haplotype blocks

Haplotype blocks are conceptually defined as genomic segments harbouring sets of coupled polymorphisms that reflect a common ancestral origin. Haplotypes are arranged into discrete blocklike structures throughout the human genome.

Experimentally, haplotype blocks are characterized using computational algorithms based on incomplete inventories of polymorphisms.

In laboratory mice and rats, haplotype blocks and their deduced strain-distribution patterns are considered to be extremely powerful for use in genetic association and mapping experiments.

See also

 haplotypes

• haplotype map

References

 Cuppen E. Haplotype-based genetics in mice and rats. Trends Genet. 2005 Jun;21(6):318-22. PMID: 15922828

 Varilo T, Peltonen L. Isolates and their potential use in complex gene mapping efforts. Curr Opin Genet Dev. 2004 Jun;14(3):316-23. PMID: 15172676

 Wall JD, Pritchard JK. Haplotype blocks and linkage disequilibrium in the human genome. Nat Rev Genet. 2003 Aug;4(8):587-97. PMID: 12897771

 Cardon LR, Abecasis GR. Using haplotype blocks to map human complex trait loci. Trends Genet. 2003 Mar;19(3):135-40. PMID: 12615007

 Wang N, Akey JM, Zhang K, Chakraborty R, Jin L. Distribution of recombination crossovers and the origin of haplotype blocks: the interplay of population history, recombination, and mutation. Am J Hum Genet. 2002 Nov;71(5):1227-34. PMID: 12384857