Before genome-wide association studies, linkage analysis was the primary approach used for genetic mapping of complex traits in humans. Now, with the widespread application of whole-genome sequencing (WGS), linkage analysis based on WGS data is emerging as a useful tool for the identification of susceptibility genes for human disease. This Review reiterates the main principles of linkage analysis and provides guidelines for performing linkage analysis on WGS data.
- Jurg Ott
- Jing Wang
- Suzanne M. Leal