New Cancer Research Microarray Detects CNVs and LOH on a Single Chip

A novel, optimized cytogenetic cancer research microarray system enables reliable, simultaneous detection of both copy number variations (CNVs) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH), and includes software designed to facilitate superior data analysis and interpretation.

Oxford Gene Technology (OGT; Oxfordshire, UK) introduces the “CytoSure Cancer +SNP array” designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of molecular cancer research. The new microarray combines long oligo array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) probes with fully validated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) content, providing the superior detection of both CNVs) and LOH on a single chip (4 arrays of 180k spots). The array has been optimized in collaboration with Prof. Jacqueline Schoumans from the Lausanne University Hospital (Switzerland), an expert in both aCGH and cancer genomics. Unique to the proprietary CytoSure Cancer +SNP array, any reference sample can be used for analysis without changes to the standard aCGH protocol and, thanks to novel SNP probe chemistry, no restriction digest is required. The capacity to use matched samples is a particular advantage for research into genetic aberrations in cancer, enabling any constitutional abnormalities to be filtered out.

Prof. Schoumans commented, “The development of a new microarray with the capacity to detect both CNVs and LOH simultaneously was vital for improving the efficiency and quality of our research. By working very closely with the technical experts at OGT, we have constructed a new array that allows users to simultaneously screen a wide genomic background for CNVs and LOH, while also enabling in-depth CNV analysis on 1,500 known cancer-associated genes. This approach produces accurate and insightful data, with all aberrations clearly highlighted and filtered using OGT’s excellent CytoSure Interpret Software.”

“The new CytoSure Cancer +SNP array forms part of OGT’s ongoing strategy to design specialized microarrays to help increase our understanding of cancer formation and development [and to facilitate] research into more efficacious, targeted treatments,” added James Clough, Executive Vice President Commercial at OGT. The 60-mer oligonucleotide probes utilized in the array provide a high signal-to-noise ratio and highly sensitive detection; this makes them ideal for research into complex malignant tissues. With OGT’s innovative CytoSure Interpret Software, data analysis is rapid, reliable, and simple to carry out, including updated features (such as the B-allele frequency plot) that have been optimized for the identification of biologically relevant genomic variants in tumor samples.

Related Links:
Oxford Gene Technology
CytoSure Cancer +SNP array
CytoSure Interpret Software