A new database with the catchy title of 'NCI and NCBI Spectral Karyotyping SKY and Comparative Genomics Hybridization CGH Database' allows cancer researchers to share their SKY and CGH results with others. As a new site, it is, at present, lacking in data, but give it a few months and it could well be a useful information source.
SKY and CGH are fluorescent cytogenetic techniques that have revolutionized the visualization of chromosomal abnormalities. SKY facilitates the detection of chromsome breaks, translocations and rearrangements, as each chromosome is displayed in a different colour, and CGH identifies DNA gains and losses of whole chromosomes or parts of chromosomes. The home page includes a basic description of these techniques, and provides links to a more detailed explanation.
So far, just two groups have submitted data, with a combined total of 27 cases. The results are stored under the name of the submitter, and are listed according to case number. Information on cancer type and site is available at this level, and links are provided to case details and the SKY/CGH data — which are available in a table and visually, as a cartoon. The cartoon chromsomes are themselves clickable and they link to a detailed chromosome map.
At present, the site is easy to navigate, but problems might come as the database grows. Advanced search facilities are under construction, but a 'quick search' (detailed in the help section) can be performed on several criteria. The line 'New database features (under construction)' on the home page indicates that work is ongoing; perhaps this will provide the finishing touches to a potentially valuable site.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Greenwood, E. Reach for the sky. Nat Rev Cancer 1, 4 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/35094055
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/35094055
