Statistical applications for SNPs analysis

A subset of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can be used to capture the majority of the information of genotype-phenotype association studies. The primary issue that we should discuss in SNPs analysis is how one can select a particular subset of SNPs while maximizing the power of detecting a significant association. From this point of view, we reviewed some statistical tools for SNPs analysis by focusing in this paper on the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, case-control association study, and haplotype estimation and association. We also paid special attention to the issue of how we can determine the required sample size by using the sequential test. With regard to the statistical tools for SNPs analysis, we reviewed the basic concepts of each method and its applications.