Generation of a whole chromosome painting probe from monochromosomal hybrid cells by the alu-polymerase chain reaction

Abstract

Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) has become a widespread technique applicable in basic science and diagnostics. Chromosome painting represents a special application of FISH that has found increasing use in identification of complex chromosome rearrangements. Here we present a version of the Alu-PCR method modified to generate a whole chromosome painting probe (WCP) for human chromosome 19 using monochromosomal cell hybrids. In setting up conditions for this method, we established a cheap and fast approach to generation of WCPs for other human chromosomes that could be particularly useful for unambiguous identification of complex chromosomal rearrangements associated with cancer. .

Keywords

• FISH
• somatic cell hybrids
• Alu-PCR
• WCP
• chromosome rearrangements