OGT releases new CytoSure microarray for cancer research

Oxford, UK – 26 March 2013. OGT, provider of innovative genetics research and biomarker solutions to advance molecular medicine, has released a new microarray to improve the accuracy and efficiency of cancer research. The CytoSure^® Cancer +SNP array (4x180k) combines long oligo array comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH) probes with fully validated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) content, providing the superior detection of both copy number variations (CNVs) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on a single chip. The array has been optimised in collaboration with Professor Jacqueline Schoumans from the Lausanne University Hospital in 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.  

Professor 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 1500 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 60-mer oligonucleotide probes utilised in the array provide a high signal-to-noise ratio and highly sensitive detection; this makes them ideal for research into complex malignant tissues. Thanks to OGT’s 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 optimised for the identification of biologically relevant genomic variants in tumour samples. 

James Clough, Executive Vice President Commercial at OGT, said: “The new CytoSure™ Cancer +SNP array forms part of OGT’s ongoing strategy to design specialised microarrays to help increase our understanding of cancer formation and development. We plan to further add to this portfolio in the coming months, with the introduction of our Cancer Cytogenomics Microarray Consortium (CCMC) array design. By offering both genome-wide CNV and SNP detection, these arrays will prove a valuable tool for efficiently and accurately defining the genetic nature of a given tumour, facilitating research into more efficacious, targeted treatments.”

About OGT

OGT, a Sysmex Group company, is a leading global provider of clinical and diagnostic genomic solutions that are created for scientists by scientists - including CytoCell^®, CytoSure^® and SureSeq™ ranges of FISH, microarray and NGS products. The company is dedicated to creating products that enable researchers and clinical decision makers to reach the right care decisions for each patient, every time. OGT strives to unlock the future of genetic clinical care with a commitment to working in partnership with its customers - not only by sharing its expertise of 25 years at the forefront of genetic endeavour, but also by working closely with scientists to understand their unique challenges, and to customise its approach to meet their exact needs. Dedicated to improving clinical care, OGT believes that through partnership—together—we’ll achieve more.

For more information on the Company, please visit our website at ogt.com

CytoSure^®, SureSeq™ and myProbes^®: For Research Use Only, not for use in diagnostic procedures. CytoCell: Some products may not be available in your region.

About Sysmex Corporation

Sysmex Corporation is a world leader in clinical laboratory systemization and solutions, including laboratory diagnostics, laboratory automation and clinical information systems. Serving customers for more than 50 years, Sysmex focuses on technological leadership in diagnostic science and information tools that make a difference in the health of people worldwide. The company is also exploring emerging opportunities in the life science field. Its R&D efforts focus on the development of high-value-added testing and diagnostic technologies that are innovative, original and optimize individual health. Sysmex also seeks to leverage its state-of-the-art technologies for cell, gene and protein analysis. The company, headquartered in Kobe, Japan, has subsidiaries in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China and Asia Pacific and employs more than 9,000 employees worldwide. Sysmex Corporation is listed in the top tier of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

For more information about Sysmex Corporation and its affiliate companies, please visit www.sysmex.co.jp/en/.