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Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) measures DNA copy number differences between and test and reference genome. NimbleGen offers two types of CGH array products: whole-genome and custom targeted arrays. Whole-genome arrays measure DNA copy number gains and losses across entire genomes, while custom targeted arrays can interrogate a single chromosomal region or multiple loci of interest. In addition, custom designs can be created with either uniform or mixed-density probe spacing.
Key features of NimbleGen microarrays – ultra-high density (up to 2.1M probes on a single slide) and long oligo probes – enable the highest resolution and most comprehensive array CGH platform for whole-genome analysis. With the design flexibility offered by NimbleGen’s array synthesis technology, chromosomal aberrations identified in whole-genome surveys can be further examined at ultra-high resolution using custom targeted CGH arrays.
Advantages

Highest Resolution and Most Comprehensive Genome Coverage
With up to 2.1 million probes on a single slide, NimbleGen CGH arrays enable genome-wide detection of copy number variants (CNVs) down to ~5kb in size (human genome, see Figure 1 below). NimbleGen’s human whole-genome v2.0 arrays (available in all microarray formats) include enhanced probe coverage of low-copy repeat regions of the genome (e.g. segmental duplications) for more comprehensive detection of CNVs and CNV breakpoints (see Figure 2 below).
Figure 1. Test and reference gDNAs were independently labeled with fluorescent dyes, co-hybridized to a NimbleGen Human CGH 2.1M or 385K Whole-Genome Tiling array, and scanned using a 5 µm scanner. Log2-ratio values of the probe signal intensities (Cy3/Cy5) were calculated and plotted versus genomic position using Roche NimbleGen NimbleScan software. Data are displayed in Roche NimbleGen SignalMap software. Figure 1 shows the increased detection of copy number changes using NimbleGen CGH 2.1M Whole-Genome Tiling v2.0D arrays (1.1kb median probe spacing) compared with the 385K Whole-Genome Tiling v1.0 array (6kb median probe spacing). The increased probe density on the 2.1M array enables detection of a novel ~3kb CNV that was identified by only a single probe on the 385K array (blue arrows). In addition, fine structure of a previously reported CNV region was further elucidated using the 2.1M array.
Figure 2. Comparison of v1.0 versus v2.0 Human Whole Genome CGH Arrays CGH analysis of gDNA isolated from a Burkitt lymphoma cell line (Coriell #NA04671) vs. normal human gDNA (pool of 6 individuals). Roche NimbleGen’s Human CGH 385K Human Whole-Genome Tiling v2.0 array includes expanded probe coverage in low-copy repeat regions such as segmental duplications. Log2 ratio data from the Human CGH 385K Whole-Genome Tiling v1.0 and v2.0 arrays are displayed in Roche NimbleGen’s SignalMap software alongside annotation tracks showing known genes and segmental duplications, as reported in the UCSC genome browser.
Most Flexibility and Current Genome Sequence
The inherent flexibility of NimbleGen’s Maskless Array Synthesis technology enables the rapid prototyping of custom array designs, which can include whole genomes, single chromosomal regions, or multiple loci of interest. Custom designs can be created with uniform or mixed-density probe spacing using the most current genome sequence from any eukaryotic genome.
Increased Throughput and Cost-Effective Analysis
Don’t need ultra-high resolution? Analyze multiple samples on a single slide using NimbleGen 4 x 72K (72,000 probes/sample) or 12 x 135K (135,000 probes/sample) multiplex CGH arrays for higher throughput and cost-effective analysis. Multiplex CGH arrays are available for human whole-genome or custom eukaryotic designs.
Complete Suite of Annotation Files Provided (Free Download)
A complete suite of annotation files is provided with human designs and includes:
- Known Genes: Indicates all genes for build HG18 as reported in the UCSC Genome browser (http://genome.ucsc.edu). Genes annotated above the baseline in each track represent features identified on the sense strand, while entries below the baseline represent features identified on the antisense strand.
- Exon-Intron Boundaries: Indicates the exon-intron boundaries of all genes in build HG18 as reported in the UCSC Genome browser. Exons are denoted as dark blue bars, and introns are denoted as light blue bars.
