Whole Human Genome Available on One Microarray

A new whole genome microarray is designed to help drug-discovery and disease researchers perform whole-genome screening at a lower cost and with higher reproducibility.

The double-density format can accommodate 44,000 features on a single glass-slide microarray. The microarray was developed by Agilent Technologies, Inc. (Palo Alto, CA, USA), using content from public databases and proprietary sources. Full sequence and annotation information are available to customers. Gene sequences for probes are developed using algorithms and then are validated empirically through iterative wet-lab testing procedures.

The double-density format offers a number of advantages, states Agilent. One microarray is less expensive than two, requires fewer reagents, and reduces instrumentation demands. The format streamlines workflow. Researchers need prepare and process only one microarray instead of two, with fewer steps in the subsequent data analysis. Use of a single microarray also reduces unnecessary variability in experimental conditions. In addition, a smaller quantity of sample material is required to perform an experiment.

Agilent has already shipped some whole human-genome microarrays to customers for testing and evaluation. The company expects the microarray to be commercially available for order by the end of 2003.




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