Agilent Technologies Updates CGH Microarray Software to Process 100+ Samples, Adds Genomic Browser, Expands Probe Database

Agilent Technologies Inc., (NYSE: A) today introduced Agilent DNA Analytics 4.0 software for visually exploring, detecting and analyzing patterns in microarray data. New in this release are: the ability to analyze more than 100 samples per experiment, a free genomic browser and copy number variation (CNV) analysis capability. These features join existing chromatin immunoprecipitation-on-chip (ChIP-on-chip), array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), and gene expression analytics capabilities.

“The speed of processing is amazing; it makes working with 244K chips much more interactive,” said early-access user Michael Bittner of Translational Genomics Research Institute. “Changes to analytical conditions no longer produce 20- to 60-minute waits, and the graphics updates generally occur in seconds.”

For large-scale experiments, Agilent DNA Analytics 4.0 can process more than 100 microarrays (244K), helping users easily compare data and visualize patterns. The package also now includes a free genomic browser that enables researchers to easily share data and results with colleagues.

CNV research and discovery is a rapidly growing area of research where gains or losses of genomic DNA are increasingly being associated with certain cancers and developmental diseases. Using aCGH techniques, CNVs at multiple loci can be assessed simultaneously, allowing for their identification and characterization. Agilent has added CNV capability to Agilent DNA Analytics to help users realize the full potential of Agilent microarrays.

“Because we create the microarrays as well as the software, we are able to develop and tune the algorithms to perform particularly well with Agilent microarray data,” said Charlie Nelson, Agilent product manager, DNA Analytics.

Agilent also announced that it has updated its eArray online design tool for creating custom microarrays by expanding the CGH probe database from 8.4 to more than 24.5 million probes. This advance in microarray probe density and the addition of search capabilities specific to this content provide a more comprehensive coverage of genome, including CNVs.