Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Bioinformatics

Abstract

Researchers and clinician-researchers are confronted with a dizzying array of software choices and increasingly large and complex datasets and databases relating to SNPs, sometimes working without assistance from a geneticist or a bioinformatician to help guide them. The principle aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of available bioinformatics resources relating to human genetics research, with an emphasis on SNP-centered resources. The review also provides a resource for students seeking an introduction to SNP genetics resources and for wet laboratory molecular biologists conducting SNP-centered research who want to expand their knowledge on ways to apply SNP tools and databases. A number of important issues that affect users and developers of SNP bioinformatics resources are discussed throughout along with practical examples.