SPOKANE, Wash.–Signature Genomic Laboratories’ flagship microarray, the SignatureChip®, covers regions of the human genome that were known and recently published to be associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia.

A study led by investigators from Duke University and published Feb. 6 in PloS Genetics examined 1073 individuals with schizophrenia and 1148 unaffected control individuals. Among individuals with schizophrenia, investigators identified eight deletions larger than two million base pairs of DNA, none of which were present in the control group or in an additional control group of 1378 individuals. The deletions encompassed loci on chromosomes 1 and 22 that have been previously implicated in schizophrenia and regions on chromosomes 8 and 16 that have not been previously associated with the disease.

In addition to backbone coverage of the genome, the SignatureChip covers more than 1,500 genes involved in developmental disabilities and known syndromes, including coverage over each of the eight loci identified in the Duke study. Signature has tested over 30,000 patients by array CGH and developed a repository of all abnormalities identified in this population. A review of this data shows alterations in these regions in individuals with schizophrenia.

“It is very gratifying when independent studies corroborate the value of the design of our arrays and affirm their clinical utility in the study of neurodevelopmental disorders. We have designed these arrays with specific coverage of areas of the genome that are likely to be associated with such disorders in addition to other developmental disorders such as autism. As a result, we regularly identify newly recognized disease loci and help families in their quest for a diagnosis,” said Bassem A. Bejjani, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Signature.

About Signature Genomic Laboratories, LLC

Signature Genomic Laboratories, founded in 2003, was the first laboratory to provide microarray-based cytogenetic diagnostics with its proprietary SignatureChip® and is the leader in providing microarray-based chromosome analysis. Signature’s worldwide client base includes clinical geneticists, neurologists, pediatricians, neonatologists, obstetricians, and the research community. Signature is CAP accredited, CLIA certified, and has clinical licenses from California, Rhode Island and Florida. Additional information about Signature Genomic Laboratories is available at www.signaturegenomics.com.

Genoglyphix® is the microarray analysis software created and used by Signature Genomic Laboratories. Information about Genoglyphix is available at www.genoglyphix.com.