Affymetrix

Affymetrix: Description of Products

Affymetrix, a pioneer in the field of microarray technology, offers a range of products designed to facilitate genomic research. These products are widely used in various applications, including gene expression profiling, genotyping, and cytogenetics. Below is a detailed description of the key products offered by Affymetrix.

GeneChip Microarrays

The GeneChip microarray is one of Affymetrix's flagship products. These microarrays are used for analyzing gene expression and genotyping. Each GeneChip contains thousands of different oligonucleotide probes, which can hybridize to complementary DNA or RNA sequences. This allows researchers to measure the expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously.

GeneChip microarrays are available in various formats, including:

• Expression Arrays: Used for gene expression profiling, these arrays help in understanding the transcriptional activity of genes under different conditions.
• Genotyping Arrays: These arrays are used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and other genetic variations across the genome.
• Cytogenetic Arrays: Designed for cytogenetic analysis, these arrays help in identifying chromosomal abnormalities and copy number variations.

GeneTitan System

The GeneTitan system is an automated platform that integrates hybridization, washing, and imaging of microarrays. It is designed to streamline the workflow for high-throughput genomic studies. The system supports both expression and genotyping arrays, making it versatile for various research applications.

Key features of the GeneTitan system include:

• Automation: Reduces manual intervention, increasing throughput and reproducibility.
• Scalability: Capable of processing multiple arrays simultaneously, suitable for large-scale studies.
• Flexibility: Compatible with a wide range of Affymetrix arrays, allowing for diverse experimental designs.

Axiom Genotyping Solution

The Axiom Genotyping Solution is a comprehensive platform for high-throughput genotyping. It includes arrays, reagents, and software for data analysis. Axiom arrays are customizable, enabling researchers to design arrays specific to their study needs.

Applications of the Axiom Genotyping Solution include:

• Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS): Identifying genetic variants associated with diseases.
• Population Genetics: Studying genetic diversity and structure in populations.
• Agrigenomics: Genotyping in agricultural species for trait selection and breeding.

CytoScan Cytogenetics Solution

The CytoScan Cytogenetics Solution is designed for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities. It is widely used in clinical and research settings for the diagnosis of genetic disorders.

Features of the CytoScan solution include:

• High Resolution: Detects copy number variations and loss of heterozygosity with high precision.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Covers the entire genome, providing detailed insights into chromosomal changes.
• Clinical Relevance: Validated for use in clinical diagnostics, supporting the identification of genetic syndromes.

Transcriptome Analysis Console (TAC)

The Transcriptome Analysis Console (TAC) is a software tool for analyzing gene expression data from Affymetrix arrays. It provides intuitive workflows for data visualization and interpretation.

Key functionalities of TAC include:

• Differential Expression Analysis: Identifies genes with significant changes in expression between conditions.
• Pathway Analysis: Integrates expression data with biological pathways to understand functional implications.
• Data Visualization: Offers various plots and charts for exploring expression patterns.

Conclusion

Affymetrix products are integral to modern genomic research, providing tools for comprehensive analysis of genetic and transcriptomic data. Their applications span basic research, clinical diagnostics, and agricultural genomics, making them versatile and essential in the field of genomics.

References

• Affymetrix official website
• Recent publications using Affymetrix technology