IMPROVED IMAGING FOR PRECISE CRYTPIC ANOMALY DETECTION
Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: N/A
Contract: 2R44HD038150-02
Agency Tracking Number: HD038150
Amount:
$633,593.00
Phase:
Phase II
Program:
SBIR
Awards Year:
2002
Solicitation Year:
N/A
Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A
Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
ADVANCED DIGITAL IMAGING RES, 2450 S SHORE BLVD, STE 305, LEAGUE CITY, TX, 77573
DUNS:
N/A
HUBZone Owned:
N
Woman Owned:
N
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged:
N
Principal Investigator
Name: FATIMA MERCHANT
Phone: (281) 535-1889
Email: MERCHANT@ADIRES.COM
Phone: (281) 535-1889
Email: MERCHANT@ADIRES.COM
Business Contact
Name: KENNETH CASTLEMAN
Phone: (281) 535-1889
Email: INFO@ADIRES.COM
Phone: (281) 535-1889
Email: INFO@ADIRES.COM
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract
DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This project will further develop
automated instrumentation and image analysis techniques to detect cryptic
chromosomal rearrangements, which are difficult to detect by conventional
cytogenetics. It combines two innovative FISH probes: "SubTelomeric" (STFISH)
and "Multiplex" (MFISH), with sophisticated image analysis, for screening
patients developmental disabilities.
During the Phase I project, we evaluated the feasibility of (1) performing
automated identification of chromosome metaphases, and (2) using sophisticated
image analysis for accurate detection of submicroscopic rearrangements. We also
compared the efficiency and precision of the two FISH techniques for cryptic
rearrangement detection. We analyzed 8 samples using STFISH, and 6 samples
using MFISH. Our experimental results show that, the use of STFISH probes
ranging in size from 300Kbp to 30Mbp, permitted the delineation of chromosomal
rearrangements in 8/10 samples. The remaining 2 samples were considered
half-cryptic, since the Subtelomeric probe set does not contain a chromosome
specific probe for the p-arm of chromosome 22. Therefore, the satellites from
22p could not be identified with the telomere probe set. The MFISH assay was
effective in detecting chromosomal rearrangements in 3/6 cases of which 2 were
half-cryptic, and one had a 3-way rearrangement, including a 5Mbp insertion. We
developed software components for an automated system, including auto focusing,
slide scanning for 24 well slides (CytocellTM), and metaphase finding. Finally,
we estimated the cost and time savings achievable, by the addition of improved
imaging methods to both the FISH techniques.
In Phase II, we will further develop the technology and test it in a clinical
environment. Specifically, for MFISH we will optimize the software for enhanced
performance in detecting rearrangements. For STFISH, we will (1) determine the
scanning and metaphase finding rates of the automated system, (2) test the
prototype in a clinical environment; and (3) evaluate the commercial
feasibility of the instrument. Phase 3 will then make this new technology
available for commercialization. * Information listed above is at the time of submission. *