A likelihood-based approach to the estimation of relative DNA copy number by comparative genomic hybridization

A general approach is described for efficiently and objectively analyzing comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) profile data based on the use of realistic statistical models and the application of standard likelihood-based inference. In contrast to other methods in current use, the approach provides a most parsimonious explanation by identifying the smallest number of relative DNA copy number changes consistent with the data, together with estimates of their levels and positions and of their standard errors. By making efficient use of available data, it has the potential to enhance the resolution of CGH technology. The computational feasibility of the method is illustrated by application to real CGH profile data from human chromosome 4.