Affymetrix Genotyping Arrays Identify Chromosomal Changes Not Detectable by Comparative Genomic Hybridization
June 16 2004 - 9:30AM
PR Newswire (US)
Affymetrix Genotyping Arrays Identify Chromosomal Changes Not
Detectable by Comparative Genomic Hybridization Genetic Studies on
Cancer and Other Developmental Disorders Presented at European
Society of Human Genetics Meeting 2004 in Munich, Germany SANTA
CLARA, Calif., June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Affymetrix, Inc.
(NASDAQ:AFFX) announced today that scientists at the European
Society of Human Genetics Meeting 2004 (ESHG 2004) presented a
series of studies using GeneChip(R) Mapping 10K Arrays to identify
mutations in certain cancers and developmental disorders. These
microarrays enable scientists to simultaneously genotype and
characterize chromosomal abnormalities, including amplifications
and deletions in tumors, in previously unattainable detail. (For an
interactive version of this press release with additional
information, please go to http://www.affymetrix.com/pr and click on
the release title) Disrupting even small segments of a chromosome
can have devastating effects on human development, but identifying
and characterizing those regions has been a difficult challenge for
geneticists. Previously available tools included either genotyping
relatively few markers or measuring comparative genomic
hybridization (CGH) over relatively large regions. The Mapping 10K
Array offers both genotype and chromosomal copy data at higher
resolution with over 10,000 SNP genotypes per sample. "Over the
last year, we have been using the Mapping 10K Array to identify
regions of chromosomal amplification, deletion, and loss of
heterozygosity in the same experiment, resulting in multiple
publications," said Dr. Matthew Meyerson, Assistant Professor of
Pathology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute. "GeneChip array-based
genotyping has significantly strengthened our ability to identify
cancer causing genes, and molecular rearrangements that correlate
with clinical outcomes." Meyerson and colleagues have recently
published their cancer findings in the May issue of Cancer
Research. At this month's ESHG 2004 meeting, researchers at the
Institute for Clinical Genetics and University of Greifswald,
Dresden, Germany, reported using the Mapping 10K to identify
chromosomal deletions present in cancer cells and solid tumors. The
researchers were able to detect deletions up to 10 times smaller
than previously possible using spotted microarrays and CGH.
Researchers from the Friedrich-Alexander University, Max-Delbruck
Center, and Affymetrix reported using the Mapping 10K Array to
study chromosomal amplifications and deletions that cause mental
retardation. Using the array, the group was able to quickly
identify small regions of DNA deleted from chromosomes. With
current techniques, only a fraction of these genetic aberrations
might have been detected. Also presented at ESHG, a group from the
Department of Medical Genetics at Tuebingen and Institutes of Human
Genetics at Essen and Aachen, Germany used the Mapping 10K Arrays
to identify developmental disorders that occur when one parent
contributes both copies of a chromosome to a child. Conventional
analysis methods show the normal number of chromosomes even though
developmental complications often arise when both chromosomes
originate from one parent. Comparing genome-wide SNP genotypes from
child to parent, the research group used the Mapping 10K Array to
successfully identify duplicated chromosomes responsible for
debilitating diseases like Prader-Willi Syndrome, Angelman
Syndrome, and Silver-Russell Syndrome. "We're very excited to see
researchers use our Mapping 10K and 100K Arrays in these enabling
applications," said Greg Yap, Senior Marketing Director, DNA
Analysis of Affymetrix Inc. "The Mapping 10K Array has become a
definitive solution for identifying disease genes in genome-wide
linkage analysis studies, with over 15 publications since its
launch less than a year ago. Researchers are now using these high
density arrays to measure both genotype and chromosomal change
simultaneously. This gives researchers the power to better
characterize genetic changes in cancer and other diseases." Whole
genome genotyping products currently available from Affymetrix
include the GeneChip Mapping 10K Array and the Mapping 100K Set.
Also discussed at this year's ESHG meeting, Affymetrix presented
data on the Mapping 100K Set and data on Affymetrix' development of
freely available algorithm tools for customers to assess copy
number changes and genotype data from the Mapping 10K and 100K
Arrays. About Affymetrix: Affymetrix is a pioneer in creating
breakthrough tools that are driving the genomic revolution. By
applying the principles of semiconductor technology to the life
sciences, Affymetrix develops and commercializes systems that
enable scientists to improve quality of life. The Company's
customers include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrichemical,
diagnostics and consumer products companies as well as academic,
government and other non-profit research institutes. Affymetrix
offers an expanding portfolio of integrated products and services,
including its integrated GeneChip brand platform, to address
growing markets focused on understanding the relationship between
genes and human health. Additional information on Affymetrix can be
found at http://www.affymetrix.com/. All statements in this press
release that are not historical are "forward- looking statements"
within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act as
amended, including statements regarding Affymetrix' "expectations,"
"beliefs," "hopes," "intentions," "strategies" or the like. Such
statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause
actual results to differ materially for Affymetrix from those
projected, including, but not limited to risks of the Company's
ability to achieve and sustain higher levels of revenue, higher
gross margins, reduced operating expenses, uncertainties relating
to technological approaches, manufacturing, product development,
market acceptance (including uncertainties relating to product
development, use and market acceptance of the GeneChip(R) Mapping
10K Array or GeneChip(R) Mapping 100K Array Set), personnel
retention, uncertainties related to cost and pricing of Affymetrix
products, dependence on collaborative partners, uncertainties
relating to sole source suppliers, uncertainties relating to FDA
and other regulatory approvals, competition, risks relating to
intellectual property of others and the uncertainties of patent
protection and litigation. These and other risk factors are
discussed in Affymetrix' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2003 and other SEC reports, including its Quarterly Reports on Form
10-Q for subsequent quarterly periods. Affymetrix expressly
disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any
updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained
herein to reflect any change in Affymetrix' expectations with
regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, or
circumstances on which any such statements are based. DATASOURCE:
Affymetrix, Inc. CONTACT: Media, Wes Conard, Associate Director,
Public Relations, +1-408-731-5791, or Investor, Doug Farrell, Vice
President, Investor Relations, +1-408-731-5285, both of Affymetrix,
Inc. Web site: http://www.affymetrix.com/
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