- Transcription Start Sites: Indicates all transcription initiation sites for build HG18 as reported in the UCSC Genome browser.
- Structural Variants: Displays all copy number variants as reported in the Database of Genomic Variants (http://projects.tcag.ca/variation).
- Cytogenetic Ideogram: Displays the cytogenetic bands, in grayscale format, for each chromosome as reported in the UCSC Genome browser.
- miRNA: Indicates all miRNAs as reported in the miRBase database (http://microrna.sanger.ac.uk/). Each feature represents the entire hairpin sequence for the miRNA.
- Segmental Duplications: Displays regions of genomic duplication >1 kb in size and with > 90T sequence identity after masking high-copy repeat regions (Bailey, et al. Genome Res 2001. 11:1005-17) as reported in the UCSC Genome browser. The level of similarity is indicated as follows: light to dark gray bars = 90-98% similarity, light to dark yellow bars = 98-99% similarity, light to dark orange bars = >99% similarity; red = duplications of >98% that lack sufficient evidence in the Segmental Duplications database.
Applications and References

NimbleGen CGH arrays offer a significant advancement over other available methods for genome-wide detection of CNVs, targeted screening of copy number changes down to exon-level resolution, and ultra-high resolution mapping of chromosomal breakpoints. NimbleGen CGH arrays have proven utility for the following applications:
- Genetics Research
- Cancer Research
- CNV Research
- Model Organism Research
| Applications |
References |
| Genetics Research |
- Detect whole-chromosome and submicroscopic copy number gains and losses down to exon-level resolution
- Fine-map chromosomal breakpoints in patient cohorts
- Identify inherited CNVs associated with recurrent de novo abnormalities
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Hegde MR, et al. “Microarray-based mutation detection in the dystrophin gene,” Human Mutation: 29, 1091-99 (2008) |
| Saillour Y, et al. “Detection of exonic copy-number changes using a highly efficient oligonucleotide-based comparative genomic hybridization-array method,” Human Mutation: 29, 1083-90 (2008) |
| Mefford HC, et al. “Recurrent rearrangements of chromosome 1q21.1 and variable pediatric phenotypes,” The New England Journal of Medicine: 359(16):1685-99 (2008) |
| Ballif, B.C., et al., “Discovery of a previously unrecognized microdeletion syndrome of 16p11.2-12.2,” Nature Genetics 39, 1071-3 (2007) |
| Cancer Research |
- Perform genome-wide analysis of chromosomal imbalances in tumors
- Discover oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes using exon-level resolution custom targeted arrays
|
Lenz G, et al. “Molecular subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma arise by distinct genetic pathways,” PNAS: 105, 13520-13525 (2008) |
| Natrajan, R., et al., “Delineation of a 1Mb breakpoint region at 1p13 in Wilms tumors by fine-tiling oligonucleotide array CGH,” Genes Chromosomes Cancer 46, 607-15 (2007) |
| Stallings, R.J., et al., “High-resolution analysis of chromosomal breakpoints and genomic instability identifies PTPRD as a candidate tumor suppressor gene in neuroblastoma,” Cancer Research 66, 3673-80 (2006) |
| CNV Research |
- Characterize “normal” human genome variation down to gene- and exon-level resolution
- Discover common and rare structural variants associated with complex disease (e.g. autism, psychiatricdisorders, diabetes)
- Perform higher-throughput validation of CNV loci associated with complex disease
|
Wheeler, D.A., et al., “The complete genome of an individual by massively parallel DNA sequencing,” Nature 452, 872-6 (2008) |
| Walsh, T., et al., “Rare structural variants disrupt multiple genes in neurodevelopmental pathways in schizophrenia,” Science 320, 539-43 (2008) |
| Roohi, J., et al., “Disruption of contactin 4 in 3 subjects with autism spectrum disorder,” Journal of Medical Genetics Mar 18 [Epub ahead of print] (2008) |
| Balciuniene, J., et al., “Recurrent 10q22-q23 deletions: a genomic disorder on 10q associated with cognitive and behavioral abnormalities,” American Journal of Human Genetics 80, 938-47 (2007) |
| Model Organism Research |
- Characterize phenotypic variation between strains
- Rapidly map structural variants in mutagenized strains
- Identify disease-specific loci in animal models of human disease
|
Lee, A.S., et al., “Analysis of copy number variation in the rhesus macaque genome identifies candidate loci for evolutionary and human disease studies,” Human Molecular Genetics 17, 1127-36 (2008) |
| Graubert, T.A., et al., “A high-resolution map of segmental DNA copy number variation in the mouse genome,” PLoS Genetics 3, e3 (2007) |
| Guryev, V., et al., “Distribution and functional impact of DNA copy number variation in the rat,” Nature Genetics 40, 538-45 (2007) |
| Jones, M.R., et al., “Oligonucleotide array comparative genomic hybridization (oaCGH) based characterization of genetic deficiencies as an aid to gene mapping in Caenorhabditis elegans,” BMC Genomics 8, 402 (2007) |
Array Formats

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2.1M - A single array with 2,100,000 probes. |
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3x720K - Three arrays on a single slide each containing 720,000 probes. |
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12x135K - Twelve arrays on a single slide each containing 135,000 probes. |
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385K - A single array with 385,000 probes. |
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4x72K - Four arrays on a single slide each containing 72,000 probes. |
Specifications:
| |
NEW!
