Detection of Mutations and DNA Polymorphisms in Genes Involved in Cardiovascular Diseases by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Single-Strand Conformation Poly

Over the last 15 years, there has been remarkably rapid progress in defining the molecular basis of inherited disorders. Many disease genes (the majority of which are genes responsible for monogenic Mendelian diseases) have now been identified, predominately through linkage analysis and positional cloning approaches. With the continuing expansion in this research area, the number of genes to be screened for disease-causing mutations will continue to increase, especially as there are now worldwide efforts aiming to identify the gene lesions that contribute to complex diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery diseases, each of which involves many susceptibility genes.