Skip to main content

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • Protocol
  • Published:

Construction and use of spotted large-insert clone DNA microarrays for the detection of genomic copy number changes

This article has been updated

Abstract

Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization has become a widespread method for the analysis of DNA copy number changes across the human genome. Initial methods for microarray construction using large-insert clones required the preparation of DNA from large-scale cultures. This rapidly became an expensive and time-consuming process when expanded to the number of clones needed for higher resolution arrays. To overcome this problem, several PCR-based strategies have been developed to enable array construction from small amounts of cloned DNA. Here, we describe the construction of microarrays composed of human-specific large-insert clones (40–200 kb) using a specific degenerate oligonucleotide PCR strategy. In addition, we also describe array hybridization using manual and automated procedures and methods for array analysis. The technology and protocols described in this article can easily be adapted for other species dependent on the availability of clone libraries. According to our protocols, the procedure will take approximately 3 days from labeling the DNA to scanning the hybridized slides.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Access options

Buy this article

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Figure 1: Principle of array-CGH.
Figure 2: Schematic overview of target DNA preparation for array production (a) DOP-PCR: The variation of six consecutive bases within the primer (N) and the low annealing temperature during the first amplification cycles allow the primers to bind along the template DNA.
Figure 3: Distinct banding patterns of DOP-PCR and amino-linking PCR products using long-insert genomic clones as templates.
Figure 4: Chromosome 10 array-CGH profile of a colon cancer cell line on a whole-genome tiling path microarray.

Similar content being viewed by others

Change history

  • 28 June 2007

    In the version of this article originally published online, the author omitted to acknowledge the contributions of the following parties to this article: The protocols described in Steps 1-9 were originally developed by Sean Humphray and members of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute Core Mapping Group; Steps 15–27 were originally developed or are modified from protocols developed by David Vetrie, Cordelia Langford and other members of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute Microarray Facility. The original protocols are available at http://www.sanger.ac.uk/Projects/Microarrays/arraylab/protocol3b.pdf and http://www.sanger.ac.uk/Projects/Microarrays/arraylab/protocol4.pdf. The authors are supported by the Wellcome Trust. This error has been corrected in the PDF version of the article.

