Final answer:
Haplotype association studies focus on identifying a specific genetic marker by analyzing groups of SNPs. These studies leverage large-scale genetic databases to find correlations between genetic variations and diseases, enabling targeted medical research and therapy development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Haplotype association studies are aimed at the identification of a particular genetic marker based on the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or other genetic variations. These studies benefit from databases like the International HapMap Project that have sequenced genomes from individuals globally. Haplotypes are groups of SNPs located near each other on a chromosome and are inherited together. Thus, identifying one SNP can help to identify all SNPs within that haplotype, which is useful for studying diseases caused by multiple genetic changes.
For the purposes of these studies, large groups of individuals – often over a thousand – are typically selected, some with a disease and others without. Automated systems analyze their DNA to look for substantial differences in SNPs between these groups. The results from these haplotype association studies can highlight genes associated with disease risk, which then become prime targets for further research and development of therapies. In some cases, companies offer personal genomics services that assess disease risk based on an individual's SNPs, though the science behind these services is still subject to debate.