Identifying disease genes Flashcards
How can we identify candidate gene for single gene defect if protein sequence known, what is one gene found this way?
cDNA sequence can be worked out
Probe used to screen cDNA library to isolate clone for gene, e.g alpha/beta globin genes
How can candidate genes be identified from a gene family?
If one member of gene family shown to cause disease, other members of family are candidate genes for related diseases
How can animal phenotypes be used to identify disease genes?
If a gene causes a phenotype in an animal, its human homologue is a candidate gene for similar human conditions
How can candidate genes be identified based on metabolic pathways?
If a gene product is part of a metabolic pathway, and that gene is mutated in some but not all people with a certain disease, other genes in the pathway are candidate genes for the remaining cases
If a disease shows anticipation, what is likely to cause it
Unstable expanding DNA repeat
How can cytogenic clues indicate a candidate gene?
Individuals with deletions/mutations in specific chromosome region may share particular phenotype
What method is used to identify single genes for conditions such as CF and HD?
Whole genome sequencing
What method is used to locate candidate genes ?
Genetic linkage
What is anticipation?
Not expressed till certain age, each generation age of onset younger
When is genetic linkage for discovery of single genes easier?
When populations have relatively restricted gene pool and long known pedigrees
How can we use genetic linkage for a large family affected by specific disease?
Polymorphisms in genotype of each family member determined.
Statistical analysis establish strength of linkage between marker and disease (i.e is polymorphism only in diseased individuals).
Strong association suggests marker is either within, or close to (in linkage disequilibrium with) a gene involved in pathogenesis of disease
How do we quantify how likely 2 loci are to be linked based on co-inheritance patterns of a family?
LOD score (statistical estimate of whether two genes, or a gene and a disease gene, are likely to be located near each other on a chromosome and are therefore likely to be inherited.)
What is the LOD score?
Statistical estimate of how likely 2 loci are to be linked based on coinheritance patterns of a family.
What is linkage analysis?
Mapping of trait based on its tendency to be coinherited with polymorphisms.
What do we have to determine before using linkage analysis?
Determine the genotype of each family member for polymorphic markers across the genome
Will loci on different chromosomes will be co-inherited?
No