Abstract
The maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) is one of the most popular ways to estimate haplotype frequencies of a population with genotype data whose linkage phases are unknown. The MLE is commonly implemented in the use of the Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm. It is known that the EM algorithm carries the risk that an estimator may converge erroneously to one of the local maxima or saddle points of the likelihood surface, resulting in serious errors in the MLE of haplotype frequencies. In this note, by theoretical treatments we present the necessary and sufficient conditions that the local maxima or saddle points on the likelihood surface appear. As a rule of thumb, that the difference between the coupling and repulsive haplotype frequencies in phase known individuals is 3/2 times larger than the frequency of phase ambiguous individuals is the sufficient condition that the likelihood surface is unimodal. Moreover, we present the analytic solution to the biallelic two-locus problem, and construct a general algorithm to obtain the global maximum.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 257-264 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Annals of Human Genetics |
Volume | 68 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2004 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Analytic solution
- EM algorithm
- Haplotype frequency estimation
- Likelihood surface
- Maximum likelihood estimation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Genetics
- Genetics(clinical)