Array comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH) is a newly emerging growth area of microarray technology designed to measure the amount of DNA at a specific region of the chromosome
Enzo Life Sciences has launched a new DNA labelling system aimed at array comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH), a technique that detects alterations in the genome leading to changes in DNA copy number.
Traditionally, microarrays have been used to measure gene expression or identify mutations using RNA and DNA samples labelled with a signaling moiety.
aCGH is a newly emerging growth area of microarray technology designed to measure the amount of DNA at a specific region of the chromosome.
This technology platform is becoming the cornerstone for the identification and characterisation of chromosomal aberrations that underlie cancer and developmental abnormalities.
Chromosomal aberrations such as deletions, duplications, and amplifications can be reliably detected using aCGH.
A wide variety of microarrays are being used (and manufactured) by academic centres as well as commercial entities.
This new application requires a very sensitive labelling procedure for the DNA samples being analysed.
Enzo says its aCGH labelling system is an efficient, standardised and cost effective method and, because the microarray format lends itself to automation, aCGH-based diagnostics are possible.
Initial marketing efforts are being focused on users of arrays manufactured using bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) which have proven highly effective in defining the location of regional copy number changes.
As the aCGH market evolves with wider spread adoption of cDNA or oligo type arrays, Enzo is prepared to address these opportunities, via internal development and collaborative relationships focusing on expanding the application of the labelling system with either additional products and/or modified protocols for existing products.
"I have performed a careful analysis of BAC arrays run with samples prepared with Enzo's new labelling system", remarked Eli Hatchwell at Cold Spring Harbor Labs Genome Research Center.
"The data from samples whose chromosomal changes had been previously characterised yielded the expected results with clarity.
"In one specific instance, the high quality of the data also shed light on a chromosomal change that was not previously known, which has sparked my interest".
"The introduction of the aCGH labelling system is an extension of a theme of the Life Sciences Division" said Jim Chinitz, vice president of business development.
"Our experience indicates that the success of any microarray platform requires standardisation of sample preparation, labelling and detection.
"This aCGH technology fits in with Enzo's genomic product portfolio, where marketing and sales efforts for our BioArray labelling systems can address virtually any type of microarray.
"In the aCGH market specifically, we expect to alleviate the need for individual users to develop 'home brew' methods because our aCGH labelling kit is fully comprehensive and contains all key components for optimised use, including Enzo's proprietary dye-labelled nucleotides".
The BioArray CGH labelling system is optimised for the preparation of Cy3 and Cy5 labelled DNA and provides all necessary reagents for random primed labelling, including primers, Klenow DNA polymerase, and Enzo's proprietary Cy3 and Cy5 labelled deoxynucleotides.
