The use of single-nucleotide polymorphism maps in pharmacogenomics

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), common variations among the DNA of individuals, are being uncovered and assembled into large SNP databases tha t promise to enable the dissection of the genetic basis of disease and drug response (i.e., pharmacogenomics). Although great strides have been made i n understanding the diversity of the human genome, such as the frequency, d istribution, and type of genetic variation that exists, the feasibility of applying this information to uncover useful pharmacogenomic markers is unce rtain. The health care industry is clamoring for access to SNP databases fo r use in research in the hope of revolutionizing the drug development proce ss. As the reality of using SNPs to uncover drug response markers is rarely addressed, this review discusses practical issues, such as patient sample size, SNP density and genome coverage, and data interpretation, that will b e important for determining the applicability of pharmacogenomic informatio n to medical practice.