Jef Boeke's lab, in collaboration with others, has developed a methodology for large scale synthetic lethality analysis, called SLAM (Synthetic Lethality Analysis by Microarray). This technique takes advantage of the unique barcodes (or tags) that identify each mutant strain in the yeast knockout collection by profiling pools of mutant strains with microarrays whose design is based on these unique barcodes.

As these arrays will be generally useful to the research community, a yeast barcode array consortium has been established to enable researchers to purchase the arrays through Agilent Technologies. Academic researchers will receive a special discount. Please note that neither the SLAM project, its scientists, nor members of the consortium receive compensation of any kind as a result of sales of these arrays.

For more information (e.g. protocols, materials, etc) about these arrays, see the SLAM home page, the SLAM FAQ page, or the SLAM publication list at Johns Hopkins University, where they provide much useful information about protocols, annotation files (see FAQ below), and more.

All researchers are able to join the consortium in order to purchase the microarrays from Agilent; however, only those affiliated with academic institutions are eligible for the negotiated consortium price.

Note that this is a custom array design and that Agilent does NOT supply protocols or technical support beyond assurances of the quality of the array, itself; see the SLAM home page for this type of information.

Note: As of 2007, Agilent no longer produces this array design. We are currently assessing whether the consortium is necessary for the future, and how to proceed. Registration is only useful if you wish to keep informed.

Register via this form to join the consortium and purchase arrays from Agilent. You will then receive a confirmation that you have been added to the consortium. Academic researchers should identify their institution and ask for the academic discount.

Q: Are there any restrictions on what groups can join the purchasing consortium?

A: No. There are no restrictions on who can join the consortium, but only academic institutions will receive the academic discount.

Q: How much do the arrays cost?

A: We are not permitted to post the price of the Agilent arrays. To get a quote, you must register to join the consortium. You will then be contacted by Agilent with a price. Note that you are under no obligation to purchase the arrays upon registration.

Q: What is the purpose of registering?

A: There is an existing contract on file with Agilent that allows them to sell the barcode array design to parties other than Johns Hopkins University. Registration adds you to the contract and conveys this information to the Agilent sales organization. They will then contact you about pricing and details about the purchase. Note that you are not obligated to purchase anything when registering.

Q: Does Agilent provide support for the barcode array applications?

A: Beyond standing behind the product itself (the printed glass slide), no. Because this is a custom array design, barcode array users should contact Johns Hopkins for protocols and other research-related support.

Q: Where can I acquire the design files for these arrays, so that I can analyze my acquired images?

A: Johns Hopkins maintains the most recently annotated array-design files. For your convenience, there are direct links to these files below:

For Agilent scanners, slide orientation "DNA back, bardcode left"	For GenePix scanners, slide orientation "DNA front, bardcode bottom"
GEML (0.7 MB) MAGE-ML (2.9 MB)	GAL (0.25 MB)

For other questions about:

• the SLAM technique (wet-bench/technical or necomputational questions, specifics about the arrays, etc.):
  see the SLAM contact page at Johns Hopkins.
• this web site or the web form:
  contact: barcode AT gen-help.princeton.edu