GeneLink: a database to facilitate genetic studies of complex traits

In contrast to gene-mapping studies of simple Mendelian disorders, genetic analyses of complex traits are far more challenging, and high quality data management systems are often critical to the success of these projects. To minimize the difficulties inherent in complex trait studies, we have develo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMC genomics 2004-10, Vol.5 (1), p.81-81, Article 81
Main Authors: Gillanders, Elizabeth M, Masiello, Anthony, Gildea, Derek, Umayam, Lowell, Duggal, Priya, Jones, Mary Pat, Klein, Alison P, Freas-Lutz, Diana, Ibay, Grace, Trout, Ken, Wolfsberg, Tyra G, Trent, Jeffrey M, Bailey-Wilson, Joan E, Baxevanis, Andreas D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alleles
Chromosome Mapping
Databases, Genetic - trends
DNA Primers - genetics
Genetic Linkage - genetics
Genetic Markers - genetics
Genetic Predisposition to Disease - genetics
Genotype
Humans
Linkage Disequilibrium - genetics
Male
Multifactorial Inheritance - genetics
Pedigree
Prostatic Neoplasms - genetics
Software
Software Design
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Summary:In contrast to gene-mapping studies of simple Mendelian disorders, genetic analyses of complex traits are far more challenging, and high quality data management systems are often critical to the success of these projects. To minimize the difficulties inherent in complex trait studies, we have developed GeneLink, a Web-accessible, password-protected Sybase database. GeneLink is a powerful tool for complex trait mapping, enabling genotypic data to be easily merged with pedigree and extensive phenotypic data. Specifically designed to facilitate large-scale (multi-center) genetic linkage or association studies, GeneLink securely and efficiently handles large amounts of data and provides additional features to facilitate data analysis by existing software packages and quality control. These include the ability to download chromosome-specific data files containing marker data in map order in various formats appropriate for downstream analyses (e.g., GAS and LINKAGE). Furthermore, an unlimited number of phenotypes (either qualitative or quantitative) can be stored and analyzed. Finally, GeneLink generates several quality assurance reports, including genotyping success rates of specified DNA samples or success and heterozygosity rates for specified markers. GeneLink has already proven an invaluable tool for complex trait mapping studies and is discussed primarily in the context of our large, multi-center study of hereditary prostate cancer (HPC). GeneLink is freely available at http://research.nhgri.nih.gov/genelink.
ISSN:1471-2164
1471-2164
DOI:10.1186/1471-2164-5-81