Algebraic correction methods for computational assessment of clone overlaps in DNA fingerprint mapping

Background: The Sulston score is a well-established, though approximate metric for probabilistically evaluating postulated clone overlaps in DNA fingerprint mapping. It is known to systematically over-predict match probabilities by various orders of magnitude, depending upon project-specific parameters. Although the exact probability distribution is also available for the comparison problem, it is rather difficult to compute and cannot be used directly in most cases. A methodology providing both improved accuracy and computational economy is required. Results: We propose a straightforward algebraic correction procedure, which takes the Sulston score as a provisional value and applies a power-law equation to obtain an improved result. Numerical comparisons indicate dramatically increased accuracy over the range of parameters typical of traditional agarose fingerprint mapping. Issues with extrapolating the method into parameter ranges characteristic of newer capillary electrophoresis-ba...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2007
• Where: BMCBI
• Authors: Michael C. Wendl
• Keywords: BMCBI 2007, DNA Fingerprint Mapping, Fingerprint Mapping, Sulston Score