References

  1. Kallioniemi, A. et al. Comparative genomic hybridization for molecular cytogenetic analysis of solid tumors. Science 258, 818–21 (1992).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Lichter, P., Joos, S., Bentz, M. & Lampel, S. Comparative genomic hybridization: uses and limitations. Semin. Hematol. 37, 348–57 (2000).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Pinkel, D. et al. High resolution analysis of DNA copy number variation using comparative genomic hybridization to microarrays. Nat. Genet. 20, 207–211 (1998).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Solinas-Toldo, S. et al. Matrix-based comparative genomic hybridization: biochips to screen for genomic imbalances. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 20, 399–407 (1997).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Geigl, J.B. et al. Multiplex-fluorescence in situ hybridization for chromosome karyotyping. Nat. Protoc. 1, 1172–1184 (2006).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Douglas, E.J. et al. Array comparative genomic hybridization analysis of colorectal cancer cell lines and primary carcinomas. Cancer Res. 64, 4817–4825 (2004).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Hurst, C.D. et al. High-resolution analysis of genomic copy number alterations in bladder cancer by microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization. Oncogene 23, 2250–63 (2004).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Mulholland, P.J. et al. Genomic profiling identifies discrete deletions associated with translocations in glioblastoma multiforme. Cell Cycle 5, 783–791 (2006).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Koolen, D.A. et al. A novel microdeletion, del(2)(q22.3q23.3) in a mentally retarded patient, detected by array-based comparative genomic hybridization. Clin. Genet. 65, 429–432 (2004).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Koolen, D.A. et al. A new chromosome 17q21.31 microdeletion syndrome associated with a common inversion polymorphism. Nat. Genet. 38, 999–1001 (2006).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Rosenberg, C. et al. Array-CGH detection of micro rearrangements in mentally retarded individuals: clinical significance of imbalances present both in affected children and normal parents. J. Med. Genet. 43, 180–186 (2006).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Sharp, A.J. et al. Discovery of previously unidentified genomic disorders from the duplication architecture of the human genome. Nat. Genet. 38, 1038–1042 (2006).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Shaw-Smith, C. et al. Microdeletion encompassing MAPT at chromosome 17q21.3 is associated with developmental delay and learning disability. Nat. Genet. 38, 1032–1037 (2006).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Shaw-Smith, C. et al. Microarray based comparative genomic hybridisation (array-CGH) detects submicroscopic chromosomal deletions and duplications in patients with learning disability/mental retardation and dysmorphic features. J. Med. Genet. 41, 241–248 (2004).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Vissers, L.E. et al. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization for the genomewide detection of submicroscopic chromosomal abnormalities. Am. J. Hum. Genet. 73, 1261–1270 (2003).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Vissers, L.E. et al. Mutations in a new member of the chromodomain gene family cause CHARGE syndrome. Nat. Genet. 36, 955–957 (2004).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Iafrate, A.J. et al. Detection of large-scale variation in the human genome. Nat. Genet. 36, 949–951 (2004).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Redon, R. et al. Global variation in copy number in the human genome. Nature 444, 444–454 (2006).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Sebat, J. et al. Large-scale copy number polymorphism in the human genome. Science 305, 525–528 (2004).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Locke, D.P. et al. Large-scale variation among human and great ape genomes determined by array comparative genomic hybridization. Genome Res. 13, 347–357 (2003).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Perry, G.H. et al. Hotspots for copy number variation in chimpanzees and humans. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 103, 8006–8011 (2006).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Wilson, G.M. et al. Identification by full-coverage array CGH of human DNA copy number increases relative to chimpanzee and gorilla. Genome Res. 16, 173–181 (2006).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Fiegler, H. et al. Accurate and reliable high-throughput detection of copy number variation in the human genome. Genome Res. 16, 1566–1574 (2006).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Ichimura, K. et al. Small regions of overlapping deletions on 6q26 in human astrocytic tumours identified using chromosome 6 tile path array-CGH. Oncogene 25, 1261–1271 (2006).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Ishkanian, A.S. et al. A tiling resolution DNA microarray with complete coverage of the human genome. Nat. Genet. 36, 299–303 (2004).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Redon, R. et al. Tiling path resolution mapping of constitutional 1p36 deletions by array-CGH: contiguous gene deletion or “deletion with positional effect” syndrome? J. Med. Genet. 42, 166–171 (2005).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Snijders, A.M. et al. Assembly of microarrays for genome-wide measurement of DNA copy number. Nat. Genet. 29, 263–264 (2001).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Buckley, P.G. et al. A full-coverage, high-resolution human chromosome 22 genomic microarray for clinical and research applications. Hum. Mol. Genet. 11, 3221–3229 (2002).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Hodgson, G. et al. Genome scanning with array CGH delineates regional alterations in mouse islet carcinomas. Nat. Genet. 29, 459–464 (2001).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Fiegler, H. et al. DNA microarrays for comparative genomic hybridization based on DOP-PCR amplification of BAC and PAC clones. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 36, 361–374 (2003).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Telenius, H. et al. Degenerate oligonucleotide-primed PCR: general amplification of target DNA by a single degenerate primer. Genomics 13, 718–725 (1992).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Foreman, P.K. & Davis, R.W. Real-time PCR-based method for assaying the purity of bacterial artificial chromosome preparations. Biotechniques 29, 410–412 (2000).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Cai, W.W. et al. Genome-wide detection of chromosomal imbalances in tumors using BAC microarrays. Nat. Biotechnol. 20, 393–396 (2002).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Fare, T.L. et al. Effects of atmospheric ozone on microarray data quality. Anal. Chem. 75, 4672–4675 (2003).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Heike Fiegler.

Ethics declarations

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Fiegler, H., Redon, R. & Carter, N. Construction and use of spotted large-insert clone DNA microarrays for the detection of genomic copy number changes. Nat Protoc 2, 577–587 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/nprot.2007.53

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nprot.2007.53

This article is cited by

Comments

By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.

Search

Quick links

Nature Briefing

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Get the most important science stories of the day, free in your inbox. Sign up for Nature Briefing