We designed a targeted-array called
GOLD (Gain or Loss Detection) Chip consisting
of 900 FISH-mapped non-overlapping BAC clones spanning the whole genome to enhance the coverage of 66 unique human genomic regions involved in well known microdeletion/microduplication syndromes. The array has
a 10 Mb backbone to guarantee the detection of the
aneuploidies, and has an implemented resolution for telomeres, and for regions involved in common genomic diseases. In order to evaluate clinical diagnostic applicability of GOLDChip, analytical validity was carried-out via retrospective analysis of
DNA isolated from a series of cytogenetically normal amniocytes and cytogenetically abnormal
DNA obtained from cultured amniocytes, peripheral blood and/or cell lines. We recruited 47
DNA samples corresponding to pathologies with significant frequencies (
Cri du Chat syndrome,
Williams syndrome, Prader Willi/Angelman syndromes,
Smith-Magenis syndrome,
DiGeorge syndrome,
Miller-Dieker syndrome, chromosomes 13, 18 and 21
trisomies). We set up an experimental protocol that allowed to identify chromosomal rearrangements in all the
DNA samples analyzed. Our results provide evidence that our targeted BAC array can be used for the identification of the most common microdeletion syndromes and common
aneuploidies.