A microarray is an ordered arrangement of a large number of probe DNA molecules on a suitable substrate that allows the analysis of many genetic alterations in a single assay. The ?printed? arrays are hybridized with labeled sample derived from the individual(s) which results in an image that has dark / light spots representing the presence or absence of signals corresponding to the genetic information in the sample. 

BARC has developed and optimized a process for high-throughput detection of genetic alterations by using in-house printed microarrays. Microarrays containing oligonucleotide probes specific for detecting inherited form of breast cancer were developed. This process can easily be extended to clinical / epidemiological studies of population groups that have a higher genetic predisposition to specific inherited forms of cancers.

Schematic of the Process

 ADVANTAGES OF THE SYSTEM

• This process is developed indigenously.
• It does not require any custom infrastructure or consumables.
• The system is substantially cheaper compared to available commercial processes.

 APPLICATIONS

• This process is useful for screening (and diagnostics) inherited form of Breast cancer.
• It is useful for studies related to epidemiology of Breast cancer among high risk population groups.

A microarray is an ordered arrangement of a large number of probe DNA molecules on a suitable substrate that allows the analysis of many genetic alterations in a single assay. The ?printed? arrays are hybridized with labeled sample derived from the individual(s) which results in an image that has dark / light spots representing the presence or absence of signals corresponding to the genetic information in the sample. 

BARC has developed and optimized a process for high-throughput detection of genetic alterations by using in-house printed microarrays. Microarrays containing oligonucleotide probes specific for detecting inherited form of breast cancer were developed. This process can easily be extended to clinical / epidemiological studies of population groups that have a higher genetic predisposition to specific inherited forms of cancers.

Schematic of the Process:
Schematic representations of the different steps in the process are shown below.

APPLICATIONS

• This process is useful for screening (and diagnostics) inherited form of Breast cancer.
• It is useful for studies related to epidemiology of Breast cancer among high risk population groups.

ADVANTAGES OF PROCESS

• This process is developed indigenously.
• It does not require any custom infrastructure or consumables.
• The system is substantially cheaper compared to available commercial processes.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

The microarray developed in BARC carry 23 mutations specific to Indian population that have been selected in consultation with experts at Tata Memorial Centre / ACTREC Mumbai. These mutations account for nearly 70% of reported inherited breast cancer cases in India. 

A sample image of a processed Microarray and relevant portions from independent hybridizations are shown in the pictures below.

INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIRED

1. Access to an arraying robot.
2. PCR machine and sample storage and handling facilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• The prospective transferee should obtain / possess necessary approvals including the respective medical ethics committees etc., and sample collection, processing and disposal should be carried out by qualified individuals following Biosafety guidelines.
• Transportation and storage of the samples needs to be in cold chain environment or under dry ice wherever required.
• needs to adhere to regulatory safety norms as determined by local.
  

MANPOWER REQUIREMENT

• One person having a Post Graduate or higher qualification in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or a related area of biology.
• One lab technician / skilled worker with a diploma / degree in Laboratory technology.
  

SPACE

• Two work benches equivalent space (4?X6? each) is required for carrying out the experiments.