CytoSure™ DMD Array

DMD is an X-linked (Xp21) condition caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which affects an estimated 1 in 3,000 male births causing progressive muscle degradation. Dystrophin is one of the largest genes in the genome, and, as such, common analysis techniques (e.g. multiplex PCR) are limited as they may not cover the whole gene and only detect significant deletions.

The CytoSure DMD array from Oxford Gene Technology (OGT) covers the whole dystrophin gene and has been optimised to allow fast and easy detection of large or small amplifications and deletions.

CytoSure DMD array delivers:

• Superior aberration detection with complete coverage of the dystrophin gene
• Optimised workflows and cost-effective array format
• Fast and easy data generation and interpretation of cytogenetic results

Ordering information

* Not available in the USA.
CytoSure™ products are for research use only; not for use in diagnostic procedures. 

Superior aberration detection

Over 70% of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy cases are due to deletions or duplications of single or multiple exons of the dystrophin gene¹.  For accurate understanding of the genetic cause of the condition, an exon-focused array design is required. The CytoSure DMD array covers the entire dystrophin gene and has an average probe spacing of 10bp within exons and 106bp within introns allowing the reliable detection of small amplifications and deletions. In addition, CytoSure arrays utilise 60-mer oligonucleotide probes, which have been shown to offer high signal-to-noise ratios and increased specificity and sensitivity².

Figure 1:  Detection of a small 4kb deletion within the dystrophin gene. Data courtesy of Emory Genetics Laboratory.

Figure 2: Detection of a large 85kb duplication within the dystrophin gene. Data courtesy of Emory Genetics Laboratory.

Optimised workflows

The 4x44k array format enables the analysis of 4 samples per array, thereby streamlining the workflow, reducing both variability and cost per sample. The workflow is simple and straightforward allowing fast manual or automated processing. OGT offers the reliable SciGene range of products for automating the entire aCGH workflow.  

All CytoSure arrays have been research-validated using CytoSure Genomic DNA Labelling Kits; these labelling kits have been uniquely developed and optimised to enable rapid delivery of high-quality results with excellent signal-to-noise ratios. Two formats are available; the CytoSure Genomic DNA Labelling Kit is sufficient for 24 samples and is ideal for labs running one or two arrays a week. For high-throughput labs, the CytoSure HT Genomic DNA Labelling Kit is recommended as its plate-based protocol allows simultaneous labelling of 96 samples. To achieve the best quality data possible, is it is recommended that CytoSure arrays are used in conjunction with CytoSure Genomic DNA Labelling Kits.

Fast and easy data generation

OGT’s CytoSure Interpret Software, which accompanies all CytoSure arrays, is a powerful, easy-to-use package for the analysis of DNA aberrations. Innovative features such as the Accelerate Workflow enable the automation of data analysis workflows, minimising the need for user intervention and maximising the consistency and speed of data interpretation. CytoSure Interpret Software also includes extensive annotation tracks covering syndromes, genes, exons, CNVs and recombination hotspots — each of which link to publicly available databases such as Decipher and the Database of Genomic Variants providing results in context.

Ordering information

Related products

* Not available in the USA.
CytoSure™ products are for research use only; not for use in diagnostic procedures.

References

1. del Gaudio, D. et al (2008) Molecular diagnosis of Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy: enhanced detection of dystrophin gene rearrangements by oligonucleotide array-competitive genomic hybridization. Human Mutation, 29 (9), 110-7
2. Curtis, C. et al (2009) The pitfalls of platform comparison: DNA copy number array technologies assessed. BMC Genomics 10, 588-610