The BAC resource: tools for array CGH and FISH.

Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) vector clones carrying human DNA were chosen as the intermediate templates for the sequencing of the human genome due to their inherent stability and fidelity to the genome sequence from which they were derived. In this unit, we describe a set of protocols for BAC-based array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) that comprise the generation of targets for printing solutions onto glass slides, the subsequent hybridization steps, and CGH analysis of a test sample compared to a reference normal sample. The BAC clones through their sequence allow the extent and gene content of numerical aberrations to be delineated by aCGH, and also provide cytogeneticists with tools for subsequent validation or fine mapping studies.