Oxford Gene Technology Develops the Oligome™ Database for Customized Microarray Design

Oxford Gene Technology (OGT) has launched the Oligome, a comprehensive database of more than 10 million oligonucleotide probes designed to the latest release of the human genome.

This invaluable resource makes it possible to provide custom-designed oligonucleotide arrays for array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) on request, within a very short space of time.

OGT’s 60mer oligonucleotide microarrays are fabricated using inkjet technology with base-by-base synthesis that allows high precision feature placement, and denser coverage of regions of interest.

OGT offers custom-designed CGH arrays for analyzing chromosomal abnormalities within focused areas of the human genome at high resolution. As part of the free design service, scientists can simply provide OGT their regions of interest. OGT then performs the Oligome-based bioinformatics required to design, fabricate and deliver the desired focused arrays.

“In the past, we have provided custom-made arrays focusing on certain genomic regions by processing the sequence of interest,” said Dr Volker Brenner, senior computational biologist at OGT. “Now that we have compiled the Oligome, we can easily query the database and produce the array design much more quickly, and at a lower cost for the customer.”