What are the advantages and disadvantages of BAC clone vs. Oligonucleotide arrays?
BAC Strengths: BAC arrays offer many advantages for aCGH analysis. Each BAC clone represents ~171kb of genomic sequence that serves as a reliable hybridization target. The BAC clone targets have been mapped to the human reference sequence produced by the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium, allowing easy access to information in the related genomic databases. The LM-PCR products that are generated to represent the BACs are of a size and complexity that increases hybridization signal and therefore accuracy in identifying true copy number changes. (No need for replica experiments). Using BAC aCGH, genome wide scans of sample DNA can be accomplished within 24 hours even with difficult samples that are often heterogeneous, harbor varying degrees of aneuploidy, or are derived from FFPE archive material (see figure T). Additionally, the BACs that are identified can also be used directly as FISH probes for hybridization to nuclei or metaphase chromosomes for copy number validatio
