The effect of HapMap on cardiovascular research and clinical practice

Clustering of individuals given SNPs similarity based on normalized mutual information: F7 SNPs in the GAIT sample

This paper proposes the clustering of individuals given their genotype using a normalized Mutual Information dissimilarity distance. This method is applied to a Single Nucleotyde Polymorphism set belonging to F7 gene, uncovering the intrinsic genetic variability on one Spanish population. This genetic variability corresponds to results published using a complete different approach in population genetics literature. Identified groups are shown to express significant differences in the level of FVII concentration.

Mechanisms of disease: The genetic basis of coronary heart disease

Since completion of the human genome sequence, considerable progress has been made in determining the genetic basis of human diseases. Understanding the genetic basis of coronary heart disease (CHD), the leading cause of mortality in developed countries, is a priority. Here we provide an update on the genetic basis of CHD, focusing mainly on the clinical manifestations rather than the risk factors, most of which are heritable and also influenced by genetic factors. The challenges faced when identifying clinically relevant genetic determinants of CHD include phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity, and gene-gene and gene-environment interactions. In addition, the etiologic spectrum includes common genetic variants with small effects, as well as rare genetic variants with large effects. Advances such as the cataloging of human genetic variation, new statistical approaches for analyzing massive amounts of genetic data, and the development of high-throughput single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping platforms, will increase the likelihood of success in the search for genetic determinants of CHD. Such knowledge could refine cardiovascular risk stratification and facilitate the development of new therapies.