Web application for designing custom DNA microarrays used in drug discovery, disease studies and basic research allows for sharing of design information among collaborators via the internet
Agilent Technologies has announced that its web-based DNA microarray design tool, eArray, now enables collaboration and sharing capabilities wherever there is an internet connection.
Introduced in March 2005, eArray 3.0 was the industry's first web application for designing custom DNA microarrays used in drug discovery, disease studies and basic research.
The latest version, eArray 3.5, provides an easy-to-use, secure means for sharing microarray design information among collaborators or with members of research consortia, says Agilent.
"We expect that researchers will come to rely on eArray as a collaborative workbench and design-sharing tool for development of evolving genomes and new applications," said Mike Booth, general manager of the genomics group at Agilent.
"This will also support researchers efforts to publish their microarray work in peer-reviewed journals, scientific publications and presentations".
In addition to existing gene expression content, annotation information, and probe sequences, eArray 3.5 now provides access to Agilent's catalogue array comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH) probes, useful for designing microarray experiments to detect chromosome loss or duplication in cancer studies.
The online tool has also been expanded to allow researchers to upload their own aCGH probes.
This free tool enables users to design custom microarrays using Agilent catalogue probes, probes from their own sources, or a combination of both.
To date, more than 300 users from 160 organisations worldwide have registered through eArray.
The site helps researchers harness the inherent flexibility of Agilent's SurePrint microarray manufacturing technology in which DNA is synthesised on each slide by inkjet printing.
This supports multiple formats and layouts, allows users to add their own content, provides built-in quality assurance probes, and facilitates updating of content.
Agilent has also enhanced eArray's search capabilities to help speed microarray design.
