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The value of microarray-based comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH) testing in the paediatric clinic
  1. T A Briggs1,
  2. J Harris1,
  3. J Innes1,
  4. A Will2,
  5. P D Arkwright3,
  6. J Clayton-Smith1
  1. 1Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
  2. 2Department of Paediatric Haematology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK
  3. 3Department of Paediatric Allergy & Immunology, University of Manchester, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK
  1. Correspondence to Dr T A Briggs, Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, UK; tracy.briggs{at}manchester.ac.uk

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Introduction

Many human genetic disorders result from an unbalanced chromosomal abnormality in which there is a loss or gain of chromosomal material. Since the 1970s, such imbalances have traditionally been detected through the analysis of chromosomes by karyotype assessment. Chromosome G-banding patterns are visualised under the microscope leading to the identification of differences in chromosome number (aneuploidies), large balanced and unbalanced structural rearrangements and mosaic structural and numerical abnormalities. Karyotyping has been an integral tool in the genetic evaluation of children with congenital anomalies and developmental delay. However, chromosomal aberrations below approximately 5 megabases (Mb) in size cannot be detected by routine karyotype and therefore, a loss or gain of genetic material below this size (microdeletion or microduplication) cannot be visualised.

The diagnosis of chromosome abnormalities below 5 Mb can be improved using fluorescently labelled DNA probes, which bind to specific DNA sequences. This technique, called fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), is valuable in the identification of chromosomal aberrations at predetermined locations. For example, the absence of a fluorescent probe signal on one copy of chromosome 22 at the q11.2 locus indicates 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (see table 1).1 While FISH is very useful, it is a targeted test that requires a specific diagnosis and chromosomal location to be considered. A more hypothesis-free approach is achieved by using microarray-based comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH). A description of how aCGH is performed was recently published.2 In brief, thousands of probes spread across all chromosomes are used to interrogate chromosome copy number and any deviation from the expected number of copies is reported, such that a locus in which a group of probes are missing indicates a deletion of material, while extra copies are consistent with a gain of material. These variants are termed copy number variants (CNVs) collectively and may represent normal …

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Footnotes

  • Contributors TAB managed the case from a clinical genetics perspective and wrote the paper. JI and JH performed the genetic studies and assisted with writing the paper. JCS edited the paper and provided genetic advice. PA and AW medically managed the case described and AW and PA edited the case description.

  • Funding Dr TAB is funded by a Clinical Lectureship from the National Institute for Health Research.

  • Competing interests None.

  • Patient consent Obtained.

  • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.