Cytogenetics - Techniques of Analysis Flashcards
What techniques are used to sequence the whole genome? (3)
- G banding
- Next generation sequencing
- Microarrays
What are the main targeted tests? (3)
- FISH
- MLPA
- QF-PCR / qPCR
What is the purpose of G-banding?
Stains condensed chromosomes»_space; visible karyotype.
-heterochromatic (AT-rich) stains dark
What stains are used for G-banding? (2)
- Trypsin and Leishman’s
- Giemsa stain
What stage of the cell cycle are cells paused at for G-banding?
Metaphase.
What is the general process of FISH?
Probe >> fluorescent label >> denatured >> hybridisation >> visualisation (UV).
What types of probes are used for FISH? (3)
- UNIQUE SEQUENCE (» highlight small region, e.g. dup)
- CENTROMERIC (» no. of copies of each chromosome e.g. trisomy)
- PAINTS (» each chromosome different colour e.g. translocation)
What is FISH used for? (5)
- Copy number imbalance
- Aneuploidy
- Confirm G-banding
- Confirm array CGH
- Identify specific abnormalities in cancer
What is copy number variation?
DNA segment with variable copy number to reference genome.
- 12% human genome
- benign / malignant
What is a high copy number of CCL3L1 associated with?
Decreased susceptibility to HIV.
What is a low copy number of FCGR3B associated with?
Increased susceptibility to inflammatory autoimmune disorders.
What cytogenetic methods are used to assess copy number?
- FISH
- MLPA
- Microarray CGH
- Next generation sequencing
- QF-PCR
- qPCR
What is Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA)?
Multiplex PCR»_space; detects abnormal copy numbers in up to 50 genomic locations.
-alternative to FISH
MLPA analysis - what peak areas are normal / duplication / deletion?
Normal = 1.0 Duplication = 1.35 Deletion = 0.65
What does microarray CGH analyse?
Analyses copy number variants (genomic imbalances) compared to reference.
- highlights imbalances
- can analyse 1000s of oligonulceotides at a time
What is replacing karyotyping as a 1st line test?
Microarray CGH.
What samples are required for microarray CGH? (2)
- 3ml blood in EDTA
- Control DNA (same sex)
How many oligonulceotides are required to determine copy number change in mircroarray CGH?
3 oligonucleotides.
How many genomic disorders can be identified using microarray CGH?
> 40 genomic disorders.
-including learning disabilities and dysmorphic infants
What are the main advantages of microarray CGH? (3)
- Early diagnosis (1st line)
- High resolution
- Greater accuracy of imbalance location / size
What are the main disadvantages of mircoarray CGH? (4)
- Dosage changes only (not balanced rearrangements)
- Low level mosaics not detected
- Non-pathogenic changes detected
- Needs good quality DNA
What is next generation sequencing (NGS) used for?
Generating sequencing libraries by fragmenting genomic DNA.
-divide genome and compare dosage differences to reference DNA
How many base pairs do NGS beads contain?
250 bp.
What does an increased test:control ratio indicate?
Gain.