Hereditary prostate cancer in Finland: fine-mapping validates 3p26 as a major predisposition locus.

In a recent genome-wide linkage (GWL) analysis of Finnish families at high risk for prostate cancer, we found two novel putative susceptibility loci at 3p25-p26 and 11q14. Here, we report the fine-mapping of these two critical regions at high resolution with 39 microsatellite markers in 16 families, including multiplex families that were not used in the GWL scan. The maximum multipoint HLOD was 3.

GeneLink: a database to facilitate genetic studies of complex traits.

Background: 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.

Results: GeneLink is a powerful tool for complex trait mapping, enabling genotypic data to be easily merged with pedigree and extensive phenotypic data.

Genome-wide scan for prostate cancer susceptibility genes using families from the University of Michigan prostate cancer genetics project finds evidence for linkage on chromosome 17 near BRCA1.

Background: Previous linkage studies have suggested prostate cancer susceptibility genes located on chromosomes 1, 20, and X. Several putative prostate cancer candidate genes have also been identified including RNASEL, MSR1, and ELAC2. Presently, these linkage regions and candidate genes appear to explain only a small proportion of hereditary prostate cancer cases suggesting the need for additional whole genome analyses.

Genome-wide scan for prostate cancer susceptibility genes in the Johns Hopkins hereditary prostate cancer families.

Background: Although the subject of intensive study, the genetic influences responsible for familial clustering of prostate cancer remain largely unidentified. Genome-wide scans for linkage in prostate cancer families can be used to systematically search for genes capable of affecting risk for the disease.

Methods: All available family members from 188 families, each having at least three first-degree relatives affected with prostate cancer, were genotyped at 406 markers distributed across the genome at average intervals of less than 10 cM.

Genome-wide scan of Swedish families with hereditary prostate cancer: suggestive evidence of linkage at 5q11.2 and 19p13.3.

Background: Prostate cancer (CaP) is a common disorder with multiple genetic and environmental factors contributing to the disease. CaP susceptibility loci can be identified through genome-wide scans of high-risk families.

Methods: Allele sharing at 405 markers, distributed across the genome, among 50 families with hereditary prostate cancer, ascertained throughout Sweden, was evaluated through linkage analyses.