Statistical genetics of quantitative traits. Linkage, maps, and QTL. (Q2644073)

This monograph presents on a total of 365 pages statistical and computational theories applied to genetic mapping and a number of examples displaying the implications of statistical genomics. All methods are demonstrated through live examples and programs and algorithms written in MatLab or R for all the examples are available on a webpage. This textbook contains 14 chapters, broadly divided in three parts and three appendices. The first part of this book, including Chapters 1 and 2, provides key concepts of genetics and statistical models for genetic mapping. The second part consists of Chapters 3--7 providing models and methods for linking analysis and map construction for special markers: distorted and misclassified markers (Chapter 6) and dominant markers (Chapter 4 and 7), as well as different designs: backcross (Chapter 3), outbred crosses (Chapter 4), recombinant inbred lines (Chapter 5) and structured pedigrees (Chapter 7). The third part, composed of Chapters 8--14, concentrates on statistical methods and algorithms of quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping for varying situations: simple marker (Chapter 8), mixture models for QTL mapping (Chapter 9), regression- (Chapter 10) and maximum-likelihood-based interval mapping methods (Chapter 11), confidence interval determination (Chapter 12), multiple markers as cofactors (Chapter 13) and outbred mapping populations (Chapter 14). The volume ends with three appendices containing general aspects on likelihood method and EM-algorithm, R programs for selected examples used in the book and a detailed reference list. In summary, this book under review is to be recommended similarly to geneticists and statisticians. A background in regression analysis and maximum likelihood approaches is required.