 2.1M |
NEW!
 3x720K* |
NEW!
 12x135K* |
 385K |
 4x72K |
| Arrays per Slide |
1 |
3 |
12 |
1 |
4 |
| Total Number of Probes |
2,100,000 |
3 x 720,000 |
12 x 135,000 |
385,000 |
4 x 72,000 |
| Feature Size |
13μm x 13μm |
13μm x 13μm |
13μm x 13μm |
16μm x 16μm |
16μm x 16μm |
| Array Size |
62mm x 14mm |
19mm x 14mm |
8.9mm x 6.5mm |
17.4mm x 13mm |
7.8mm x 5.7mm |
| Slide Size |
1 x 3 in. (25 x 76 mm) |
| * Available for array delivery only. |
Availability
2.1M, 3x720K, 12x135K, 385K, and 4x72K array formats are not available for every CGH array design. Please consult the Availability Guide on this page for a complete list.
Customer Workflows 
CGH Delivery Workflow
Customers can purchase NimbleGen whole-genome or custom targeted arrays and perform CGH experiments in their own lab or core facility. NimbleGen arrays are synthesized on standard-sized glass microscope slides, compatible with many microarray scanners. NimbleGen provides a comprehensive user’s guide and offers a line of instruments, reagents kits and consumables to support customers with sample labeling, hybridization, scanning, data extraction, and analysis. Please contact Roche NimbleGen for a list of required equipment and reagents. NimbleGen also offers a training program to get you up and running with NimbleGen arrays quickly.
CGH Service Workflow
Customers can choose to access NimbleGen whole-genome and custom targeted array technology through NimbleGen’s full service microarray processing facility. NimbleGen’s CGH microarray service involves the following:
- Customer selects a catalog whole-genome design or works with the NimbleGen bioinformatics team to create a custom array.
- Customer ships sample(s) to the NimbleGen service lab.
- NimbleGen manufactures the array and performs the hybridization and data analysis.
- Roche NimbleGen ships the following deliverables in DVD format:
- Array design files
- Raw data
- Normalized and processed data (using NimbleGen’s segMNT v1.1 copy number analysis algorithm) in GFF, PDF, and TXT formats
- Annotation GFF files
- Customer views data using NimbleGen’s SignalMap software and other standard software programs (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Adobe Acrobat).
Availability
Delivery and Service Workflows are not available for every ChIP-chip array design. Please consult the Availability Guide on this page for a complete list.
Availability Guide 
Software 
Roche NimbleGen offers comprehensive data processing and analysis software tools for CGH analysis. Software available from NimbleGen includes:
Literature 
For a complete listing of literature covering all Roche NimbleGen products and services please visit our literature page.
