Oxford Gene Technology (OGT), provider of innovative clinical genetics and diagnostic solutions to advance molecular medicine, has announced the details of its upcoming exhibitor workshop at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) Annual Meeting 2010, to be held in Washington DC. The presentation, entitled "From Genomic Studies to Cytogenetics Research - An Integrated and Standardised Solution", will take place on Thursday 4^th of November in Room 144A (Level 1) of the Convention Center, between 13:00 and 14:00.

The workshop will provide an insight into the way OGT's aCGH technology is making it possible for researchers worldwide to investigate the relationship between human disease and genome structure. Professor Stephen Rich, Director of the University of Virginia Center for Public Health Genomics, will be discussing the centre's approach to "Designing a genome-wide structural variant search for type 1 diabetes loci". Several areas of the human genome are known to be associated with an increased risk to type 1 diabetes, however most studies have concentrated on the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The new project will assess the importance of genome deletions, duplications and rearrangements for predisposing patients to diabetes. During his presentation, Professor Rich will address the concepts and challenges in designing a large-scale copy number variation (CNV) study, including experimental design, array design, sample selection and reducing potential sources of variation.

Professor Rich will be followed by Professor David Ledbetter of the Emory University School of Medicine, who will provide an update on recent developments regarding the International Standards for Cytogenomic Arrays (ISCA) Consortium and the ISCA Database. In addition, Professor Ledbetter will present data generated using OGT's new CytoSure^TM ISCA UPD array, which enables reliable detection of copy number changes and uniparental disomy on a single array using established aCGH methodology.

To register for the meeting (lunch provided), contact OGT at genomicservices@ogt.co.uk.

OGT will be exhibiting at the ASHG, and can be found at booth 1307. Find out more at www.ogt.co.uk.