MHC Exon-Centric Panel

The MHC Exon-Centric Panel employs an approach for association mapping genetic regions of interest that focuses on SNPs near and within coding exons. This panel thus provides an ideal solution for research questions related specifically to exon-centric SNP content.

The MHC region is proposed to contain genomic sequences that contribute to the majority of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS), Type-1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Exploration of this region can provide information to determine the gene associations that lead to disease susceptibility.

The MHC region is one of the most difficult areas of the genome to study due to its inherent sequence characteristics. Located on the short (p) arm of chromosome 6, this gene-dense region spans ~4 Mb and encodes over 160 genes. Approximately 40% of these genes encode proteins involved in the immune system, including the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) membrane glycoproteins that mediate T-lymphocyte signaling.

• The MHC Exon-Centric Panel consists of assays for 1,228 SNPs in and near coding regions in the MHC region
• Assays for SNPs within 10kb of exons in the MHC region were selected for the MHC Exon-Centric Panel to ensure complete coverage of coding sequences in the MHC region
• The panel utilizes Illumina's GoldenGate Assay