The Second Edition of this landmark publication brings together a team of leading experts in the field to thoroughly update the publication. Readers will discover the tremendous advances made in human genetics in the seven years that have elapsed since the First Edition. Once again, the editors have assembled a comprehensive introduction to the strategies, designs, and methods of analysis for the discovery of genes in common and genetically complex traits. The growing social, legal, and ethical issues surrounding the field are thoroughly examined as well.

 

Rather than focusing on technical details or particular methodologies, the editors take a broader approach that emphasizes concepts and experimental design. Readers familiar with the First Edition will find new and cutting-edge material incorporated into the text:

 

• Updated presentations of bioinformatics, multiple comparisons, sample size requirements, parametric linkage analysis, case-control and family-based approaches, and genomic screening

• New methods for analysis of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions

• A completely rewritten and updated chapter on determining genetic components of disease

• New chapters covering molecular genomic approaches such as microarray and SAGE analyses using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and cDNA expression data, as well as quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping

The editors, two of the world's leading genetic epidemiologists, have ensured that each chapter adheres to a consistent and high standard. Each one includes all-new discussion questions and practical examples. Chapter summaries highlight key points, and a list of references for each chapter opens the door to further investigation of specific topics.

 

Molecular biologists, human geneticists, genetic epidemiologists, and clinical and pharmaceutical researchers will find the Second Edition a helpful guide to understanding the genetic basis of human disease, with its new tools for detecting risk factors and discovering treatment strategies.

JONATHAN L. HAINES is Director of the Program in Human Genetics, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. His research into the localization and identification of genes involved in human disease includes studying Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, autism, macular degeneration, and other complex diseases.

 

MARGARET A. PERICAK-VANCE is Director of the Center for Human Genetics and Chief of the Section of Medical Genetics in the Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine. She is a founding Fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics. Her research interests include the integration of genomic and statistical technologies and their application to diseases of importance to public health, with an emphasis on neurologic diseases.