Spectral Genomics, one of the market leaders in developing technology for the genome has introduced a higher-resolution Genomics Chip for the Human Genome. The new chip features an increased resolution capability of 1 megabase as compared to the current 3 megabase resolution of our current Human Genomics Chip. Spectral's arrays generate a genome wide molecular profile and quantification of chromosomal imbalances on a single chip. Chromosomal imbalances are common events in most solid tumors and Spectral's microarrays can be used to detect such imbalances.
The Human Genomic Microarray Kit is available as a complete hybridisation system. The kit includes two arrays with 2,500 non-overlapping BAC clones from the RPCI BAC library spotted in duplicate, along with the necessary reagents and solutions for labeling and hybridization. The BACs span the genome at approximately 1 Mb intervals, that enables the detection of aberrations greater than 1 Mb. Spectral Genomics' platform technology enables users to markedly increase the signal sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, and utility of Genomic microarrays at a lower cost.
Dr. Shishir Shah, President of Spectral Genomics reported that, "Spectral Genomics' chemical attachment is fundamentally different from all traditional microarray techniques. Contrary to the modification of the surface by chemicals like poly-L-lysine or silane to attach unmodified DNA, Spectral Genomics' core technology is based on a unique proprietary chemical coupling of DNA fragments to untreated surfaces. DNA is modified such that it can be covalently bound to untreated surfaces without first derivatizing or coating the slides, thus eliminating non-specific binding of labeled probes to positively charged surfaces. DNA glass microarrays produced by this method have several major advantages over traditional glass microarrays."
This capability enables Spectral Genomics to introduce extremely novel applications, namely BAC and Oligo microarrays in the emerging field of genomic profiling and molecular pathology. The protocols are simpler and the data quality is superior due to higher sensitivity, specificity, and extremely small background fluorescence. Quantification of the signal is meaningful, as the amplification step of the probe is not used in the protocol.