Studies of sequence variation are an integral part of genome research, because of differences in the genomic sequences between individuals. Variations in mammalian genomic sequences occur at an estimated frequency of at least one base per thousand bases. In the case of the human genome, this totals more than three million variances. These variances are typically present in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The relationship between the variability in the sequence of specific genes among individuals to their disease status and/or susceptibility to disease is a primary key to understanding gene function. Variations, in addition to being critical for identification of disease genes, are also essential in understanding genetic differences in individual responses to the environment, to disease, and therapies. This book focuses on a technology widely used for screening of unknown sequence variants, namely denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC). The book presents various other applications of this technology such as methylation studies, cloning, and RNA. The book is a valuable source for the laboratory researcher as well as the aspiring student.

(Editor) Kartl Hecker, Ph.D. is a Research Scientist with PerkinElmer Corporation.