Assays using gene arrays are powerful tools for the parallel, high throughput detection, and quantification of many nucleic acid sequences. The use of gene array-based assays has quickly expanded in various fields of clinical diagnostics. As an industry-leading biotechnology company, Creative Biolabs has established an advanced technology platform with excellent experts, thus we are capable of providing gene array development services to support the progress of disease diagnostics strategies.
Most microarray-based gene expression studies in humans have searched for genes that are differentially expressed in various pathologic states. Future clinical intervention, in the case of cancer, could be guided by diagnostic gene expression profiling. In general, DNA microarray hybridization applications are usually directed at gene expression analysis or for point mutation/SNP analysis. In addition to these important molecular biological and genomic research applications, microarray systems are also used for pharmacogenomic research, infectious and genetic disease and cancer diagnostics, and for forensic and genetic identification purposes. In addition, the implementation of new technologies such as array comparative genome hybridization (CGH) into the clinical practice has revolutionized the diagnostic workup in clinical practice and facilitated the identification of the molecular basis of many genetic diseases. First being developed as a research tool for the investigation of genomic imbalances in cancer, array CGH has become an essential and routine diagnostic tool replacing conventional cytogenetic methods and has been recognized as a first-tier clinical diagnostic test for patients with developmental disabilities or congenital anomalies
Fig.1 Schematic of the various steps in a microarray experiment. (Clarke, 2001)
Integration of various steps of DNA microarray assay in a miniaturized, portable, and stand-alone lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device is a crucial requirement for a variety of applications, especially point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. Current microarray technologies use separate instruments for sample preparation, DNA hybridization, signal visualization, and data interpretation. Moreover, some of these components such as the fluorescent scanners used for signal visualization are bulky instruments that are only available in well-equipped laboratories. Miniaturization of the microarray spots alleviates the need for fluorescent scanning and so no bulky fluorescent scanners are required. More importantly, with the aid of a Microfluidic network, all steps of the microarray test can be integrated into a single miniaturized device.
Array CGH, as well as SNP arrays, has made a significant impact on the diagnosis of individuals with congenital and developmental abnormalities including dysmorphic features, an intellectual disability, developmental delay, or multiple congenital anomalies without an obvious syndromic pattern. With the help of a variety of array platforms, the detection rate for copy number changes among these patients has an average diagnostic yield of 12.2% as compared to ~3% for G-banded chromosome analysis. Even greater detection rates (17.1%) have been observed with high-density arrays among neonates with birth defects. As a result, the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) recommends that array CGH be the first-line cytogenetic diagnostic test for patients with an unexplained developmental delay or intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, or multiple congenital anomalies.
Focusing on in vitro diagnostics (IVD) research over years, Creative Biolabs has established our technology platform with advanced facilities, the latest methods, and excellent experts. With the comprehensive platform we equipped step-by-step during practice, we are capable of providing high-quality gene array development services for disease diagnostics.
Creative Biolabs has strong foundations and mature technologies. We are eager to offer our customers high-quality technology services. If you are interested in gene array development services or any other IVD development services, please don't hesitate to contact us for more information.
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