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Since the turn of this century, geneticists have become increasingly involved in localizing human genes, especially those implicated in disease. A great deal has been learned about genetic mapping from model organisms such as the drosophila, the mouse, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mapping the human genome is a laborious task, and substantial progress has been made, especially with the use of molecular techniques involving manipulation and analysis of DNA.
In 1980, it was proposed that polymorphisms of lengths of DNA restriction fragments (RFLPs) be used for systematic genetic mapping of the human genome. This approach had to be applied to family material containing numerous siblings and, if possible, grandparents, in order to establish allelic phase. It was evident that the efficiency of mapping would be enhanced if the family material to be genotyped was unique and common to laboratories involved in constructing genetic maps. As a result of a generous legacy, the Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain (CEPH) was able to organize the distribution of DNA, free of charge, from members of 40 large French, North...