clinicians, molecular biologists, epidemiologists, and anyone interested in the pursuit of genes, it provides a solid grounding in the fundamentals and facilitates a firm grasp of the most advanced procedures and techniques available.