Short Specialist Review Algorithmic improvements in gene mapping

The analysis of human gene mapping data has generated many challenging computational problems. The challenges arise because in most gene-mapping studies the DNA sequence of each individual is only measured imperfectly. For some individuals, these measurements are the result of genotyping assays at specific loci or chromosomal regions. For other individuals, there might be even greater uncertainty: their DNA sequence might only be measured indirectly through information obtained on the genotypes of their relatives. In either situation, there can be a very large number of DNA sequences compatible with observed data, and identifying the most likely DNA sequence configuration(s) might require many individuals to be considered jointly.