Genetic studies seek to find a link between a particular gene (or genes) and a certain disease. If a genetic basis has already been established for a given disease, the studies seek to find the location of the gene(s) within the DNA. To do this research, geneticists depend heavily on data from family tree studies. They look at patterns of disease inheritance across generations of a given family, and, if possible, they supplement these data by studying the blood samples from living members. With regard to HD research, the most important question since HD was shown to have a genetic basis has been this: On which of the 23 human chromosomes is the Huntington gene located? (The 23 human chromosomes are shown in Figure Y-2). The most effective research to date to determine the location of the Huntington gene involves so-called “linkage studies”, as described below.
Last Modified: 1-28-04
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Genetic studies seek to find a link between a particular 