FAQ 
| Hide All Topics Show All Topics |
| General |
| How is NimbleGen array technology different from other platforms? |
NimbleGen manufactures high-density DNA microarrays using its proprietary Maskless Array Synthesizer (MAS) technology. At the heart of the system is a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) that uses a solid-state array of miniature aluminum mirrors to create “virtual masks” that replace the physical chromium masks used in traditional arrays. The DMD directs a pattern of UV light projected onto a microscope slide, which when coupled with UV-mediated DNA synthesis in a parallel, combinatorial manner, can generate up to 2.1 million unique probes on a single microarray. |
| How many features are included on a single array? |
Individual arrays are available in variety of formats with up to 2.1 million features. |
| Does NimbleGen offer CGH arrays in multiplex formats? |
Yes, we offer Human Whole Genome and custom eukaryotic arrays in 3x720K, 12x135K, and 4x72K formats. |
| What is the resolution of your arrays? |
Effective resolution varies according to the spacing of individual probes (generally 5-10x the median probe spacing). Our human whole-genome arrays enable resolution down to ~5kb on the 2.1M format. Custom targeted arrays enable higher density probe spacing in specified regions and detection of DNA copy number changes down to exon-level resolution. |
| Do NimbleGen array designs include non-coding regions of the genome? |
Yes - NimbleGen offers unbiased whole-genome tiling designs that include genic and intergenic regions. |
| Can NimbleGen design an array tailored to my specific research needs? |
Yes - specify genomic regions of interest and NimbleGen will design a custom array to meet your research needs. |
| What resolution scanner do I need? |
A scanner with 5μm resolution is required for all array formats. |
| Can NimbleGen CGH distinguish single vs. multi-copy amplifications? |
Yes. |
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| Sample Processing |
| What are the sample requirements for CGH? |
1-5μg of high-quality unamplified gDNA is required. |
| What protocol does NimbleGen recommend for DNA isolation? |
Any protocol that provides high-quality gDNA. |
| What reference sample should I use? |
There are several options for choosing a reference sample. For example, for cancer studies choose an individual's own DNA (e.g. tumor vs. germline), DNA from a single individual, or pooled DNA from several individuals (NimbleGen can provide pooled male or female DNA). |
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| Array Design |
| Are NimbleGen designs up-to-date with the latest genome builds? |
Yes, NimbleGen technology allows the rapid creation of new array designs based on the latest genome sequence. |
| Are designs based on earlier genome builds available? |
Yes. |
| Does NimbleGen offer non-human CGH designs? |
Yes - NimbleGen offers whole-genome designs for a wide range of organisms. In addition, NimbleGen can create custom designs for any genome (or region of genome) for which high-quality sequence is available. |
| Does NimbleGen use only non-unique probes? |
Generally only unique probes are included in array designs. However, NimbleGen Human Whole Genome v2.0 array designs contain non-unique probes for enhanced coverage of low-copy number repeat regions of the genome (e.g. segmental duplication). |
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| Data Analysis |
| What software do I need to process NimbleGen CGH arrays in my own lab? |
Roche NimbleGen's NimbleScan and SignalMap software are required. |
| What software do I need to view my full service CGH data? |
Roche NimbleGen's SignalMap software is required for viewing CGH data in GFF format. A free, 30-day demo version of SignalMap is available for download. |
| Can I analyze my data using other software programs? |
Yes - NimbleGen data can be viewed and analyzed using a variety of commercially available software programs. |
| Can I view my data in the UCSC genome browser? |
Yes. |
| How do I get gene annotation information? |
NimbleGen provides a gene annotation track corresponding to your design. Additional annotation tracks can be viewed in the UCSC genome browser. |
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| Array Delivery |
| Can I purchase NimbleGen arrays for use in my own lab or core facility? |
Yes. |
| Which CGH designs are available for array delivery? |
Whole-Genome and custom targeted array designs in any available array format. |
| What kits are availble for use with NimbleGen CGH microarrays? |
NimbleGen Hybridization, Wash Buffer, Array Processing Accessories, and Sample Tracking Control kits. Learn more about our kits... |
| Can I scan NimbleGen arrays using my Agilent scanner? |
The 5 micron Agilent scanner can work with NimbleGen arrays. |
| Does NimbleGen offer training for array delivery customers? |
Yes - NimbleGen offers on-site Training Workshops at our Madison, WI location. |
| Can I strip and re-use my CGH microarray? |
Yes - NimbleGen offers an array re-use kit for stripping and re-hybridizing arrays. |
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