Bayesian linkage and segregation analysis: Factoring the problem

Complex segregation analysis and linkage methods are mathematical technique s for the genetic dissection of complex diseases. They are used to delineat e complex modes of familial transmission and to localize putative disease s usceptibility loci to specific chromosomal locations. The computational pro blem of Bayesian linkage and segregation analysis is one of integration in high-dimensional spaces. In this paper, three available techniques for Baye sian linkage and segregation analysis are discussed: Markov Chain Monte Car lo (MCMC), importance sampling, and exact calculation. The contribution of each to the overall integration will be explicitly discussed. Genet. Epidem iol. 19(Suppl 1):S50-S56, 2000. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.