MultiMap

MultiMap constructs high-resolution genetic linkage and radiation hybrid maps from genotyped markers to support linkage analysis and positional cloning.

Key Features:

• Automation: Automates the stepwise construction of genetic maps to reduce manual intervention in repetitive mapping tasks.
• Expert system architecture: Implements expert-system decision logic to guide automated map construction.
• Novel algorithm: Employs a map-construction algorithm intended to improve efficiency and accuracy in ordering markers.
• Scalable data processing: Designed to integrate and process large marker datasets for map assembly.
• Customizable marker parameters: Allows control of marker-locus characteristics including informativeness, scorability, and proximity to nearest neighbors.

Scientific Applications:

• CEPH linkage mapping: Applied to large-scale linkage mapping of markers genotyped in CEPH reference pedigrees.
• Radiation hybrid mapping: Adapted for automated construction of radiation hybrid maps.
• High-resolution human maps: Demonstrated construction of human genetic maps with average resolution of 6 centiMorgans (cM) using published genotypes from 1,266 microsatellite markers.
• Map extension with VNTRs and genes: Extended linkage maps by incorporating 397 variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) and polymorphic gene markers.
• Positional cloning support: Facilitates generation of high-resolution maps used in positional cloning of disease genes.

Methodology:

Automated map construction using a novel algorithm that integrates user-defined marker-locus parameters (informativeness, scorability, nearest-neighbor proximity) to assemble linkage and radiation hybrid maps.