Systematic analysis of cDNA microarray-based CGH

cDNA microarray-based CGH (Microarray-CGH) is a useful technique for detecting genomic aberrations with a high resolution. However, the criteria for determining a genomic alteration have not been determined. We evaluated the genome-wide measurement of copy number of each gene in normal gastric and placenta tissues with both sex-matched, direct and sex-mismatched, indirect designs using 17K cDNA microarray. The results revealed the range of genomic copy number of normal tissues to be ±0.3 of the log₂ ratio (gain >0.3, loss <-0.3) in the autosomal genes with direct and indirect designs. The copy number at a gene level from the X chromosomal genes using the direct and indirect sex-mismatched designs was ±0.68 of the log2 ratio (amplification >0.68, deletion <-0.68). In summary, the suggested method can be used as a guideline for analysis of genomic aberration using a Microarray-CGH in both direct and indirect designs.