Comparative genomic hybridization: a rapid new method for detecting and mapping DNA amplification in tumors.

Recent evidence indicates that many more genes than the currently known oncogenes may undergo amplification in tumors. We have developed a new technique, Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH), which allows rapid detection of DNA amplification anywhere in the tumor genome and maps the amplified sequences on normal chromosomes. CGH is based on a competitive in situ hybridization of differentially labeled tumor DNA and normal DNA to a normal human metaphase spread. Regions of gain of DNA sequences are seen as an increased color ratio of two fluorochromes used to detect the labeled DNAs. Over 20 different regions of amplification have been identified using CGH.