Abstract: The present invention provides methods and materials to identify genetic abnormalities that predispose an individual to ion-channel diseases. The invention provides four polymorphic sites in the KCNQ1 gene that cause reduced conductance of the associated potassium ion channel current and a variant form of the KCNE1 gene which causes decreased conductance though the channel. The variant form of KCNE1 also acts synergistically with variants of KCNQ1 to cause further decreased conductance than either variant alone. The invention further provides polymorphisms in ion channel genes showing a higher frequency in populations afflicted with ion channel diseases or within control groups. The detection of these polymorphic sites that produce the potassium ion channel protein variants in either heterozygous or homozygous form in a subject indicates that the subject has, or is susceptible to, ion channel diseases such as congenital or acquired cardiac arrhythmia, LQT syndrome, SIDS, epilepsy, or hearing loss.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer program product for separating individuals into subpopulations using a polymorphic profile in a networked environment. The separated groups are subpopulations can be used for clinical studies and treatment studies. The computer program product allows identification of a susceptibility locus in individuals using genetic screening methods to assess their increased risk of certain diseases. In addition, the information can be used to gauge drug responses, study disease susceptibility and to conduct basic research on population genetics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for separating individuals into subpopulations using a polymorphic profile in a networked environment. The separated groups are subpopulations can be used for clinical studies and treatment studies. The system allows identification of a susceptibility locus in individuals using genetic screening methods to assess their increased risk of certain diseases. In addition, the information can be used to gauge drug responses, study disease susceptibility and to conduct basic research on population genetics.