title: In the middle of it all: a centered approach to chromosome analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The pericentromeric areas immediately flanking the centromeres are prone to instability owing to their high levels of repetitive sequences. This genomic instability makes the pericentromeric regions ideal candidates for the investigation of chromosomal abnormalities resulting in genetic disease. However, it is this instability that confounds attempts to analyze these regions of the genome. The sequencing of the human genome, while illuminating the complexity of the pericentromeric regions, has enabled the development of high-resolution microarrays for the characterization of chromosomal abnormalities.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The MarkerChip(™) was developed specifically to target the pericentromeres for the identification and characterization of pericentromeric chromosomal abnormalities.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors' experience with this microarray is reviewed in their clinical diagnostic laboratory.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The MarkerChip demonstrates the utility of constructing a microarray for the analysis of chromosome abnormalities with coverage concentrated on areas of the genome particularly susceptible to rearrangement.
authors.affiliation: Signature Genomic Laboratories, 120 N Pine St, Spokane, WA 99202, USA +1 509 474 6840 ; +1 509 474 6839 ; shaffer@signaturegenomics.com.
authors.forename: Lisa G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Shaffer
authors.forename: Blake C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Ballif
authors.forename: Aaron
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Theisen
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rorem
authors.forename: Bassem A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Bejjani
authors.forename: Beth A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Torchia