SuperLink

SuperLink performs exact genetic linkage analysis using multipoint likelihood calculations to map disease genes in complex pedigrees and extensive marker datasets.

Key Features:

• Multipoint Likelihood Calculations: Computes exact multipoint likelihoods on general pedigrees to support linkage inference.
• Two-Locus Disease Models: Implements analysis for two-locus disease models to evaluate interactions between loci.
• General Pedigree Support: Handles complex pedigree structures including large numbers of individuals and inbreeding loops.
• Marker and Model Support: Accommodates large numbers of highly polymorphic markers and considers a variety of disease models, including autosomal and sex-linked traits.

Scientific Applications:

• Disease Gene Mapping: Maps disease genes by linking gene functionality or loci to chromosomal positions using multipoint linkage statistics.
• Analysis of Complex Genetic Traits: Investigates inheritance in pedigrees with multilocus effects, inbreeding, and extensive marker sets, including autosomal and sex-linked traits.

Methodology:

Algorithms perform exact multipoint likelihood calculations on general pedigrees, include support for two-locus disease models, and consider a variety of disease models; implementation emphasizes functionality, speed, memory efficiency, and extensibility.