Linkage analysis and long QT syndrome. Using genetics to study cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Background: Recombinant DNA technologies have facilitated the development of a set of polymorphic DNA markers covering the human genome. General linkage analysis in families predisposed to inherited disease is now feasible. Linkage analysis can help identify a disease gene even when relatively little is known about the disorder.

Methods and results: Using this approach, we have identified linkage between a gene that causes the long QT syndrome and DNA markers on chromosome 11.

Conclusions: The identification of the chromosomal location of the long QT locus is the first step in defining the specific mutations that cause this disease.