Software for cytogenetic analysis facilitates the acquisition and interpretation of results from manual and automated karyotyping and spot counting, Fish, mFish, and CGH
Nikon Instruments Europe and Hesp Technology have formed a collaborative partnership to provide what they describe as powerful software for cytogenetic analysis.
Developed by cytogenetisists, the Genikon system facilitates the acquisition and interpretation of results from manual and automated karyotyping and spot counting, fluorescence in situ hybridisation (Fish), multicolour fluorescence in situ hybridisation (mFish), and comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH).
In addition, its flexible archiving and database structure allows the system to be used in a true networking environment from a variety of locations, making it ideal for researchers, cytogeneticists, pathologists and haematologists working with chromosomes using DNA, cancer and leukaemia probes.
With the capacity for manual and automatic karyotyping (R, Q, and G bands), Genikon makes sense of the tangle of chromosomes from a metaphase spread, says Nikon.
The karyotyping software module separates single or multiple overlapping chromosomes, aligns centromeres, and rotates chromosomes for easy quantification and ideogram comparison.
Chromosome edges can be sharpened using an eraser tool and chromosomes may be zoomed up to 2x magnification.
Contrast can be modified during and after acquisition using special filters, and annotations (text or arrows) can be added at any stage.
The Genikon Fish module enables both manual and automatic changing of filters and filter cubes.
The system memorises the offset, integration time and assigned colour for every fluorochrome/filter combination, as well as automatically correcting pixel shifts allowing the user to create a personalised fluorochrome/filter list for consistent image acquisition.
Genikon also combines fluorescent and brightfield images.
In mFish, Genikon's pseudo colour palate allows easily distinguishable colours to be assigned to each probe.
Inter-chromosomal rearrangements can then be easily identified as colour changes within an affected chromosome.
Whereas all of the colours created in mFish can not be differentiated by the human eye, Genikon's software can discriminate even the finest variation in emitted signals from each dye or combinations of dyes marking a chromosome.
Once the information has been processed the vivid display assists scientists to visualise all of the chromosomes at one time by 'painting' each pair of chromosomes in a different fluorescent colour, revealing the chromosome rearrangements in a cell.
With comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH), Genikon's high-resolution analysis allows researchers to screen tumour cells for characteristic DNA gains and losses that include mutations at chromosomal and subchromosomal levels.
Automated spot counting allows users to find, capture and analyse nuclei and cells for the diagnosis and identification of genetic anomalies.
Common applications are looking at Her-2-Nue, BCR/ABL, Downs Syndrome and Patau, although any other test that is current or future can also be carried out.
The system will automatically output the images and results which can then be sorted, checked and reported.
This is described as a very fast, precise and modular system.
Genikon software provides a complement to Nikon's Eclipse E and I series of microscopes equipped with CFI60 infinity optics.
Outstanding optical technology, and the capability for low light fluorescence imaging, provide the image clarity needed for detailed chromosomal analysis, says the company.
The CFI60 optics ensure the user has the best in optical quality, since they combine high resolution with high transmission efficiencies and long working distances.
The workstation can be configured to suit all needs and budgets, as the software packages are modular and interlaced.
This modular design allows researchers to incorporate upgrades as and when they occur - keeping them fully up to date with the latest techniques.
