Using ESTs database to predict and validate single polymorphisms at the HLA system

Abstract

We propose a bioinformatics pipeline in which we use an ESTs database to predict and validate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) directly linked to gene-coding regions at the HLA class I genes (HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-C). Annotation originated from our analysis revealed various classes of possible new variations that may indicate possible new alleles. Thus, bioinformatics pipelines seem to be useful approaches to help screening for novel genetic variations at the HLA panel, and further analysis will foster this aim to provide celerity at the massive analysis of data currently generated in large-scale high-throughput experiments.